[31]. The word equals means rivals, peers, partners, or associates, i.e., anything made comparable to Allāh in worship, love, or obedience. It can refer to idols, saints, celestial bodies, or even desires that people elevate above divine truth. Since Allāh alone provides, sustains, gives life and death, and controls the universe, it is irrational to treat anyone or anything as His equal.
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these other than Allāh? This verse dismisses the idea that any gods could be compared with Allāh - the true God. As there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything or comparable to Him.
[32]. Due to not realizing Allah’s Greatness and out of their ignorance, they assert similarities between Him and their false deities.
[33]. Just as these two men cannot be equal — one being powerless, the other possessing both means and freedom — how could powerless idols or false gods be compared to Allāh, the Sovereign Provider who gives and sustains all?
Many people fail to grasp this simple logic — blinded by tradition, pride, or heedlessness — though the example is clear and self-evident.
All favors, blessings and graces are from Allāh alone, none owns them but He, and besides Allāh there is no God at all.
[34]. The “mute man” symbolizes the idol or false deity or misguided leaders, or individuals without moral compass—incapable of guidance, power, or benefit.
The “one who commands justice” symbolizes truth, justice, and divine guidance, represented ultimately by Allāh and by those who embody His teachings.
Allāh alone guides to the Truth and justice and worthy to be followed, there is none like Him, and there is no God besides Him. Faith that does not translate into action is lifeless. The believer must not only believe in truth but embody it—commanding good, promoting justice, and walking steadfastly upon Allah’s way. Every person should ask: Am I a burden or a benefit to the world?
The best of people, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, are those most beneficial to others.