Tafsir of An-Nahl 16:76

"And Allah presents an example..."

{The dumb} who was born mute, so he neither understands nor is understood.

{He is a burden upon his master} meaning: a weight and a dependent upon the one who manages his affairs and provides for him.

{Wherever he directs him} meaning: wherever he sends him or turns him to seek a need or fulfill a task, he is of no benefit and brings no success.

{Is he equal to one who...} is sound of senses, beneficial, and capable, along with being guided and religious?

{...commands justice} to the people, and goodness.

{And he} in himself {is on a straight path} meaning: upon a righteous conduct and a firm religion.

This is a second parable that Allah has struck for Himself—regarding what He pours out upon His servants, encompassing them with the traces of His mercy, kindness, and blessings, both religious and worldly—and for the idols, which are dead, neither harming nor benefiting.

It was read: {أينما يوجه} (wherever he directs himself), meaning wherever he turns, from their saying: "Wherever I turn, I encounter good fortune." Ibn Mas‘ūd read it as {أينما يُوَجَّه} (wherever he is directed), in the passive voice.

{And to Allah belongs the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And the command of the Hour is not but as a glance of the eye, or even nearer. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.}