Tafsir of Al-A'raf 7:191

"Do they associate [with Him] those who create nothing and are [themselves] created?"

The idols are treated as beings endowed with reason in the phrase "and they are created," based on the idolaters' belief in them and their naming of them as gods.

The meaning is: Do they associate that which is incapable of creating anything—as Allah creates—while they themselves are created? This is because Allah, the Almighty and Exalted, is their Creator. Alternatively, it means they are incapable of inventing anything because they are inanimate objects, while they (the idols) are created because their worshippers fashion them; thus, they are more helpless than their own worshippers.

"And they are unable to give them help, nor can they help themselves."

They cannot ward off the accidents that befall them. Rather, it is their worshippers who defend them and protect them.

"And if you invite them to guidance..."

Meaning: If you invite these idols to what is guidance and rectitude, or to guide you. The meaning is: If you seek from them—just as you seek good and guidance from Allah—they will not follow you toward your desires and requests, nor will they answer you as Allah answers you. This is indicated by His saying: "So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful."

"It is all the same for you whether you call them or are silent."

Meaning: There is no success to be found with them.

If you ask: Why was it not said "or were you silent" (using a verb)? Why was the nominal sentence placed in the position of the verbal one?

I say: Because when a matter distressed them, they would call upon Allah, not their idols, as in His saying: "And when adversity touches the people..." (Ar-Rūm: 33). Their constant state was to be silent regarding calling upon them. Therefore, it was said: If you call upon them, the situation will not differ between your initiating a call to them and your habitual state of silence regarding calling upon them.

"Indeed, those you call upon besides Allah are servants like you. So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful. Do they have feet by which they walk? Or do they have hands by which they strike? Or do they have eyes by which they see? Or do they have ears by which they hear? Say, 'Call upon your partners and then conspire against me and give me no respite.'"