Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
So put not forward similitudes for Allâh (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything). Truly! Allâh knows and you know not.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
فَلَاfalāSo (do) not
تَضْرِبُوا۟taḍribūput forth
لِلَّهِlillahifor Allah
ٱلْأَمْثَالَ ۚl-amthālathe similitude
إِنَّinnaIndeed
ٱللَّهَl-lahaAllah
يَعْلَمُyaʿlamuknows
وَأَنتُمْwa-antumand you
لَاlā(do) not
تَعْلَمُونَtaʿlamūnaknow
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah74) ➊ { فَلَاتَضْرِبُوْالِلّٰهِالْاَمْثَالَ:} The polytheists say that just as the ministers and courtiers of kings have influence in their kingdom and the king has to listen to them, similarly, our deities, incarnations, and idols also have authority in the court of Allah, that is why we worship them. But this analogy is incorrect. Kings cannot do everything themselves, but Allah does everything Himself and no one has even the slightest influence over Him.
➋ { وَاَنْتُمْلَاتَعْلَمُوْنَ:} That is, it is your ignorance that you compare Allah to the kings of the world and think that Allah cannot reject their intercession. Sometimes, just as a ladder is needed to climb to the roof, you consider your patrons as a ladder, whereas Allah does not need any ladder at all. He is absolutely near and is not dependent on anyone such that He cannot reject their intercession. All this is your foolishness and lack of understanding, so do not present such examples for Allah. Now, two examples are presented ahead; reflect on them.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
74. 1. Just as the polytheists give examples that if one wants to meet a king or has some work with him, no one can meet the king directly. First, he has to contact the king’s close associates, and only then does he get access to the king. In the same way, they say that Allah’s Being is very exalted and high. To reach Him, we make these deities a means or take the intercession of saints. Allah Almighty has said, do not compare Allah to yourselves nor give such examples. Because He is One, and there is nothing like Him. Then, a king is neither Knower of the unseen, nor present and watching, nor Hearing and Seeing, that he could be aware of the conditions and needs of his subjects without any intermediary, whereas Allah Almighty has knowledge of everything apparent and hidden, present and absent. He sees the deeds done in the darkness of night and is also capable of hearing everyone’s supplication. So, how can a human king or ruler be compared or equated with Allah Almighty?
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Do not set forth [73] parables for Allah. Allah knows, and you do not know.
[73] The Theory of the Need for Multiple Gods:
Since the concept of Allah held by the polytheists is itself incorrect, any example they attribute to Allah has nothing to do with reality. They consider Allah to be like the kings or rulers of the world, whereas Allah is free from any resemblance to His creation, so they cannot present a correct example regarding Allah. They think that just as kings have to listen to their ministers and nobles because they fear that they might turn against them and cause rebellion or some other mischief, similarly, prophets, saints, elders, avatars, and thakurs, and these deities of ours, are such intercessors in the court of Allah that Allah must listen to their intercession, and even if the Day of Judgment comes, they will save us from Allah. Their second concept or belief is that just as kings cannot do all their work themselves nor listen to the pleas of all people, therefore, they need nobles, ministers, and countless other agents. In the same way, Allah needs His close ones who convey people's pleas to Him, and then, through their mediation, the supplicant receives a response. Similarly, if one wants to ask Allah for wealth, children, or any other good, the mediation of these close ones is necessary. These are the misleading beliefs that the polytheists have fabricated for their worldly interests. These beliefs are the foundation of most forms of shirk. And in the Quran, their refutation is mentioned repeatedly. And the warning is given that when you cannot know the reality of Allah, do not form incorrect concepts about Him, nor give examples regarding Him.