Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
When he said to his father: "O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
إِذْidhWhen
قَالَqālahe said
لِأَبِيهِli-abīhito his father
يَـٰٓأَبَتِyāabatiO my father
لِمَlimaWhy
تَعْبُدُtaʿbudu(do) you worship
مَاmāthat which
لَاlānot
يَسْمَعُyasmaʿuhears
وَلَاwalāand not
يُبْصِرُyub'ṣirusees
وَلَاwalāand not
يُغْنِىyugh'nībenefits
عَنكَʿanka[to] you
شَيْـًۭٔاshayan(in) anything
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.
(Ayah 42) ➊ For the meaning of {’’ يٰۤاَبَتِ ‘‘}, see Surah Yusuf (4). ➋ From { اِذْقَالَلِاَبِيْهِيٰۤاَبَتِلِمَتَعْبُدُ …:} it is understood that the father of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was an idolater. For more, see Surah Al-An'am (74). Ibrahim (peace be upon him) advised him to abandon idol worship with utmost respect, gentleness, good character, and the best arguments, so that he would not reject the truth out of arrogance and stubbornness. Thus, first of all, he asked him the reason for worshipping those idols which have no value in the eyes of any intelligent person, whether he is learned or ignorant, let alone that they should be worshipped, which is the highest degree of reverence, love, and humility. Because worship should be for the One who is absolutely free of all needs, not dependent on anyone, the owner of all blessings, the Creator of all, the Provider, the Owner of life, death, reward, and punishment. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) drew his attention to the fact that a person of intellect must do whatever he does for a valid purpose. Anything or anyone that is alive, possesses intellect, hears, sees, can bring benefit or harm, but has come into existence from non-existence and whose authority is granted by someone else, sound intellect would feel ashamed to worship it, no matter how high a creation it is, such as a human or an angel, because it itself is dependent on that Being for its needs who is neither dependent on anyone for His existence nor for His continued existence. Then why worship idols made of stone, wood, or metal, or graves made of clay and bricks, which do not possess any qualities of living beings, which neither hear nor see, nor can benefit anyone? Why worship 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.
The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.
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.
42. When he said to his father, "O my father! Why do you worship that which neither hears [39], nor sees, nor can benefit you in any way?"
[39] Sayyiduna Ibrahim Explaining the Evils of Idol Worship to His Father:
There are two major types of prevalent shirk: one is idol worship, the other is saint worship. A saint, whether alive or deceased—if alive, at least he can see, hear, and help through material means. But the people of Sayyiduna Ibrahimؑ were idol worshippers. These idols neither hear nor see, nor can they move; in fact, they are dependent on humans even for their own existence. Then how could they possibly fulfill the needs of others or remove their difficulties?