Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
[Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Do you then worship besides Allâh, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالَqālaHe said
أَفَتَعْبُدُونَafataʿbudūnaThen do you worship
مِنminbesides
دُونِdūnibesides
ٱللَّهِl-lahiAllah
مَاmāwhat
لَاlā(does) not
يَنفَعُكُمْyanfaʿukumbenefit you
شَيْـًۭٔاshayan(in) anything
وَلَاwalāand not
يَضُرُّكُمْyaḍurrukumharms you
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 66){ قَالَاَفَتَعْبُدُوْنَمِنْدُوْنِاللّٰهِ …:} Ibrahim (peace be upon him) wanted to make them say this with their own tongues in such a large gathering, and everything was happening in exactly the order that Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had expected and desired. Perhaps such a golden opportunity to invite to Tawheed and refute Shirk had never come to him before, so he said that when these cannot even speak, then the question of them benefiting or harming does not even arise, so do you worship such things that neither benefit you nor harm you? The word {’’ مَا ‘‘} is generally used for those things that do not possess intellect.
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.
(At this) Abraham said, "Do you then worship things that can neither benefit you nor harm you?"
[56] The Helplessness of the Problem-Solvers:
Upon hearing this answer from Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him), all the people gathered in the assembly truly realized the helplessness of their problem-solvers, and they had no response except for embarrassment and silence. They began to look within themselves, wondering how to answer this. In fact, this is exactly what Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) wanted, and what happened was precisely according to his expectations and intention. The golden opportunity for preaching and refuting shirk that presented itself at that moment had perhaps never come before. Thus, at that time, he addressed the entire assembly and said that you have now seen for yourselves that your problem-solvers cannot even defend themselves. So how can they remove your difficulties or benefit you? Shame on you people that, despite knowing these things, you continue to worship such problem-solvers who do not even have the power to take revenge on their oppressor.