and the other does not—the former is unquestionably more perfect than the latter.

For that very reason Allah, exalted be He, censures those who worship anything in which these attributes are absent. Concerning Abraham, the intimate friend, He says: “My father, why do you worship that which neither hears nor sees nor can avail you in the least?” (Qur’an 19:42). He also relates in the same story: “Ask them if they can speak.” (21:63). And He reports Abraham’s further words: “Do they hear you when you call, or benefit you, or harm you?” They replied, “But we found our fathers doing the same.” He said, “Have you considered what you have been worshipping—you and your earliest forefathers? Indeed, they are enemies to me, except for the Lord of all beings.” (26:72-77).

Likewise, in the story of Moses and the calf He says: “Did they not see that it did not speak to them nor guide them to any path? Yet they adopted it, and they were wrongdoers.” (7:148).

And the Exalted says: “Allah sets forth the parable of two men: one of them is dumb, incapable of anything; he is a burden on his master—wherever he is sent, he brings no good. Can he be compared to one who enjoins justice and is on a straight path?” (16:76). Thus He contrasts the mute, helpless man with the one who commands justice and walks a straight course.