In the second parable, suppose there are two people: one is mute, unable to understand, speak, or do anything. Moreover, he is a burden to his master; wherever he sends him, he brings back no good. He is of no benefit whatsoever, but is instead a burden to whoever looks after him. The other is knowledgeable and just: he commands justice and acts justly, following a straight path. This is like the person whom Allah has granted wisdom, who acts upon it and teaches it to others. Allah has set this forth as a parable concerning Himself, for He, glorified is He, is All-Knowing, Just, and All-Powerful. He commands justice and upholds equity, following a straight path.

As He, Exalted is He, says:

“Allah bears witness—as do the angels and those endowed with knowledge—that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the One who upholds justice. There is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Almighty, the All-Wise.”

And Hūd said:

“Indeed, my Lord is on a straight path.”

For this reason, people held the house of al-‘Abbās in high esteem: Abd Allāh taught people, while his brother fed them, and they were honoured for this.

Mu‘āwiyah saw people asking Ibn Umar about the pilgrimage rites while he gave them religious rulings. He said, “This, by Allah, is true honour,” or words to that effect.

Now Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, competed with Abū Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, in charitable spending, as is established in an authentic report from Umar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—who said:

“The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, instructed us to give charity. I happened to have some wealth at the time, so I said, ‘Today I shall outdo Abū Bakr, if ever I am to outdo him.’”

He continued: “I brought half my wealth. Then the Messenger of