A Man belonging to many Partners (Surah Az-Zumar 39:29)

29. Allah puts forth a parable: a man belonging to many partners disputing with one another, and a man belonging entirely to one master. Are those two equal in comparison? All the Praises and thanks be to Allah! But most of them know not.


The Parable of Shirk

Allah puts forth a parable: a man belonging to many partners disputing with one another, meaning, they were disputing concerning that slave in whom they all had a share.

and a (slave) man belonging entirely to one master, means, no one owned him except that one man.

Are those two equal in comparison? meaning, they are not the same. By the same token, the idolator who worships other gods besides Allah and the sincere believer who worships none besides Allah, with no partner or associate, are not equal. What comparison can there be between them Ibn `Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, Mujahid and others said, "This Ayah is the parable of the idolator and the sincere believer.'' Because this parable is so clear and obvious, Allah then says:

All the praises and thanks be to Allah! i.e. for establishing proof against them.

But most of them know not, means, and for this reason they associate others in worship with Allah.



Reference: Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged) English version.