A Parable

Allah sets forth a parable: A slave owned by another, powerless to do anything, compared to one whom We have granted good provision, which he spends freely, are they equal? Praise be to Allah, but most people do not understand.

16:75Allah coineth a similitude: (on the one hand) a (mere) chattel slave, who hath control of nothing, and (on the other hand) one on whom we have bestowed a fair provision from Us, and he spendeth thereof secretly and openly. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah! But most of them know not.

Allah sets forth an example: A man enslaved by many masters, each pulling him in a different direction, and another man devoted to one master. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah, but most people do not understand.

39:29Allah coineth a similitude: A man in relation to whom are several part-owners, quarrelling, and a man belonging wholly to one man. Are the two equal in similitude? Praise be to Allah! But most of them know not.