The Holy Quran 13:14 — Surah Ar-Ra'd

Arabic text

لَهُۥ دَعْوَةُ ٱلْحَقِّ ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ لَا يَسْتَجِيبُونَ لَهُم بِشَىْءٍ إِلَّا كَبَـٰسِطِ كَفَّيْهِ إِلَى ٱلْمَآءِ لِيَبْلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَـٰلِغِهِۦ ۚ وَمَا دُعَآءُ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ

Translation

The true call (the Kalimah "Laa Ilaaha Illal Laah") is only for Him. Those to whom they call (pray) besides Him (their idols and other gods) do not respond to their pleas at all; except (that it may be said that their response is) like the person who stretches out his hands towards water so that it may reach his mouth whereas it will never reach. The call (prayers) of the Kaafiroon (to their gods) is wasted (because they see no result).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The example of supplicating to false deities: that is, one should call only upon Him who is the Master of every kind of benefit and harm. What is gained by calling upon the helpless? Who besides Allah has in his control benefit and harm, whether his own or others'?

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.