"And had We willed, We could have elevated him therewith," meaning: with Our signs. "But he adhered to the earth," meaning: he inclined toward the worldly life, "and followed his desire," meaning: he refused to accompany guidance.

"So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase it," meaning: if you drive it away, "it pants, or if you leave it, it pants." This is the explanation of al-Kalbi, who said: He is misguided in every state, whether you preach to him or leave him.

Muhammad said: It is said that Allah set forth the basest of examples for one who abandons His command, so He (the Glorified and Exalted) said: "His example is like that of the dog, panting"—and He abbreviated "panting"—"if you chase it, it pants, or if you leave it, it pants." Its panting is the agitation of its tongue and the sound it repeats during that state, as if it were exhausted or thirsty. When the dog is in this state, it is in its most wretched condition.