During the time when some people worshipped idols of stone and wood, others worshipped the planets, starts, sun and moon; still others worshipped their kings and rulers, Ibrahim was born into a typical family of ancient time in kingdom of Babylon. The head of the family was not even an ordinary idolaters, but was one who totally rejected Allah (SWT) and who used to make idols with his own hands. Ibrahim’s father Aazar was a well-known sculptor and he would craft idols from stone or wood. As a child, Ibrahim would watch his father work, often using the finished idols as playthings.
Into that family Ibrahim was born, destined to stand against his own family, against the entire system of his community. He stood against all of kind if polytheism.
Ibrahim's Childhood:
Ibrahim was endowed with spiritual understanding from an early age. Allah enlightened his heart and mind gave him wisdom from childhood.
Almighty Allah states in Qur'an, Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 51:
"Indeed We bestowed afore time on Ibrahim his (portion of) guidance (sound judgement), and We knew him fully well (as to his belief in the Oneness of Allah)."
During is childhood Ibrahim realized that his father made strange statues. One day, he asked him what it was he made? His father replied that he made statues of gods. Ibrahim was astonished and he rejected the idea. Being a child he played with such statues sitting on their backs as people sit on the backs of donkeys.
One day his father saw him riding the statue of Mardukh and he became furious. He ordered his son not to play with it again.
Ibrahim asked: "What is this status, father? It has big ears, bigger than ours."
His father answered: "It is Mardukh, the god of gods, son! These big ears show his deep knowledge." This made Ibrahim laugh, he was only seven years old.
Ibrahim's Hatred for idols:
Years passed and Ibrahim grew. He could not understand how a sane person could make a statue and then worship what he had made. He noticed that these idols did not eat, drink or talk and they could not even turn themselves right side up if someone turned them upside down.
How, then could people believe that such statues could harm or benefit them? Ibrahim's people had a big temple full of idols, in the middle of which was the biggest gods which was of different kinds, qualities and shapes.
Ibrahim, who used to go to the temple with his father when he was a child, greatly despised all that wood and stone. What surprised him was the way his people behaved when they entered the temple; they bowed and started to cry, begging and imploring their gods for help as if the idols could hear or understand these requested.
At first, such a sight seemed funny to Ibrahim, but later he began to feel angry. His father wanted him to be a priest when he was grown, however, Ibrahim never stopped displaying his hatred and felt that the statues are not worthy.
Narrated in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse 74:
"And (remember) when Ibrahim said to his father Azar: "Do you take idols as aliha (gods)? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error."
Ibrahim found Allah (SWT):
One night Ibrahim went up to the Mountain and sat resting his back. He looked at the sky, watching stars and planet. He remembered those were worshipped by some people at Earth. His heart was filled with pain, when he considered what was beyond moon, the stars and the planets (i.e Allah SWT) and was astonished that they were created by Allah. They appear and disappear at His command.
Allah narrates about Ibrahim in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse (76-79):
"When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "I like not those that set."
When he saw the moon rising up, he said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the erring people."
When he saw the sun rising up, he said: "This is my lord. This is greater." But when it set, he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allah."
Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the Heavens and the Earth (i.e, worshipping none but Allah Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikun."
Ibrahim with Celestial Worshippers:
Conflict between him and his people began for the worshippers of the stars and planets did not stand quiet. People started to argue and threaten Ibrahim.
Ibrahim, addressed his people who worshipped celestial bodies, Almighty Allah revealed in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse (80-83):
"His people disputed with him. He said: "Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me, and I fear not those whom you associate with Allah in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord (Allah) wills something. My Lord comprehends in His Knowledge all things. Will you not then remember?
And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah, things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (so) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? if you but know."
It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the gudied.
And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrahim against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."
Ibrahim clarified that these celestial bodies do not serve as deities and cannot be worshipped as partners with Allah Almighty. Indeed these bodies are created things, fashioned, controlled and made to serve. They appear and disappear as per His command. However, Allah the Almighty does not lose sight of anything, and nothing can be hidden from Him. He is everlasting without disappearing. There is no other deity but Allah.
He also made clear to them that they are among the signs of Allah.
Almighty Allah commanded in Surah Fussilat, Verse 37:
"And among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; do not prostrate to the sun nor to the moon; and prostrate to Allah Who created them, if Him it is that you serve."
Ibrahim with Idolaters:
Allah gave Ibrahim the reasoning and sound judgement he needed every time he argued with people, Almighty declared in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse 83:
"And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrahim against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly you Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."
Ibrahim tried his best to convince and make them aware to believe the Oneness of Allah and to worship Allah alone. Narrated in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (52-56):
"When he said to his father and his people: what are these images to worship you cleave?
They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them."
He said: "Certainly you have been, (both) you and your fathers, in manifest error."
They said: "Have you brought to us the truth, or are you one of the triflers?"
He said: "Nay! your Lord (Allah) is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, Who brought them into existence, and O am of those who bear witness to this."
Ibrahim with his Father:
Ibrahim's father (Aazar) was furious, for they not only worshipped idols but they sculpted them as well. It was his duty as a good son to advise his father against the evil so that he could be saved from Allah's punishment.
He gently asked his father, why he worshipped lifeless idols who could not hear, see or protect him. Ibrahim also narrated in Surah Maryam, Verse (43-48):
"O my father! Truly the knowledge has come to me which has not come to you, therefore follow me, I will guide you on a right path:
O my father! Serve not the Shaitan, surely the Shaitan is disobedient to the Beneficent Allah;
O my father! Surely I fear that a punishment from the Beneficent Allah should afflict you so that you should be a friend of the Shaitan.
He said: "Do you dislike my gods, O Ibrahim? If you do not desist I will certainly revile you, and leave me for a time.
He said: Peace be on you, I will pray to my Lord (Allah) to forgive you; surely He is ever Affectionate to me;
And I will withdraw from you and what you call on besides Allah, and I will call upon my Lord; may be I shall not remain unblessed in calling upon my Lord (Allah)."
Ibrahim argues with Idolaters:
Ibrahim did not stop delivering the message of truth. He was sad and angry to see that the people are prostrating idols, he was determined to stop these practices.
Ibrahim asked them: "Do the idols see you when you prostrate before them? Do they benefit you in any way?
They quickly tried to defend their beliefs. They argued that they knew the idols were lifeless but that their forefathers had worshipped them; to them this was proof enough for their belief.
Ibrahim explained that their forefathers had been wrong. This made them angry and they replied: "Are you condemning our gods and our forefathers? Or are you just joking?"
Ibrahim showed me no fear as he replied: "I am serious I come to you with a true religion. I have been sent with guidance from our Lord (Allah) Who alone is worthy of worship, Who is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, and Who regulates all affairs of life, unlike the dumb idols which are just stone and wood."
To convince them that the idols could not harm him, he challenged. I have already condemned them; of they had any power they would have harmed me by now!
Ibrahim with Idolaters again:
Almighty Allah states in Surah Ash-Shu'araa, Verse (69-82):
"And recite to them the story of Ibrahim.
When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?"
They said: "We worship idols, so we shall be their votaries."
He said: "Do they hear you when you call?
Or do they profit you or cause you harm?
They said: "Nay, we found our fathers doing so."
He said: "Have you then considered what you have been worshipping."
"You and your ancient sires.
Surely they are enemies to me, but not (so) the Lord of the Worlds;
Who created me, then He has shown me the way;
And He Who gives me to eat and gives me to drink;
And when I am sick, then He restored me to health,
And He Who will cause me to die, then give me life;
And Who, I hope, will forgive me my mistakes on the day of judgment."
In another Surah Almighty Allah revealed in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Verse (16-23):
"And (We sent) Ibrahim, when he said to his people: Serve Allah and be careful of (your duty to) Him; this is best for you, if you did not know
You only worship idols besides Allah and you create a lie surely they whom you serve besides Allah do not control for you any sustenance, therefore seek the sustenance from Allah and serve Him and be grateful to Him; to Him you shall be brought back.
And if you reject (the truth), nations before you did indeed reject (the truth); and nothing is incumbent on the apostle but a pain delivering (of the message).
What! do they not consider how Allah originates the creation, then reproduces it? Surely that is easy to Allah.
Say: Travel in the Earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things.
He punishes whom He pleases and has mercy on whom He pleases, and to Him you shall be turned back.
And you shall not escape in the Earth nor in the heaven, and you have neither a protector nor a helper besides Allah.
And (as to) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah and His meeting, they have despaired of My mercy, and these it is that shall have a painful punishment."
Ibrahim breaking idols:
Ibrahim explained the people of Allah's creation, His power and wisdom. Idol worship is disliked by Allah, He is the Lord of the Universe Who created mankind, guided him and provided him with food and drink and cured him when he sick and Who will cause him to die and be raised up again. It was He to Whom Abraham prayed and Who would forgive his sins on the Day of Judgement. However, they did not give up.
Ibrahim left his father's house and abandoned his people and what they worshipped. He decided to do something about their state of belief, but didn't reveal it. He knew that there was going to be a great celebration on the other bank of the river which be attended by all the people. He waited until the city was empty, then came out cautiously, towards the temple. Priests had also gone for the festival outside the city.
He went to the temple carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wood statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He approached one of the statues and asked: The food in front of you is getting cold. Why don't you eat? The statues were silent.
As narrated in Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 91, Ibrahim asked all other statues around him:
"Then he turned aside to their gods secretly and said: What! do you not eat?"
He was mocking them for he knew they would not eat. He again asked as per Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 92:
"What is the matter with you that you do not speak?"
He then raised his axe and started smashing the false gods worshipped by the people. He destroyed them all except one on whose neck he hung the axe. After his anger subsides and he felt at peace. He left the temple after he fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshipping something other than Allah.
Ibrahim and Idolaters:
When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols and Ibrahim's name came to their minds.
Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (59-67):
"They said: Who has done this to our gods? Most surely he is one of the unjust.
They said: We heard a youth called Ibrahim speak of them.
Said they: Then bring him before the eyes of the people, perhaps they may bear witness.
They said: Have you done this to our gods, O Ibrahim?
He said: Surely, (some doer) has done it, the chief of them is this, therefore ask them, if they can speak.
Then they turned to themselves and said: Surely you yourselves are the unjust.
Then they were made to hang down their heads: Certainly you know that they do not speak.
He said: What! do you then serve besides Allah what brings you not any benefit at all, nor does it harm you?
Fie on you and on what you serve besides Allah; What! do you not then understand?"
Furious, they demanded that Ibrahim be arrested. He didn't resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs. At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols.
Smiling, he told them them to ask the biggest idol which was still whole. He told them that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move which gave Ibrahim the chance to prove the foolishness of worshipping these lifeless objects.
They then realized the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was to use their power of authority as tyrants usually do to punish Ibrahim. They kept him in chains and planned their revenge.
Idolaters try to burn Ibrahim:
Anger was burning in their hearts. They decided to throw Ibrahim into the biggest fire they could build. All the citizens were ordered to gather wood as a service to their gods. Ignorant, sick women vowed that if they were cured they would donate so much wood to burn Ibrahim. For several days they collected fuel. They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. They bought a catapult with which to cast Ibrahim into the fire. Ibrahim was put on the catapult, his hands and feet were tied. The fire was ready with its flame reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Ibrahim into the fire.
The angel Jibrel came near Ibrahim's head and asked him: O Ibrahim do you wish for anything? Ibrahim replied: Nothing from you.
The catapult was shot and Ibrahim was cast into the fire. But his descent into the blaze was as descent on steps in a cool garden. The flames were still there, but they did not burn for Allah the Almighty had issued His command:
As narrated in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 69:
"O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim."
The fire submitted to the will of Allah, becoming cool and safe for Ibrahim. It only burned his bonds, and he sat in the midst of the fire as if he were sitting in a garden. He glorified and praised Allah the Almighty, with a heart that contained only his love for Allah. There was not any vacant space therein for fear, awe, or worry. It was filled with love only.
Fear and awe were dead, and the fire was turned into coolness, making the air pleasant. Those who love Allah as Ibrahim do, did not fear.
Faith of Believers:
Allah declared in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse (173-175):
"Those to whom the people said: Surely men have gathered against you, therefore fear them, but this increased their faith, and they said: Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector.
So they returned with favor from Allah and (His) grace, no evil touched them and they followed the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.
It is only the Shaitaan that causes you to fear from his friends, but do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers."
The crowd of people, the chiefs and the priests were watching the fire from a distance. It was burning their faces and nearly suffocating them. It kept burning for a such a long time that the disbelievers thought it would never be extinguished. When it did burn out, they were greatly amazed to find Ibrahim coming out of pit untouched by fire. Their faces were black from the smoke, but his face was bright with the light and grace of Allah.
The raging fire had become cool for Ibrahim and had only charred the ropes which held him. He walked out of the fire as if he were walking out of a garden. Cries of astonishment were heard from the heathens.
As narrated in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (68-70):
"They said: Burn him and help your gods, if you are going to do (anything).
We said: O fire! be a comfort and peace to Ibrahim;
And they desired a war on him, but We made them the greatest losers."
This miracle shamed the cruel rulers, but it did not cool the flame of anger in their hearts. However after this event many of the people follow Ibrahim, although some kept their belief a secret for the fear of harm or death at the hands of the ruler.
Ibrahim challenges King Namrud (who proclaim themselves as gods):
Ibrahim had established a definite reasoning against idolaters. No he had to reason against the people who proclaimed themselves gods.
When king Namrud, heard of Ibrahim's safe exit from the fire. He became very angry. He feared that the status of Divinity he had proclaimed for himself was not challenged by an ordinary person. He ordered Ibrahim to be present in his palace and had a conversation with him which Allah Almighty recounted in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 258:
"Have you not considered him (Namrud) who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim said: My Lord is He who gives life and causes to die, he said: I give life and cause death. Ibrahim said: So surely Allah causes the sun to rise from the East, them make it rise from the West; thus he who disbelieved was confounded; and Allah does not guide aright the unjust people."
Ibrahim's fame spread through out the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Ibrahim continued calling people to believe in Allah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path.
He tried every means to convince them. However in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allah. The woman's name was Sarah and she became his wife. The man's name was Lut and he became a prophet.
When Ibrahim realized that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He left his people and travelled with his wife and Lut to a city called Ur (in Iraq), then to Haran (in Turkey today) and then to Palestine.
Allah the Almighty told us in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Verse 26:
"And Lut believed in Him, and he said: I am fleeing to my Lord, surely He is the Mighty, the wise."
After Palestine, Ibrahim travelled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allah wherever he travelled, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness.
About Ibrahim, Sarah and Hajar:
Narrated Abu Hurairah: Ibrahim (PBUH) did not tell a lie except on three occasions, twice for the sake of Allah Almighty.
*Ibrahim excused himself as narrated in Surah As-Saffat, Verse 89:
Then he said: Surely I am sick (of your worshipping these).
*When he said: I have not done this but the big idol has done it.
*The third was that while Ibrahim and Sarah (his wife) were going on a journey, they passed by the territory of a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant: This man (Ibrahim) is accompanied by a very charming lady. So, he sent for Ibrahim and asked him about Sarah saying Who is this lady? Ibrahim said: She is my sister.
Ibrahim went to Sarah and said: O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the Earth except you and me. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister do not contradict my statement.
The ruler then called Sarah, and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but his hand got stiff and he was confounded. He asked Sarah: Pray to Allah for me and I shall not harm you. So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured.
He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but his hand got as stiff s or stiffer than before and he was more confounded. He again requested Sarah: Pray for me, and I will not harm you. Sarah asked to Allah again, and he became all right.
He then called one of his guards who had brought her and said: You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil.
The ruler then gave Hajar as a maid servant to Sarah. Ibrahim gesturing with his hand, asked: What has happened?
She replied: Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the immoral person and gave me Hajar for service.
Questions on Resurrection:
Ibrahim lived on Earth worshipping Allah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allah, knowing that his days on Earth were limited and that they would be followed by death and finally resurrection. The knowledge of life and death filled Ibrahim with peace and love and certitude.
One day he begged Allah to show him how He brought the dead back to life. Allah commanded Ibrahim to take four birds, cut them up and mingle their body parts, divide them into four portions and place them on the top of four different hills, then call back the birds in Allah's name.
Ibrahim did as he was told. Immediately the mingled parts of the birds separated to join their original bodies in different places and birds flew back to Ibrahim.
Allah Almighty revealed in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 260:
"And when Ibrahim said: My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.
He said: What! And do you not believe?
He said: Yes, but that my heart may be at ease.
He said: then take four of the birds, then train them to follow you, then place on every mountain a part of them, then call them, they will come to you flying; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise."
Success comes from Allah (SWT) and He knows the best.
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