Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was born in Iraq 2000 years before Prophet Essa peace be upon him). He was a great prophet of Allah and a guide for people. Allah Almighty had bestowed special mercy, blessings and honour upon him. Along with making him a prophet, Allah had also bestowed wealth and riches upon him. 

Hospitality 

You were very generous, giving generously and serving your guests well. Apart from this, he was very patient, tolerant, had complete trust in Allah and treated people with gentleness and kindness.

Prophet Ibrahim’s Childhood 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) started thinking against arrogance and polytheism from his childhood. He was about 12 years old at that time. When he started thinking about who his true Lord was, he looked at the Sun, Moon and Stars and said about each one.

Star

When the night fell and Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) saw a star, he said. “This is my Lord!” But when that Star disappeared, he said, “I do not like a Lord who disappears.” 

Moon 

Then, when he saw the Moon rising, he said. This is my Lord! But when it disappeared, he said:If my Lord does not guide me, I will be among the astray.

Sun

Then, when he saw the Sun rising, he said. This is my Lord, the greatest. But when the Sun set, he said: O my people! I am free from those whom you associate with Allah.

The Effort of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

When Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) saw his people worshipping idols and polytheism and realised their misguidance, he tried to show them the right path. First of all, he said to his father. Father! Why do you worship such things? Which cannot hear, cannot see, cannot speak? They are helpless and weak; they cannot even save themselves. Then how will they help others?

Worship Of Allah 

Father! The straight and true path is what I am telling you. That you should worship only one Allah, He is the one who gives life and death. He provides sustenance to everyone, and by His grace, we can be successful in the Hereafter. Then you explained the same things to your nation. But alas! No one listened to you.

Father Azar 

Ibrahim’s father’s name was Azar. He was an idol maker. He was also the leader of the idol worshipers. Azar worked for King Namrud. Who considered himself a god. Namrud ‘s court was a centre of polytheism and disbelief. Azar told Ibrahim (pbuh), “If you do not stop insulting our idols, I will stone you to death.” 

Straight Path 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said to his people. O my people! What greater and more obvious error can there be than this? That a respectable man should consider stones made by his own hands as God, bow down before them and pray to them? This is not the work of a wise and respectable man. Allah Almighty has given me the correct knowledge of the worship of Allah alone, the Hereafter and the true things of religion. If you obey me, I will show you the straight path.

Big Argument 

The nation said. “Even if there is no evidence for our words from reason, nature, or reliable traditions, we still have a great argument. Our ancestors have always worshipped these idols. So, how can we abandon the ways of our elders?” 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said. Your words do not prove that you are truthful and wise. Rather, it has come to light that your fathers were astray and ignorant like you. And you, too are being destroyed by following them.

The Nation Said 

When Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) spoke against the beliefs of his people, the whole nation was shocked. They said, “Is this your belief? Or are you just joking?” 

Allah Is The Lord Of All 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said. I have a firm belief, and I say with complete certainty that my Lord, your Lord and the Lord of all is the one Allah. Who created the Heavens and the Earth? No one else can share His kingdom. 

Belief

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) asked Allah Almighty one day: “My Lord! Show me how you bring the dead to life.” Allah Almighty said. “Do you not believe?” Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said. “I believe, but I want my heart to be more satisfied. 

Allah Almighty Said 

Allah Almighty said: Take four birds. And tame them with you. Then slaughter them and cut them into pieces. And place these pieces on different mountains. Then call to them. They will come to you running. Ibrahim (pbuh) took four birds as per Allah’s command. A peacock, a rooster, a crow and a dove. Kept them with him, raised them and made them so familiar that when he called them, they would come immediately. Then slaughtered all four of them, cut their meat into pieces, and placed these pieces on different mountains. Placed the heads on one Mountain, the wings on another, the torso on a third, and the feet on a fourth. Then Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) stood between the mountains and began to call the birds. 

The Power Of Allah 

By the power of Allah, the bird that was called, its head rose into the air, then the body was attached, then the wings were attached, then the feet. And the bird came back alive and running. Similarly, the other three birds also came back alive.

The Idols Are Helpless 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) said to his people: Can these things which you worship benefit you? Or can they harm you if you do not worship them? Obviously, can idols that cannot even repel a fly from themselves do good or harm you or anyone else? Then, where is the wisdom in declaring such helpless and mindless things as gods?

Our Elders 

The nation said: We do not believe in these long discussions and stubborn things. Our love and worship do not rest on these things. But one of the 100 arguments we have is that our elders also used to do the same. Should we assume that they were all fools?

The People Of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)

The people of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) used to say, “You are disrespecting our gods, so be afraid, lest you (Maaz Allah) go mad or fall into a great calamity.” 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) replied 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) replied, “Why should I fear your partners whom you have set up?” And why do you not fear that you are associating with Allah those for whom Allah has sent down no argument? I have explained it to you clearly, and I have fulfilled my responsibility. Now, if you do not obey, then you will be the loser. Just as the people of ‘Aad and Thamud were destroyed earlier due to their disobedience. 

Lord Of The Heavens And The Earth 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) said: Your Lord is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. Who created them all, and I believe in Him. And by Allah, when you leave there, I will certainly do something to your idols. This was said by Ibrahim (pbuh) slowly. Some people listened and most did not listen. Those who listened did not care. For they understood what harm a young man could do to the gods of an entire nation. 

Astrology 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh)’s nation believed in astrology (the knowledge of the stars). Ibrahim looked up to the Sky to show them and said. I am not feeling well, and I am going to get sick. When he said this, the people thought that Ibrahim had learned from the stars that he was going to get sick soon. At that time, they were going out of the city to attend one of their festivals. After hearing what Ibrahim (pbuh) said, they realised that he was sick. Therefore, they considered him unfit to be with them and left him alone.

Prophet Ibrahim‘s (PBUH) Visit To The Temple Of Idols 

Prophet Ibrahim‘s (pbuh) goal was that when he was alone, these false gods would have a chance to do something. So he went to the idol temple and addressed the idols kept there and said. These foods and offerings are placed before you. Why don’t you eat? Although your forms look like those of an eater. 

Lifeless Idol 

When the idols did not respond to the food, Ibrahim (pbuh) said. Why do you not speak? That is, your form is like that of a human being, but no soul has been put into you. How strange it is that living Humans prostrate themselves before such lifeless and insensitive idols and ask them for help in their needs. 

Prophet Ibrahim‘s (PBUH) Breaking Of The Idols 

Then Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) struck all the idols with force and broke them, leaving only one large idol. Which was either the largest in size or the one that was most respected. And the axe with which he had broken the idols, he hung around the neck of the same large idol. So that when people come back and see this scene, their attention will be to this large idol or he will blame it.

People‘s Surprise 

When the people returned from the fair, they saw that all the idols were broken. They were surprised and said. Who did this insolence? Who did this blasphemy against our gods? Surely, whoever did this is very unjust and wicked. (Astagfirullah). This was probably said by those who heard Ibrahim (pbuh) say. By Allah! I will certainly do something to your idols.

He Who Speaks Ill of Idols 

We have heard that there is a young man who says something about idols. His name is Ibrahim. This was said by those who had heard the words of Ibrahim (pbuh) before. He is the one who always speaks ill of our gods. Therefore, he must be the one who did this.

People Said 

The people said that Ibrahim should be called and spoken to in front of all the people. So that everyone could see and hear and be witnesses. That the punishment we would give him was worthy of him. This was their intention. But Ibrahim‘s (pbuh) intention was to get an opportunity in the assembly of all the people, so that he could make the polytheists speechless and demonstrate the power of truth before everyone. 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) replied 

The people said to (Ibrahim peace be upon him). “Have you done all this to our gods, O Ibrahim?” Ibrahim (pbuh) replied, “Why are you asking me? Ask the big idol that stands upright and has the weapon to break it. Perhaps, it has broken all these small idols.” 

Big Idol 

Now, what proof do you have that this didn’t happen? Doesn’t it happen in the world that big snakes eat small snakes, big fish swallow small 

fish, and big kings destroy small kingdoms? Then it is also possible that the big idol has broken the little ones. Therefore, it is better that you ask your gods yourself how all this happened. If they can speak, will they not judge my truth or falsehood?

Temple Of Idols 

Then they said: O people! You have wronged yourselves. Because you left the temple of idols open despite hearing the threat of Ibrahim. You did not make any arrangements for the protection of your gods. 

Cannot Benefit Or Harm 

The nation said. “O Ibrahim! Why do you tell us something impossible? Have even stones ever spoken?” Ibrahim (pbuh) said: You should be ashamed that you believe in an idol as God that cannot speak a single word, cannot help you in times of trouble, and cannot benefit or harm you. Can’t you even understand such a simple thing?

Nation And Punishment 

The nation said: We cannot defeat Ibrahim in words. Now there is only one way. We must help our gods. Although they cannot help themselves. And we must punish Ibrahim severely. If we do not do this, we will have no honour left. 

King Namrud 

Then his complaint reached King Namrud, who called himself a god. Namrud called Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). That king wanted people to bow down before his pride and glory. When Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) came before Namrud, he did not prostrate. He asked why, and Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) said, “I do not prostrate to anyone except my Lord.” 

Namrud Said 

Namrud said: I am the Lord! Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) replied: I do not call any king or ruler Lord. The Lord is the One who gives life and causes death. Namrud called two prisoners; he killed one innocent and let the other criminal go, then he said. Look! I can kill whoever I want, and I can leave whoever I want. Ibrahim (pbuh) said: “Allah brings the Sun out of the east. Now, if you are god, then show me the Sun from the west.” Hearing this, Nimrud was astonished; he had no answer, and he descended into stubbornness and hostility. 

Sentencing Decision 

Now, the punishment of burning Ibrahim (pbuh) in fire was decided by the father, the nation, and the king together. Just as Ibrahim (pbuh) had broken the idols and burned their hearts, they wanted to take revenge by burning Ibrahim (pbuh) in the fire. They believed that in this way, people would start to have more devotion to the idols and would start to fear them, so that in the future no one would dare to speak against them or do such a thing.

The King’s Advice 

On the advice of the king, the people of the nation lit a fire in a special place for many days. Some narrations state that the fire was as wide as forty earths (i.e., it was very large and high), It was so large that its height reached the sky.

Flames Of Fire

It is said that the fire was so hot that if a bird flew over it, it would burn and fall; the fire was so widespread that its flames also started burning nearby objects. The fire was so big that no human could even get close to it, it was burning so fast that no human could throw Ibrahim (pbuh) into it with his hand. People were worried it would be very difficult to get close to such a powerful fire and throw him into it. 

Satan Advised Them 

At that time, satan appeared in the form of an old man. And advised them to use a catapult (a large slingshot) to throw Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) into the fire from a distance. The people of that time thought that this was a wise old man who was helping them. 

Gabriel (peace be upon him) 

When Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was being thrown into the fire on the orders of Namrud, Gabriel (pbuh) came to him and said. If you want, I can help you. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) asked: Is this the command of Allah? Gabriel (pbuh) said: No, it is from me. Then Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) said: Then I do not need your help. My Lord is sufficient for me, and in Him I put my trust. (Hasbiyallahu wa nimal wakeel) Then he was thrown into the fire using a catapult. 

By Allah’s Command 

Allah Almighty commanded the fire: “O fire, be cool to Ibrahim, but not to the point of causing him any pain.” That is, the fire became so cool that it was soothing to Ibrahim‘s body and soul, not painful. There were flames and embers in the fire, but they could not harm Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). This teaches us that everything happens only by the command of Allah. If Allah does not will, even something like fire cannot burn anyone. But even after seeing this clear sign and miracle, Namrud and his people did not believe. 

My Lord Saved Me 

Then he explained to his people again: Worshipping idols is an old folly. All these friendships and loves are short-lived in this world. On the Day of Resurrection, you will become enemies of one another, and your end will be the Fire of Hell. There will be no one to help you there. On that Day, no one will be able to save you from the Fire of Hell. Just as my Lord saved me from the Fire of this world. 

Nothing Is Difficult For Allah 

Think about yourself, before you were nothing. Allah created you. Similarly, He will create you again after you die. Nothing is difficult for Allah. All you have to understand is that Allah, who created you the first time without any example, creating you again is even easier for Him. 

Allah’s Creation 

Look at the things of the world besides yourself, and consider how Allah has created creation. Travel around the earth and see, everywhere there are signs of His power. When Allah created for the first time, why would it be difficult for Him to create again? On the Day of Resurrection, He will punish whom He wills with His justice, and He will have mercy on whom He wills. Whoever Allah Almighty wants to punish cannot escape by hiding in the earth, nor by going to the sky. No place, high or low, can provide shelter for the criminal of Allah. 

Look, when your Muslim leader saw that his father’s path was wrong, he left him. You should do the same. And if you are ready to die only for following your parents and elders, then follow that father who had raised the banner of truth and justice in the world. And had advised his children to worship only Allah after me, and no one else. 

Allah Is Very Kind

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) said to his father: “Father! Stop obeying satan, because satan is a great disobeier to Allah. Allah is very merciful and wants to be kind to all His servants. But I fear that Allah will become angry because of your evil deeds, and a severe calamity will befall you and do not become a companion of satan forever.” 

Disbelief And Polytheism 

That is, if you continue to disbelieve and commit polytheism, you may not be able to believe and repent in the future, and you may be included in the group of satan’s friends, and then be thrown into eternal punishment. 

Prophet Ibrahim‘s (PBUH) Father Said Angrily 

Ibrahim’s father, upon hearing his words, angrily said: “You do not believe in our gods, your faith has become corrupt. Now stop these words and advice of yours. Otherwise, you will have to listen to bad things, and I will kill you with stones.” If you want your own good, then go away from me forever. I do not want to see you. Go away from here before I raise my hand against you. Peace be upon him. This is a farewell greeting. 

The Dua of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) 

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said. Since my advice has no effect on you, but on the contrary, you are threatening me, I will not stay in your town now. But because of being a father, Ibrahim (pbuh) said. I will continue to ask forgiveness from Allah for you. Then he continued to Dua according to his promise. 

Prayer For Father 

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) prayed for forgiveness for his father only because of this promise, and that too only until it was completely proven that he would die in disbelief, polytheism, and enmity towards Allah. 

Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) Hoped To Become A Muslim 

Because before his death, there was hope that he might repent and become a Muslim and that Allah would forgive him. But when it became clear that he would die in disbelief and polytheism and would remain an enemy of the truth, Ibrahim (pbuh) completely severed his ties with him and stopped praying and seeking forgiveness for him. 

The Prophet’s Patience 

Previously, he used to pray with gentleness and love. But when Allah Almighty clearly stated that it is not permissible for polytheists to make Dua. So you stopped praying for his goodness. And accepted this sadness with the patience and endurance of a Prophet. 

The Promise Of Allah Almighty 

On the Day of Judgment, Ibrahim (pbuh) will say to Allah Almighty: O my Lord! You promised me that you would not humiliate me. But if today my father were thrown into Hell in front of all the people, what greater humiliation would there be? 

Father’s Face 

At that moment, his father’s face will change to look like an ugly animal. And the angels will drag him to hell. Perhaps this will happen so that people will not recognise him, because disgrace only happens when people should recognise someone. When there is no longer any recognition of who has been thrown into hell, then shame or disgrace has no meaning for the son. 

Decision To Migrate 

When his people lost hope and his father also took a harsh attitude, Ibrahim (pbuh) decided to migrate from there. And took his wife Sara (pbuh) and his nephew Lut (pbuh) with him and left there. 

Prophet Lut (peace be upon him)

Lut (peace be upon him) was the nephew of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). No man from Ibrahim’s people believed in him, only Lut (pbuh) immediately believed in his words. Both of them belonged to the city of Babylon in Iraq. Allah Almighty showed Ibrahim (pbuh) the way to Syria, he migrated for the sake of Allah and left his relatives, Allah Almighty gave him a better reward for it so that the loneliness of the foreign land would be removed and his heart would find peace and contentment. 

Sara (PBUH)

Sara (pbuh) was the cousin of Ibrahim (pbuh). When he married Sara, Ibrahim (pbuh) was about 25 years old at that time. Allah Almighty gave them two sons, both of whom became Prophets. From the descendants of these two, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other prophets of the children of Israel were born.