Indexed OCR Text

by on the military expedition to Tabook, he pointed out to the Sahabah w that
every thoughtful person ought to take lessons from such ruins. Rasulullaah p
also pointed out to them the well from which the camel of Hadhrat Saalih v
drank and told them that that was the only well in the area from which they
were allowed to draw water. Rasulullaah p also showed the Sahabah \ a hill
from which the camel arrived to drink water. This hill is nowadays known as
Fajjun Naaqa.
Rasulullaah p advised the Sahabah w to pass swiftly through this area since it had
been afflicted by the punishment of Allaah and to do so weeping. They were
therefore not to regard the place as one of sight-seeing and entertainment.
There is not too much to see there and from the few wells that are there, one of
them is said to be the one from which the camel drank.
The area is surrounded by jagged mountains and it can be clearly noticed from
the landscape that the area was devastated by a severe earthquake. The
mountain range stretches approximately 50 miles to the east towards Khaybar
and almost 30 to 40 miles into the Kingdom of Jordan in the north. It therefore
appears that an area as long as 300 to 400 miles and as wide as 100 miles was
struck by this earthquake. May Allaah save us from such calamities.
8. The Belief of the Mushrikeen
Preaching to the people to worship the One Allaah, Hadhrat Saalih v said to
them, "O my people! Worship (Only) Allaah. There is no Ilaah for you besides Him. He
created you from the earth and settled you on it. So seek forgiveness from Him, then turn
to Him. Undoubtedly, my Rabb is Near, Responsive".64
64 Surah Hood, verse 61.
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By telling this to them, he was impressing upon them that since they accepted
Allaah as their Creator, there was no need to believe that others were needed to
assist him. Why should others have any share in his dominion? Why should any
others be worshipped?
However, the same mistake that all the polytheistic nations made was to
compare Allaah to their kings and leaders who ruled from palaces and whose
subjects had no direct access to them. Whenever a person form the populous
needed something to be addressed by the king, they needed to get the request
to him via his many courtiers and other close to him. If the request did
eventually get to the king, then it was again one of the courtiers or governors
who would give the reply or fulfil the request.
When this was the procedure when it concerned kings with small kingdoms, the
people thought that when it came to a king of the universe, they stood no
chance of getting directly to Him at all. They guessed that it was impossible to
reach Him without using His close servants as a means of access. As a result, they
started to make others a means of gaining access to Allaah and would make
sacrifices and dedicate acts of worship to these other little gods.
Hadhrat Saalih v dispelled this old misnomer of his people by describing Allaah
as Near and Responsive. This was intended to make them realise that Allaah is
not far from them and can be reached directly by praying to Him. Every person
had the ability to even whisper his prayers to Allaah. Despite His lofty status,
Allaah was capable of hearing their supplications and He would respond to them.
When this is the case, what is the necessity for mediums in between?
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Allaah explains this more clearly in the Qur'aan, when He says, "And
when My bondsmen ask you about Me, verily I am close by (so call only on Me). I answer
the prayer of the caller when he calls (whether he calls silently or audibly). So they should
accept (My commandments and obey them) and (always) believe in Me so that they remain on
the right (with valid beliefs)".65 Despite the fact that man cannot see Allaah nor
imagine what He is like, he must never think that Allaah is far away.
Man can communicate with Allaah at any time. In fact, Allaah is aware
of even the thoughts within his heart. It is therefore foolish of man to
patronise the helpless gods that they have themselves created. It is
only Allaah Who can fulfil every need of man and it is therefore only
Him to Whom all prayers should be addressed.
9. The Argument of the Mushrikeen
When Hadhrat Saalih v called the people towards Allaah, their reply to him was,
"O Saalih! Certainly we entertained high hopes in you before (before you started preaching
Towheed to us we thought that you would be one of our leaders or a saint because of your wisdom
and intellect). Do you forbid us from worshipping what our forefathers worshipped?"66
The manner in which the Mushrikeen make deductions is clear from this verse,
where the difference between their manners of deduction is made distinct from
the manner used by the Mu'mineen. While Hadhrat Saalih v explained to them
that they should worship Allaah Alone since it was Him who created them and
settled them on earth, they argued that they cannot forsake these idols because
their forefathers had been worshipping them all along. They believed that since
the practice was so old, they needed nothing to prove that it was right.
10. The Conviction of Hadhrat Salih V
65 Surah Baqarah, verse 186.
66 Surah Hood, verse 62.
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After Hadhrat Saalih v had acceded to the people's request for a miracle and
produced the camel from the mountain, he warned the people saying, "This is the
camel (that you asked for). (Because of its great size,) It will have a day to drink (from the
watering place by herself) and your animals will have an appointed day to drink (by
themselves). Do not touch it (the camel) with evil intentions (do not harm it), for then a
punishment (disaster) of a dreadful day will afflict you".67
Verse 64 of Surah Hood states that he said, "O my people! This (camel which emerged
from the mountain) is Allaah's camel (which He has sent) as an Aayah (miracle) for you (to prove
to you that I am Allaah's Nabi). So leave it to graze in Allaah's land and do not touch it with
evil intent, for then a near (swift) punishment shall afflict you".
The challenge that Hadhrat Saalih v issued to the people was no ordinary
challenge. It is common knowledge that water is such a valued prize amongst the
Arabs that they would fight wars and spill blood for possession of water holes
and wells. A person declaring that his camel should have exclusive rights to their
most valued commodity every alternate day is really issuing a fierce challenge to
them. It is only powerful people with armies to support them who can demand
a right to such a prize. Furthermore, a nation will only submit to such a demand
when they believe that their opponent is someone who has the forces and
armaments to crush any resistance they offer.
However, the conviction of Hadhrat Saalih v was so strong in Allaah that he
announced this over and over again to all the people of the nation without being
in any position of power. The Ambiyaa Jul ese have always been imbued with a
profound conviction in the promises of Allaah and would believe in it even
though they saw no apparent means to fulfil the promises.
67 Surah Shu'araa, verse 156.
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11. Lessons in the Ruins
The nation of Aad was renowned for the colossal buildings with enormous pillars
that they built. After them, the Thamud were referred to as the second nation of
Aad because they were also renowned over their monumental structures.
However, their forte was to carve their buildings out from the mountains.
Describing the Aad as 'people of pillars', Allaah then continues to describe the
Thamud in the Qur'aan, when he states, "The Thamud who used to carve the rocks of
the valley (to make their homes in the mountains)?" 68
Describing the manner in which they erected palatial structures on wide plains,
Allaah says, "You build palaces on the gentle portions of it (such as plains and gentle slopes)
and carve homes out of the mountains".69 The Qur'aan also makes it clear that they
erected these enormous and elaborate structures only to boast of their skill and
status. There really was no need them.
They were yet another example of how the powerful and wealthy squander their
wealth on unnecessary things while there are so many others who can barely
afford a sheet to cover themselves. At the end, everything they held in such high
esteem and was a source of their pride now lies in utter ruin.
12. The Principle of Retribution
Allaah describes the cities of the Thamud after their annihilation in the following
words, "These are their homes (between Makkah and Shaam) that lie in ruins because of
their oppression. There is definitely an Aayah in this for people with knowledge. (As
68 Surah Fajr, verses
69 Surah A'raaf, verse 74.
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always,) We rescued (from the punishment) those who had Imaan and who adopted
Taqwa".70
We have heard many people nowadays saying that disasters and calamities have
afflicted people because of the extent of sins and vice that they perpetrated.
What needs to be borne in mind always is that the Allaah Who decides such
matters is not irrational and someone who does things without wisdom and
reason. People with insight will know that there is always good reason for the
rise and fall of nations and amongst these reasons is the principle of retribution,
which ensures that tyrants always get their just desserts for their wretchedness.
People who realise this will not be appeased by being told about the natural
causes of disasters. They will probe further and unearth the fact that this nation
was struck with a disciplinary whip that annihilated them after they failed to
heed countless warnings. May Allaah guide us all. Aameen.
13. The Reasons for Rejection
The Thamud rejected the message of Hadhrat Saalih v for the following three
reasons:
1. He was a human being like them, because of which they felt he deserved no
additional esteem
2. He was from their own nation and they saw no reason why he was any
better than them
3. He was a solitary figure with no substantial backing
These reasons have been mentioned in the verses of the Qur'aan and were also
the same reason cited by the Mushrikeen of Makkah when they rejected the
70 Surah Naml, verses 51-53.
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message of Rasulullaah p. Quoting them in the Qur'aan, Allaah says, "they (also)
say, 'What is the matter with this Rasool that he eats food and walks in the marketplaces
(like any ordinary human, who had been one of us just yesterday, but now makes the claim that he is
a messenger of Allaah)?" .71
The people were of the opinion that a Nabi needed to be someone more than a
human being. If he had to be a human being, then they believed he should have
been from somewhere else or, if from them, he ought to have been someone
with wealth and influence. This was the situation that every Nabi faced. More
details have passed in the discussion of Hadhrat Nooh v.
14. Allah is Beyond All
It was only the obstinacy of the Thamud that led them to reject the message of
Hadhrat Saalih v and their reluctance to forsake the lives of sin that they were
leading. Eventually, they challenged him to display a miracle, which he did.
Thereafter, he warned them not to harm the camel in any way, for that would
signal the advent of a terrible punishment. They people desisted from harming
the camel for while until the worst from amongst them eventually killed her.
Hadhrat Saalih v then told the people that they had only three days to enjoy
themselves before Allaah's punishment arrived. Eventually, Allaah's punishment
came as promised and they were all destroyed because Allaah has no one and
nothing to fear. Describing this in the Qur'aan, Allaah says, "The Thamud rejected
(the message of their Nabi) because of their rebelliousness. (Remember the time) When the
worst of them stood up (to kill the camel) and the Rasool of Allaah (Saalih v) warned them,
"Do not interfere with the camel of Allaah (the camel that Allaah created very specially by
causing it to emerge from a rock) and its drinking." However, they rejected him (his warning)
and killed it (the camel). So their Rabb annihilated them because of their sins and made
their destruction widespread (so that none of them were spared). Allaah does not fear the
71 Surah Furqaan, verse 7.
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consequences (of His actions. Because of His immense wisdom in everything He does and because
of His great power, none can hold Him accountable for anything)" .72
Being the Supreme and All Powerful, Allaah has no fear of any uprising or
vengeance from any quarters because none can challenge Him in any way
whatsoever. Allaah has no worries about the consequences of anything he does
since He is in supreme control over everything. How eloquent and
comprehensive are the words "Allaah does not fear the consequences"?
72 Surah Shams, verses 11-15.
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Sayyiduna Ibraheem V
Khaledullaak Sayyiduna Ibraheem V and Nimrod
Lineage
The Torah cites the lineage of Hadhrat Ibraheem v as follows: Ibraheem, who
was the son of Tarikh, who was the son of Naahoor, who was the son of Sarooj,
who was the son of Ra'u, who was the son of Faalih, who was the son of Aamil,
who was the son of Shaalih, who was the son of Irfikshaad, who was the son of
Saam, who was the son of Nooh v.
This lineage has been mentioned in several books of history as well. While these
books name the father of Hadhrat Ibraheem v as Tarikh, the Qur'aan states that
his name was Aazar. Scholars explain that while Tarikh was his real name, Aazar
was his nickname. The name Aazar is a Hebrew name that means 'Lover of the
idols', which was what he was because he actually made idols.
The famous Mufassir Imaam Mujaahid dil wany (passed away 103 A.H.) stated that
Aazar was really the name of the idol that he worshipped. It was customary in
those days to name children after their idols.73
An Introduction
73 Ibn Katheer.
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Rasulullaah p referred to Hadhrat Ibraheem v as the father of all the Ambiyaa Male
Ll. Even the Qur'aan refers to him as the father of the Deen of Islaam and refers
to as Islaam as the creed of Hadhrat Ibraheem v. Such titles are also mentioned
in some narrations of Bukhaari. When the Sahabah w once asked Rasulullaah p
about the reality of sacrificing animals during the days of Eidul Adhaa,
Rasulullaah p replied, "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibraheem v."
Introducing Hadhrat Ibraheem v in the Qur'aan, Allaah says:
إِنَّ اِبْرَبِيْمَ كَانَ أُمََّّ قَانِتًا لَّهِ حَنِيفًا * وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِنَ (١٢٠) شَاكِرًا لِّأَنْعُمِم ٥* اِجْتَبُهُ وَبَدَهُ إِلَى
صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِمٍ (١٢١) وَ أَتَيْتُمُ فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةَّ ٥﴿ وَ إِنََّّ فِى الْأَخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّلِحِيْنَ (١٢٢) * ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَاً
إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّمَ إِبْرُبِيْمَ حَنِيْفًا ﴿ وَ مَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ (١٢٣)
TRANSLATION: Ibraheem v was certainly a great leader, obedient and Haneef (one inclined
towards the truth and averse to all false creeds). He was (definitely) not from the Mushrikeen. He
was grateful for Allaah's favours. Allaah chose him (to be a Rasool and a special friend) and
guided him to the straight path. We granted him good in this world (he is praised and
respected by people of all religions) and he shall be from the righteous in the Aakhirah. Then
We sent revelation to you (O Muhammad &, instructing you to): "Follow the religion of
Ibraheem that is Haneef (inclined towards the truth and averse to all false creeds). He (Ibraheem
v) was (definitely) not from the Mushrikeen." (These words are repeated to emphasise the fact
that Ibraheem v was neither a Jew nor a Christian as the Jews and Christians claimed. )74
Allaah also states in verse 67 of Surah Aal Imraan:
مَاكَانَ اِبْرُ بِيْمُ يَهُوْدِيًّا وَّلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَكِنْ كَانَ حَذِيْفًا مُسْلِمًا * وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ (۶٧)
74 Surah Nahl, verse 120-123.
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TRANSLATION: Ibraheem v was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was Hanif (one
inclined towards the truth and averse to all false creeds) and a Muslim (subservient to Allaah). He
was never from the Mushrikeen.
Allaah also says:
وَاذْكُرْ فِى الْكِتْبِ اِبْرَبِيْمَ ٥ ٥﴿ إِنَّمَ كَانَ صِدِّيْقًا نَّبِيًّا (٣١)
Mention Ibraheem v in the scripture (the Qur'aan). He was undoubtedly a Siddeeq
(extremely true in his Imaan), a Nabi.75
Verse 51 of Surah Ambiyaa states:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَّيْنَا اِبْرَبِيْمَ رُشْدَةً مِنْ قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا بِم عَلِمِيْنَ (٥١٩)
Before this We had granted Ibraheem v his correct course (keen understanding and guidance)
and We were always Aware of him (We knew that he was worthy of being Our Rasool).
The Torah states that Hadhrat Ibraheem v lived in a place called Ur in
Mesopotamia and belonged to the Faddaan people, who were idol worshippers.
The Bible states that the father of Hadhrat Ibraheem v was a carpenter who
carved wooden idols and sold them to the various tribes at the time. However,
Allaah had granted guidance Hadhrat Ibraheem v from the very beginning. He
75 Surah Maryam, verse 41.
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had always been convinced that since idols have no powers of sight and hearing
and could do no harm or good, how could they ever fulfil the needs of people?
Hadhrat Ibraheem U in the Qur'an
The Qur'aan speaks extensively of Hadhrat Ibraheem v since he also propagated
the same messages as his creed. He is mentioned in 25 Surahs of the Qur'aan
and in 63 verses. These are:
1.
Surah Baqarah, verses 124, 125, 126, 127, 130, 132, 135, 136, 140, 258, 260
2. Surah Aal Imraan, verses 33, 65, 67, 68, 84, 95, 97
3. Surah Nisaa, verses 54, 125, 163
4.
Surah An'aam, verses 74, 75, 83, 161
5. Surah Taubah, verses 70, 114
6. Surah Hood, verses 69, 74, 75, 76
7. Surah Ibraheem, verses 35
8. Surah Nahl, verses 160, 163
9. Surah Ambiyaa, verses 51, 60, 62, 66-73
10. Surah Shu'araa, verse 69
11. Surah Ahzaab, verse 7
12. Surah Saad, verse 45
13. Surah Zukhruf, verse 26
14. Surah Najm, verse 37
15. Surah Mumtahina, verse 4
16. Surah Yusuf, verses 6, 38
17. Surah Hijr, verse 51
18. Surah Maryam, verses 41, 46, 58
19. Surah Hajj, verses 26, 43, 78
20. Surah Ankaboot, verses 16, 31
21. Surah Saaffaat, verses 83, 104, 109
22. Surah Shura, verse 13
23. Surah Dhaariyaat, verse 24
24. Surah Hadeed, verse 26
25. Surah A'laa, verse 19
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The Nation of Hadhrat Ibraheem V
The nation of Hadhrat Ibraheem u were perhaps the first nation that adopted
idol worship as the state religion. It is therefore difficult to find another nation
in history that manufactured and worshipped idols to the degree that these
people did. Hadhrat Ibraheem v was born into this nation where everything was
centred on idols. However, Allaah granted Hadhrat Ibraheem u the true
guidance form a very early age and he realised that the idols were even more
helpless than the people worshipping them.
It was strange for him to see that his father would carve a log of wood in the
morning and then worship it in the evening. He refused to accept this and knew
that the only one worthy of worship was the Supreme Being Who created
everything and cares for them.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Allaah states in verses 51-56 of Surah Ambiyaa:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَيْنَا إِبْرُبِيْمَ رُشْدَةً مِنْ قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا بِمٍ عِلِمِيْنَ (٥١) إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيْهِ وَقَوْمِم مَا بُذِهِ التَّمَاثِيْلُ الَّتِىَ آَنْتُمْ لَهَا
عُكِفُوْنَ (٥٢) قَالُوْا وَجَدْنَا أَبَآءَنَا لَهَا عُِدِيْنَ (٥٣) قَالَ لَقَدْ كُنْتُمْ آَنْتُمْ وَ أَبَاؤُكُمْ فِىْ ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنِ (٥٣) قَالُوا
آَجِئْتَنَا بِالْحَقِّ أَمْ أَنْتَ مِنَ اللَّعِبِينَ (٥٥) قَالَ بَلْ رَّبُّكُمْ رَبُّ السَّمُوتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ الَّذِىْ فَطَرَبُنَّ ٢٥ وَ أَنَا عَلَى
ذُلِكُمْ مِّنَ الشَّهِدِيْنَ (٥٤)
TRANSLATION: Before this (period of Moosa v), We had granted Ibraheem v his correct
course (keen understanding and guidance) and We were always Aware of him (We knew that he
was worthy of being Our Rasool). (Worthy of mention is the time) When he told his father and his
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people, "What are these statues that you are devoted to?" They replied, "We (worship them
because we) found our forefathers worshipping them." He (Ibraheem v) said, "Verily you
people and your forefathers are certainly in manifest error." They said, "Do you bring us
the truth or are you from the jesters (are you serious about what you are saying or are you
merely amusing us)?" He said, "Rather (than worship these idols, you should understand that)
your Rabb is the Rabb of the heavens and the earth, Who has created you (It is He Whom
you should worship). I am of those who bear witness to this."
Preaching to his father
When Hadhrat Ibraheem v realised that the obsession of the people with
worshipping idols and heavenly bodies has completely erased all esteem for
Allaah from their hearts, he took the courage to preach to the people about
worshipping Allaah Alone. Recognising his own home as a focal point of idol
worship because his father carved the people's idols, Hadhrat Ibraheem v
started to preach to his father.
He told his father that the manner of worship that he and his forebears adopted
was misguided and useless. He explained that the idols they worshipped were no
more than toys that could be manipulated as people saw fit, without any will of
their own. How could such helpless objects be of help to anyone? He told his
father that he had been granted a light of guidance, which his father should also
follow to be able to discern the truth from falsehood. He informed his father that
Shaytaan had misled him and he feared that this deception of Shaytaan should
not cause his father to suffer the punishment of Allaah.
Rather than accept this sincere advice, Aazar threatened to stone Hadhrat
Ibraheem v if he did not desist from vilifying the idols. Realising that he needed
to respect his father, Hadhrat Ibraheem u did not behave harshly despite his
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father's harshness. However, it was his duty to deliver the message, so he
politely replied by saying that since he was unable to stop propagating the
message from Allaah, he would have to part ways with his father. However, he
did promise to continue praying that Allaah guides his father.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Verses 41-48 of Surah Maryam relate the incident in the following words:
وَاذْكُرْ فِى الْكِتُبِ إِبْرُبِيْمَ ٥٥﴿ إِنَّمَ كَانَ صِدِّيْقًا نَّبِيًّا (٣١) إِذْ قَالَ لَِبِيْهِ يَأَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا يَسْمَعُ وَ لَا يُبْصِرُ وَ
لَا يُغْنِى عَنْكَ شَيْئًا (٣٢) يَأَبَتِ إِنِّيْ قَدْ جَاءَنِىٌ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَمْ يَأْتِكَ فَاتَّبِعْنِى أَبْدِكَ صِرَاطًا سَوِيًّا (٣٣)
يَأَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ الشَّيْطِنَ * إِنَّ الشَّيْطِنَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمُنِ عَصِيًّا (٣٣) يَابَتِ إِنِّيْ آَخَافُ أَنْ يَّمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِّنَ
الرَّحْمُنِ فَتَكُوْنَ لِلشَّيْطِنِ وَلِيًّا (٣٥) قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنْتَ عَنْ أَلِهَتِئْ يَاِبْرُ بِيْمُ وَّ لَئِنْ لَّمْ تَنْتَمِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ وَابْجُرْنِى
مَلِيًّا (٣٢) قَالَ سَلْمٌ عَلَيْكَ وَّ سَاسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّىْ ب* إِنََّ كَانَ بِى حَفِيًّا (٢٧) وَ اعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ
اللهِ وَ اَدْعُوْا رَبِّئ ◌ْ لّ عَسَى الَّ أَكُوْنَ بِدُعَاءِ رَبِّىْ شَقِيًّا (٣٨)
TRANSLATION: Mention Ibraheem v in the scripture (the Qur'aan). He was undoubtedly a
Siddeeq (extremely true in his Imaan), a Nabi. (Mention the time) When he told his father
(Aazar), "O my father! Why do you worship things (idols) that cannot hear, cannot see and
cannot be of any assistance to you. O my father! Such knowledge (of Nabuwwah) has come
to me that has not come to you, so follow me and I shall show you the straight path (the
path of Towheed that leads to eternal salvation). O my father! Do not worship (serve) Shaytaan
(because the object of worship is to please the one being worshipped and worshipping idols pleases
only Shaytaan, worshipping idols is tantamount to worshipping Shaytaan). Indeed Shaytaan was
ever disobedient to Ar Rahmaan (and therefore deserves no reverence at all). O my father!
Indeed I fear that (because of your idol-worship) a punishment would afflict you from Ar
Rahmaan, after which you would be a friend (companion) of Shaytaan (in Jahannam)." His
father retorted, "Do you dislike (renounce) my gods, O Ibraheem? If you do not stop
(opposing them), I shall stone you. (It is best that you) Leave me forever." (Greeting his father
as he left,) Ibraheem v said, "Peace be on you. (Because Ibraheem v thought that Allaah would
still guide his father, he added,) I shall shortly seek forgiveness from my Rabb on your behalf.
He has always been compassionate towards me. I shall separate myself from you (idol-
worshippers) and from that (idols) which you worship instead of Allaah (I shall physically
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separate from you just as I am spiritually separated from you). Then (being away from you people
and being able to peacefully worship Allaah,) I shall call to (worship) my Rabb. I am hopeful that
I shall not be deprived (of reward and acceptance) in my call (my worship and du'aa) to my
Rabb."
Preaching to the People
When Hadhrat Ibraheem v realised that he getting nowhere with his father, he
started preaching to the members of his family as well as the general masses.
However, the people also preferred to cling blindly to the ways of their
forefathers and refused to accept. Although they could hear, they were deaf to
his message and though sighted they acted blind to the truth he called them
towards. Referring to this situation, Allaah says, "They have hearts with which they
cannot understand (the truth), eyes with which they cannot see (the truth) and ears with
which they cannot hear (the truth). (In fact,) They are like animals, but even more astray
(while animals realise that they should stay away from harm, the Kuffaar rush headlong into
Jahannam because of their behaviour). These are the indifferent (heedless) ones".76
Hadhrat Ibraheem v eventually asked them to inform him why they worshipped
the idols whereas the idols were unable to give neither benefit nor harm. Unable
to reply, the people brushed off the question and said that they preferred not to
delve into the subject, but to rather continue doing that which their forefathers
did.
Hadhrat Ibraheem v then told them that he henceforth declared the idols to be
his enemies and if the idols were able to do anything, they were welcome to do
as they pleased. Although this challenge ought to have stirred some thought in
their minds because the idols were helpless, yet the people resolved not to listen
to Hadhrat Ibraheem v at all.
76 Surah A'raaf, verse 179.
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Allaah narrates the incident in the following verses (verses 69-102) of Surah
Shu'araa:
وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَاَ اِبْرُ بِيْمَ (٢٩) إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيْهِ وَقَوْمِ مَا تَعْبُدُوْنَ (٧٠) قَالُوْا نَعْبُدُ أَصْنَامًا فَنَظَلُّ لَهَا عُكِفِيْنَ (٧١)
قَالَ بَلْ يَسْمَعُوْنَكُمْ إِذْ تَدْعُوْنَ (٧٢) أَوْ يَنْفَعُوْنَكُمْ أَوْ يَضُرُّوْنَ (٧٣) قَالُوْا بَلْ وَجَدْنَا أَبَاءَنَا كَذُلِكَ يَفْعَلُوْنَ
(٧٢) قَالَ أَفَرَ ءَيْتُمْ مَّا كُنْتُمْ تَعْبُدُوْنَ (٧٥) أَنْتُمْ وَ أَبَاؤُكُمُ الْأَقْدَمُوْنَ (٧٢) فَإِنَّهُمْ عَدُوٌّ لِّئْ إِلَّ رَبَّ الْعَلَمِيْنَ
(٧٧) الَّذِى خَلَقَنِىْ فَهُوَ يَهْدِيْنِ (٧٨) وَالَّذِىْ بُوَ يُطْعِمُنِى وَ يَسْقِيْنِ (٧٩) وَ إِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِيْنِ (٨٠)
وَالَّذِى يُمِيْتُنِيْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيْنِ (٨١) وَالَّذِى أَطْمَعُ أَنْ يَّغْفِرَلِىْ خَطِيْنَتِىْ يَوْمَ الدِّيْنِ (٨٢٠) رَبِّ بَبْ لِىْ حُكْمًا وَّ
الْحِقْنِى بِالصَّلِحِينَ (٨٣) وَاجْعَلْ لَّيْ لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِى الْآَخِرِيْنَ (٨٢) وَاجْعَلْنِىْ مِنْ وَّ رَثَةٍ جَنَّةِ النَّعِيمِ (٨٥)
وَاغْفِرْ لِأَبِى إِنَّهَ كَانَ مِنَ الضَّالَّيْنَ (٨٢) وَلَا تُخْزِنِى يَوْمَ يُبْعَثُّوْنَ (٨٧) يَوْمَ لَا يَنْفَعُ مَالٌ وَّ لَا بَنُوْنَ (٨٨)
إِلَّا مَنْ آَتَى اللهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِمٍ (٨٩) وَ أُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ (٩٠) وَ بُرِّزَتِ الْجَحِيْمُ لِلْغُوِيْنَ (٩١) وَ قِيْلَ لَهُمْ
أَيْنَمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْبُدُوْنَ (٩٢) مِنْ دُوْنِ اللهِ ﴿ بَلْ يَنْصُرُونَكُمْ أَوْ يَنْتَصِرُونَ (٩٣) فَكُبْكِبُوْا فِيْهَا بُمْ وَالْغَاوَّنَ (٩٣)
وَ جُنُودُ اِبْلِيْسَ أَجْمَعُوْنَ (٩٥٠) قَالُوْا وَبُمْ فِيْهَا يَخْتَصِمُوْنَ (٩٢) تَاللهِ إِنْ كُنَّا لَفِىْ ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنٍ (٩٧) إِذْ
نُسَوِّيْكُمْ بِرَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٩٨) وَمَا أَضَلَّنَا إِلَّا الْمُجْرِمُوْنَ (٩٩) فَمَا لَنَا مِنْ شَافِعِيْنَ (١٠٠) وَلَا صَدِيْقٍ حَمِيْمِ
(١٠١) فَلَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (١٠٢)
TRANSLATION: Recite to them the incident of Ibraheem v. (Tell them about the time) When
he said to his people and to his father, "What do you worship?" They replied, "We worship
idols and we are devoted to them." He asked, "Do they hear you when you call to them?"
"Or can they benefit or harm you?" (How can you worship such helpless things?) They replied,
"But (we are doing this only because) we found our forefathers doing the same." He said, "Do
you (not) see what you worship; you and your forefathers (Have you not considered your
position carefully) ? They (your idols) are all my enemies (whose worship causes harm instead of
good), except the Rabb of the universe (Allaah, Whose worship brings only good and no harm). (I
therefore worship Only He) Who has created me and Who guides me (to the prosperity of both
worlds), Who feeds me and gives me drink, Who cures me when I am ill, Who will grant me
death and then give me life again (on the Day of Qiyaamah) and Who I hope will forgive my
shortcomings on the Day of Qiyaamah. O my Rabb! Grant me wisdom and join me with
the righteous (enter me in their ranks). Maintain a favourable word for me among those who
are to come (let all people to come after me speak only good of me). And make me from the
inheritors of the bounteous Jannah. Forgive my father, for he is among those who have
gone astray." (Ibraheem v made this du'aa with the hope that Allaah will guide his father to accept
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Imaan. Once a person has died as a Kaafir, it is not permissible to make du'aa for his/her
forgiveness.) Do not disgrace me on the Day (of Qiyaamah) when people will be resurrected,
the day when neither wealth nor sons will be of any benefit (will be unable to save anyone
from punishment) except (that these will be a source of benefit) for him who comes to Allaah
with a sound (pure, sincere) heart (a heart free of Shirk)." (The wealth and children of such a
person can benefit him because he would have used these in Allaah's obedience, thereby earning
reward for this in the Aakhirah.) (On the Day of Qiyaamah) Jannah will be brought close to the
pious (for them to enjoy its sight) while Jahannam will be revealed to the deviant ones (to
add to their misery). They (the Mushrikeen) will be told, "Where are those (gods) whom you
worshipped besides Allaah (in the world) ? Can they assist you or protect you (in any way)?"
They (the idols) will all be thrown headlong into it (Jahannam), together with those gone
astray (the Mushrikeen) and the entire army of Iblees (who misled them). While quarrelling
there (in Jahannam), they (the Mushrikeen) will say (to their idols), "By Allaah! We were
certainly in manifest error when we considered you to be equal to the Rabb of the
universe (and worshipped you). Only the criminals (the Shayaateen and our Mushrik forefathers)
led us astray. Now there is no intercessor for us and no bosom friend either (to save us
from punishment). If only we were given the chance to return (to the world even once). Then
we would be among the Mu'mineen."
Worshipping the Celestial Bodies
The beliefs of idol worshippers are always fluctuating and they always start to
sense fear for anything that they regard as a source of harm. It is for this reason
that one will see people worshipping even animals in the jungle. The people of
Hadhrat Ibraheem v worshipped the stars because they regarded the stars to be
in control of life, death, sustenance, droughts, victory, defeat and many other
matters. They believed that the motion of the stars affected the system of the
universe. As a result, they believed that the stars needed to be pleased at all
times, which could be done only through worshipping them.
These deep-rooted beliefs could to be removed from their hearts very easily.
They even feared saying anything against their idols for fear of incurring the
wrath of the idols, which would annihilate them at any moment. Hadhrat
Ibraheem v used a practical manner of convincing these people of the truth,
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Hadhrat Ibraheem u looked at the stars as they appeared one night. "This is my
Rabb!" he said. However, when the stars disappeared, he declared that he would
not like something with temporary glory to be His Rabb.
When the moon then appeared in its glory, he again declared, "This is my Rabb!"
However, it was not long afterwards that dawn started to break. This time,
Hadhrat Ibraheem u made a statement that negated the divinity of the moon
and also drew the attention to the people to the presence of Allaah. He then
said, "If my true Rabb does not guide me, I shall remain amongst the misguided
ones." This was not all. When the sun then rose as a magnificent torch, he
declared, "This is my Rabb since it is the most glorious!"
However, as the afternoon wore on, the sun started to dim until it eventually
disappeared. This time Hadhrat Ibraheem v exonerated himself of all false
beliefs and declared that things that can rise and set cannot be deities. He said,
"O my people, indeed I am innocent of the things that you ascribe (as partners to Allaah).
Verily, I have turned my face (my devotion and worship) to only that Being Who created the
heavens and the earth, as a Haneef (one who does not incline towards any deviation but inclines
to the straight way, which is the path Allaah sanctions) and I am not from the Mushrikeen".77
The people then grew very angry and started to debate with him and threatened
him with the wrath of their gods. Hadhrat Ibraheem v was not at all frightened
by this and declared that he has no fear for their gods since he has Allaah with
him and Allaah has control over everything in the universe.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
77 Surah An'aam, verses 78/9.
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Allaah describes this entire incident in verses 74-83 of Surah An'aam as follows:
وَ إِذْ قَالَ اِبْرُبِيْمُ لِأَبِيْهِ أَزَرَ آَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامَا أُلِهَةََّّ إِنِّى أَرْسَكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِي ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنِ (٧٣) وَكَذَلِكَ نُرِئ
إِبْرُبِيْمَ مَلَّكُوْتَ السَّمُوتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُؤْقِيْنَ (٧٥) فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ الَّيْلُ رَأْكَوْكَبًا نَّ قَالَ بُذَا
رَبِّي ◌َّ فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَا أُحِبُّ الْأَفِيْنَ (٧٢) فَلَمَّا رَأَ الْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ بُذَا رَبِّي ◌َّ فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِنْ لَّمْ
يَهْدِنِى رَبِّيْ لَأَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الضَّالَّيْنَ (٧٧) فَلَمَّا رَأَ الشَّمْسَ بَازِ غَةَّ قَالَ بُذَا رَبِّيْ بَذَا أَكْبَرُ نَّ فَلَمَّا أَفَلَتْ قَالَ
يُقَوْمِ إِنِّيْ بَرِىءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُوْنَ (٧٨) إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّذِىْ فَطَرَ السَّمُوتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيْفًا وَّمَا أَنَا مِنَ
الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ (٧٩) وَ حَاجَّهَ قَوْمُهَ *قَالَ أَتُحَاجُوْنِّى فِى اللهِ وَ قَدْ بَدَينِ * وَلَا أَخَافُ مَا تُشْرِكُوْنَ بِمْ إِلَّا أَنْ
يَّشَاءَ رَبِّئْ شَيْئًا * وَسِعَ رَبِّيْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا ٥ * آَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُوْنَ (٨٠) وَكَيْفَ آَخَافُ مَا أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُوْنَ
أَنَّكُمْ اشْرَكْتُمْ بِاللهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطٌنًا * فَأَىُّ الْفَرِيْقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِالْآَمْنِ ﴿ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ (٨١) الَّذِيْنَ
أُمَنُوا وَ لَمْ يَلْبِسُوْا إِيْمَانَهُمْ بِظُلْمٍ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمُ الْآَمْنُ وَبُمْ مُّهْتَدُوْنَ (٨٢) وَ تِلْكَ حُجَّتْنَا أَتَيْنُهَاَ اِبْرُبِيْمَ عَلَى قَوْمِم
٥* نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَتٍ مَّنْ نَّشَآءُ ﴿ إِنَّ رَبَّکَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ (٨٣)
TRANSLATION: (Keep in mind the time) When Ibraheem v told his father Aazar, "Do you
take idols (which you yourself make) as your gods? I see that you and your people are
certainly in manifest error." In this manner (as We showed Ibraheem v the error of the ways of
his people) We showed Ibraheem v the kingdoms of the heavens and the earth so that (by
witnessing Allaah's power,) he could become of those convinced (about the Oneness and
greatness of Allaah and pass it on to others). When the night covered him, he saw a star. He
said (to those who worshipped the stars), "Can this be my Rabb?" But when it set (disappeared)
he said, "I do not like things that set (because a Rabb cannot be absent when one needs him)."
When he saw the moon shining, he said, "Can this be my Rabb?" But when it set, he said
(to the people), "If my Rabb does not guide me I shall surely become of those who have
gone astray." (By saying this, he indicated to the people that they were astray and in need of
guidance) When he saw the sun shining he said, "Can this (then) be my Rabb? This is the
greater (than the stars and the moon)!" But when it set he said, "O my people, indeed I am
innocent of the things that you ascribe (as partners to Allaah). Verily, I have turned my face
(my devotion and worship) to only that Being Who created the heavens and the earth, as a
Haneef (one who does not incline towards any deviation but inclines to the straight way, which is the
path Allaah sanctions) and I am not from the Mushrikeen." His people debated with him. He
said, "Do you debate with me concerning (the Oneness of) Allaah, when He has guided me
(to the truth)? I do not fear what (idols) you ascribe as partner to Him, (because they can do
me no harm) unless my Rabb wills something (to harm me, for then it will). The knowledge of
my Rabb surrounds everything (He knows everything). Will you not take heed (and have
Imaan)? How can I fear that which you associate as partners (to Allaah, which can neither do
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