The Story of Ibrahim (AS) “Abraham” and the fire

I seek refuge in Allah (SWT)[1] from the accursed Satan.  In the name of Allah (SWT), the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.  Thanks be to the Lord of the worlds.  Peace and blessings be upon our master, the noblest Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)[2].

We praise Allah (SWT), thank Him, and seek His help, guidance and forgiveness.  We seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from the evil in our souls and the sinfulness of our deeds.  He whom Allah (SWT) guides, is the rightly-guided; but he whom Allah (SWT) sends astray, for him you will find no guiding advocate.

The effect of Prophet Ibrahim's story

First of all, I hope the youth and people who read the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) will in the end feel a greater love and affiliation to Islam, similar to that of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made Islam his main concern in life at the age of 15 and I swear that whoever makes Islam his main concern in life, Allah (SWT) will raise him, generously bless him, love him and make people love him as well.  His tongue will speak freely and he will be a reason for others to become good. All these are achieved once the heart adores Islam and feels loyal to it just like Ibrahim (AS).  This is the story of the 180 years that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) lived.  It is a narration of his heart's love for Islam and obedience to Allah (SWT); and all the youth who are still young can also reach this level of admiration.

Hardships that face the call to Islam

Our Prophet Ibrahim (AS) grew up in a town where all the people worshiped idols.  His father was one of the most severe and stubborn polytheists, who used to make the idols himself and sell them to the people of his town.  He was the one looking after the temples where the idols were kept.  I am narrating this story to tell you that your environment is much easier than that of the prophets.  Islam has spread widely and the number of Muslims is increasing.  At that time, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) never prostrated to an idol, despite his young age and being surrounded by wickedness.  We can infer this from Surat al-Anbiya in which Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah).” (TMQ, 21:51).[3] This means that Ibrahim (AS) was mature from the start, and as I said earlier, there are people who reach the age of maturity when they are 30 years old, while some others may die before reaching maturity.  Legally the age of maturity is twenty-one years.  The meaning of maturity is to be an adult; and because 21 years is the age at which the human is expected to be grown up, Egyptian Law made it the age of maturity [in legal terms, the age of majority].  Unfortunately, the law did not take into account that there will be people who will not reach it by that age, but the Qur’an mentions that when referring to orphans.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And try orphans (as regards to their intelligence) until they reach the age of marriage; if then you find sound judgment in them, release their property to them, but consume it not wastefully and hastily fearing that they should grow up, and whoever (amongst guardians) is rich, he should take no wages, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable (according to his labor). And when you release their property to them, take witness in their presence; and Allah is All-Sufficient in taking account.” (TMQ, 4:6)

What does maturity mean?

Some explanations point out that maturity is intelligence.  What is the highest form of intelligence at which maturity is expected? The highest form of intelligence is al-hidaya (belief in Allah (SWT)).  Evaluate your relation with Allah (SWT) and see whether you are obedient – this will help you to know if you are mature or not.  If you are not obedient then you are not mature yet.  Being obedient does not mean that you do not commit sins, rather you should find out what you do most.  If you are mostly obedient, then you are mature, and if not, then you are not mature, even if you are forty years old.  Those who walk in the streets teasing girls should know that they are in fact still immature.

The beginning stages of Ibrahim's da'wa (missionary activity):

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And mention in the Book (the Qur'an) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily he was a man of truth, a Prophet. When he said to his father, “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?” (TMQ, 19:41-42).

Despite having an atheist and disobedient father who insisted on worshipping the idols, Ibrahim (AS) still called him abati (my father, in a very affectionate form).  He could have called him abi (my father) but the “t” makes the word affectionate.  It also gives it a sense of intimacy as if he is telling him, “I am no one's son but yours.”  It shows his fondness for his father, although he was an idol worshipper.  Today, you find a son saying that his mother is annoying and makes him lose his temper with her.  We have to learn from this story the great morals for the treatment of our parents.

Da'wa of the Family

Let us be frank.  There might be many religious youth with parents who are not similarly religious. They could even be very far away from religion.  Do you care about calling them to religion? Don't you care for your father or sister? If you care about your sister, then instead of arguing with her about not wearing the veil, convince her.  You have to learn from Ibrahim (AS) how to deal kindly with your father.  You do not have to call him abati but just treat him with love and show your feelings towards him.  If you have become religious and want your parents to be like that too, let them feel your love, obey them and learn from Prophet Ibrahim (AS).  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?”(TMQ, 19:42).   He made his start with his father by talking logically.  If your mother does not pray, will you argue with her? Imagine your mother, sister and brother who do not pray.  It will be a big problem if they died in that condition, so you have to worry about the hellfire for them.  Imagine your sister not performing prayers, what do you think the outcome will be? If you have a relative who drinks wine and commits adultery, you are supposed to worry about him, because if he died in such a situation, he will have a problem; and you should be willing to save him.

Plan for the da'wa of the family

I will tell you about a very effective plan.  Do not talk to your family about religion directly for a whole month, rather prove to them your love and try to be closer.  Buy them presents because presents are one of the most effective tools that touch the soul. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, ‘Give presents to each other… and enmity will disappear’[4].  In the long run, the simple and direct presents will have a greater impact than expensive ones.  Among the corrective steps that should be adopted is to ignore most of their mistakes and smile back at them, because Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, “Your smile to your brother is a sadaqa (charity).”  Smile, be loving and affectionate, and never annoy them.  Later you can talk to them logically; for example, if your mother does not pray tell her, “O mother don't you know that there is a door in hell called Saqr especially for those you do not pray? It could be one of the worst places in hell!”  You should talk to her genuinely.  On reading the following Ayat (verses) you feel that the soul of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is the one talking and you feel as if you see his soul, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? O my father! Verily there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path.” (TMQ, 19:42-43).

The second Ayah reveals a high degree of politeness because he did not say, “O father, you are illiterate,” although he actually was; and he did not assume that he had great knowledge while his father had none.  He said nothing about him being more educated and more knowledgeable than his father.  He said what can be translated as, “Verily there has come to me of the knowledge.” Talking in this manner gives an impression that he was a normal person just like his father and that Allah (SWT) offered him that knowledge without him seeking it.  He said “of the knowledge” because he did not want to show off in front of his father the knowledge he had gained.  This is just the opposite of what is done nowadays by some youth; for instance, a boy praying with his father objects that he knows more of the Qur’an and therefore should be the imam (leader of the prayer). That is wrong, because your father should always be the imam even if you know a million more Qur’anic verses than he does.  You should ask him to be the imam unless he insists that you be the imam.  That is why you should never show off in front of your parents and you should avoid announcing that you attend religious lectures which they know nothing about.  You are supposed to be like our Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by saying that you know some knowledge which you would like to share with them.  That is what Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did with his father when he told him, “Follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path.”  Why did he say it in this manner? He wanted it to seem as if he was proposing a matter to his father.  He meant to say, “If we were walking together on a path, which I am more familiar with, wouldn't you follow me?” That is why he said, “Follow me,” as if they were walking in a path.  This is a normal situation which could happen to any one of us, too.  If you are walking with your father on a path which you know better, your father will follow you and there would be nothing wrong in that.

The lesson which we should learn from this point is the politeness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with his father.  Even if you have a father or mother far from Allah (SWT), you have to treat them the same way, with strong affection, gentleness, and grace.  Never show off because of more information you came to know.  It should be said in a very clever manner and wrapped in politeness.

Being dutiful to one's parents

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Verily there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path.” (TMQ, 19:43).

Ibrahim (AS) never spoke to his father except in this manner.  Today you hear the son talking to his father and mother with no respect.  How can you talk to your parents like that? This is a very important point to take care of: being dutiful to one's parents.  An example of such dutifulness was our imam al-Shafa'i.  Whenever he ate with his mother, he used to sit watching her without eating until she had finished, so she used to ask him “Why aren't you eating?”  His answer, despite being very hungry, was, “I will,” but he would not until he was sure that she had eaten enough.  When she asked him why he was doing this, he said, “I fear of becoming disobedient to you if I reach out for a piece of the food that you liked before you do.”

This is a very important issue.  You might be doing a great deal of good deeds yet Allah (SWT) would be angry at you because of your disrespect towards your parents.  You might be sitting in a religious lecture yet Allah (SWT) would be angry at you because your mother is angry at you.  I do not know how a son can abandon his mother for two or three days, or how a daughter can raise her voice over her mother's.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) never spoke to his father without saying abati at the beginning of his conversation because of his high morals.

Warning about the consequences of disobedience to parents

One day an old man came to me and warned me about losing my good deeds.  I asked him what he meant, so he said, “Beware of disobeying your parents because doing so is like a plate with a hole that does not allow you to keep what is on the plate.” Good deeds are lost because Allah (SWT) is not pleased with you for disobeying your parents and He shall never be unless you fix that matter.  Whoever has parents who are upset with him should go and kiss their hands and ask for their forgiveness.  Promise them that you will not anger them again, and will always watch out for Allah's rights when treating them.  One must consider this the peak of worship.  Personally, before giving any lecture I have to phone my mother, reassure her and ask her to pray for me.  We have to please our parents so all our good deeds do not fade away. 

Forms of Satan worship

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “When he said to his father, “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? O my father! Verily there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path. O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily Shaitan has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allah)” (TMQ, 19:42-44)

Was Ibrahim's father from those who worshipped Satan? Of course not, but because he insisted on disobeying Allah (SWT), he was a Satan worshipper.  The insistence on disobeying Allah (SWT) is a form of Satan worship and on the Day of Judgment such a person will be considered as Satan's worshipper.  Would you accept to be one of these people? The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Everyone on the Day of Judgment will be called to stand behind what he worshipped,”[5] meaning that every person will stand behind whomever or whatever he worshipped, for example, you will find someone standing behind his money.

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Perish the slave of the dinar, dirham (two forms of money), qatifa (velvet/expensive cloth), and khamisa (a garment), for if he is given it, he is pleased; otherwise he is dissatisfied.”[6]

You will also find females and males standing behind Satan and they will ask Allah (SWT) why they are standing there although they did not worship him.  Allah (SWT) will answer back saying that all their lives they were listening to what Satan was telling them to do and disobeying Allah's commands.  These are the Satan worshippers who will stand behind him.  Imagine the sorrow in these people’s hearts while standing behind Satan who will be saying, “Woe on me, woe on me, woe on me,” and all those behind him will be repeating the same phrase.  Allah (SWT) will tell them that they will keep repeating it for a long time.  All those young people who do not resist the various sins such as looking at forbidden scenes, or girls not wearing decent clothes, or couples involved in forbidden relationships, or those who do not pray and drink alcohol have to understand that these are all different forms of worshipping Satan.  That is why Ibrahim (AS) was worried about his father and warned him from worshipping Satan.

What is the meaning of the ‘rebel?’

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allah).” (TMQ, 19:44).

What does being a ‘rebel’ mean? It means that there is no hope for him to come back to the right path.  I fear for a Muslim who has been written as a ‘rebel.’ You are considered a rebel when you insist on doing a sin despite getting many opportunities from Allah (SWT) for repentance.  The death of a person you know should have shaken you but you still insist on committing sins, then Allah (SWT) lets you face a crisis which shakes you with fear and yet you still insist on committing sins.  Then He blesses you with a large gift, such as marriage, to guide and rectify you in order to stop sinning and yet you continue to do so.  Only then are you written as a ‘rebel,’ when before you were only considered disobedient!

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Worship not Shaitan. Verily Shaitan has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allah), “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir al-Qurtubi] (TMQ, 19:44-45).

Do you feel Prophet Ibrahim's love for his father? Do you feel his emotions towards him? Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did not hide his feelings towards his father and the proof for this is in his words.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as (Ibrahim (AS) saying), “I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you.” Do you know what these words mean? It means that he cannot bear to have his father’s face to be touched for a moment by the torture of hell.  The word “overtake you” here means just a touch.  Do you feel the extent of the tenderness in these words? You will also notice that he said “torment from the Most Gracious,” and didn't say torture from the Compeller, because he did not want to scare his father.  Always avoid threatening comments such as, “If you die as you are you will go to hell,” when talking to your parents to make them more religious.  Learn from our Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he says, “the Merciful,” to make it easier on his father.

Good choices of verbal expressions

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir al-Qurtubi](TMQ 19:45)

Note that he did not warn his father from being tortured by fire, but being tortured from the Most Gracious.  All this proves that Ibrahim (AS) carefully chose the words to say to his father.  This is a signal to the youth to choose their words in conversations with their parents, because this can lead to big crises.  Note that a look of annoyance to your parents because of a decision they made could be more serious to Allah (SWT) than major sins committed for years.

You should not say or do any disrespectful expression, as was mentioned in the Qur’an.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Say not to them a word of disrespect” (TMQ, 17:23).  I fear for many Muslims who have many sins because of doing such actions unconsciously. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And [you] reckoned it was a simple thing, and in the reckoning of Allah it is a tremendous thing.” (TMQ, 24:15).  Anas Ibn-Malik said, “You are doing acts that in your eyes are smaller than a piece of hair while they were considered as major sins at the time of Prophet Muhammad.”[7]  The issue of obedience to parents is very important and you have to be careful of it.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir al-Qurtubi] (TMQ, 19:45).  Can you talk to your parents in such a gentle manner? Many youth have a problem in talking to their parents in such a gentle way; for instance, a young man is unable to tell his mother, “Without you we are nothing, give me your hands to kiss.”  Can you do this or do you think that this is hypocrisy? No it is not.  Every one of us needs to train on saying such words until it becomes a habit for him and shall then be rewarded for that.  Sometimes the mother and father only expect to hear a gentle word from you; for example, you can tell your father that you are unable to thank him for raising you up and kiss his hands.  Later you will experience the blessings of Allah (SWT).  Scholars claimed that there is a relation between the speed of receiving Allah's blessings and your parent's pleasure.  Once you are pleasing to your parents you should expect a gift on the way to you from Allah (SWT).  The gift could be to become religious or to be blessed with a kind heart or gain money; for girls it could be a good husband.  It could also be getting a good job that makes you settle down and relax for the rest of your life.  Find the blessings through obedience to your parents.  If you feel that your faith has weakened, then try to strengthen it by obeying your parents.  Go kiss their hands and learn from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) the nice words if you don't know any.  If you say they are not used to getting this from you then start gradually. Today you can give them presents, tomorrow a smile, next kiss their hands, then you ask your mother if she would like you to take her anywhere.  Initially she will think you are doing so because you want something from her and this is true.  You want to please her to please Allah (SWT), so that you can enter paradise.  We have to learn that entering paradise is associated with our parents' happiness with us.  The Prophet (SAWS) is the one who taught and told us that paradise is under our mothers' feet.  Unfortunate is the one who dies and his parents are upset with him.  I fear that he would not have any chance to repent and I fear that his end will be tragic.  If night comes and your father and mother are angry with you, don’t think of sleeping even if they are already asleep; wake them up because if they die while being angry at you then you will be in a very bad situation and will need to repent from a major sin that is greater than many others that you may think are more serious.  Disobedience to parents is the fourth greatest sin in Islam.

Fearing the torture of fire

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir al-Qurtubi] (TMQ, 19:45).

Is anyone afraid of being tormented in hell? Do you know that many youth jokingly say that they will enter hell for a couple hours then end up in paradise? Those who say that will truly experience what they say, but have you ever imagined what the breath of fire is like?  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Allah lit it for a thousand years until it reddened then lit it for another thousand years until it whitened, then lit it for another thousand years until it ened and so it has become and dark.”[8]  The word “torment” should really shake you.  Never build your expectations on being in hell for a while, you should always hope that you won’t even hear its sound or even see it at all. Allah (SWT) says in a Hadith Qudsi, “I am as my slave believes I am.”  Allah (SWT) describes the sparks from fire in the Qur’an saying what can be translated as, “Verily, it (hell) throws sparks (huge) as al-qasr (a fort or a huge log of wood)” (TMQ, 77:32).  It means that one spark from hell is as big as a castle.  Can you imagine it from the Qur’anic description? Imagine if it strikes you or if you hear it coming.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “It almost bursts up with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: “Did no warner come to you?”(TMQ, 67:8).  Hell has seventy thousand straps, and every strap is pulled by seventy thousand angels because it is like a monster, if left, it will burn all of humanity.  At the time the prophets will kneel down and say, “O Allah have mercy, O Allah have mercy.”

Our dear Prophet (SAWS) said, “The fire that you light in this world is only one seventieth of the hereafter.”[9] Can you place your hand on a stove for just 15 seconds? If you could, for how many days will you suffer from the consequences, for how many more days will your hand hurt, and how severe will the scar be? Now, what would you say if your entire body was thrown into it?

Our dear Prophet (SAWS) says, “On the Day of Judgment, one of the most well off people that lived will be plunged into Hell and pulled out again and he shall be asked if he had seen any blessings [in his earthly life].  He will answer saying, “No I swear by Allah, I did not see any blessings at all.”[10]

The answer of Ibrahim's father to his son:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (in the Hell-fire).” (TMQ, 19:45). When Ibrahim (AS) told his father these delicate words which are full of compassion and sympathy, his father's answer was what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “He (the father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely (before I punish you).” (TMQ, 19:46).  It means “I will throw stones at you” and “go away from me, I do not want to see you again.”  Imagine! What would your reaction be if you faced such a situation? A young man may be polite while he is presenting his ideas, but he would turn into a wild animal when they are violently rejected.  A girl may try to guide her mother to the right path, however, if her mother repels her in the beginning, the girl would begin to retreat, abandon and leave her mother without trying to convince her again.  After the violent and strict reply he received from his father, Ibrahim’s reply was what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “Ibrahim said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily, He is unto me Ever Most Gracious” (TMQ, 19:47).  Do you know what “Peace be on you” means? It means that Ibrahim (AS) wanted to tell his father, “O my father, you will not be exposed to any harm from me; you will find only good and peace.” 

Brothers and sisters, you should consider your relations with your fathers and mothers.  You should consider Ibrahim's speech and compare yourself to him.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim except him who befools himself? (TMQ, 2:130).  It means that the one who does not follow Ibrahim's religion is a fool.  Nowadays, many girls complain about having very nervous mothers and always being on bad terms with them.  The solution lies in imitating Ibrahim (AS) and being patient.  You should take Ibrahim (AS) as a good example.  That is to say, if a young man does not lose hope, and continues to obey his mother although she is anxious and never feels satisfied with what he does, Allah (SWT) will not punish him for her deeds.  The reason is that since this young man has done his duty and tried to satisfy his mother who is nervous by nature, he will not be considered sinful.  Even if she supplicates against him, he will not be affected and Allah (SWT) will not accept her supplication.  However, Allah (SWT) may accept her supplication if he is disobedient.  I know a young man whose mother supplicated against him saying, “O Allah, punish him.”  He told us that he deserved this supplication.  After three days, he had a terrible accident and entered the hospital.  He was not even capable of breathing and felt as if he was dying.  After that, he recovered and understood that what happened to him was a result of his mother's supplication. 

Brothers and sisters, beware of your parents’ supplication against you.  I beg fathers and mothers not to supplicate against their children lest Allah (SWT) would accept their supplication.  However, you should not be afraid of such a supplication if you have done your duty and satisfied your parents for Allah's sake.  That is to say, Allah (SWT) will not punish you in that case because they are acting according to their nature.

The meaning of hafawa (affectionate, granting many blessings):

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Ibrahim said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you.” (TMQ, 19:47). What is the significance of asking Allah’s for forgiveness? Do you notice that every prophet mentions this word “forgiveness” as a necessity?

By the way, the best time during which you can feel the sweetness of asking Allah’s forgiveness is 15 minutes before dawn prayer as Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “and those who pray and beg Allah’s Pardon in the last hours of the night” (TMQ, 3:17).  While you are saying, “O Allah, I ask Your forgiveness,” you actually feel that your sins are forgiven.  Whenever you say the words “I ask Allah’s forgiveness,” Allah (SWT) will forgive a sin for you.  Praying and asking Allah’s forgiveness in the last hours of the night is one of the habits which the sahaba (companions of the Prophet (SAWS)) kept practicing.  Abdullah Ibn-Omar asked his servant, “O Nafee, is dawn prayer soon?” When the servant replied, “Not yet,” he would continue his prayer, and would keep asking his servant until he answered, “Yes.”  At that time, he would stop praying and sit to ask Allah’s forgiveness.  That is why asking Allah’s forgiveness is at the core of the life of prophets.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Ibrahim said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily He is unto me Ever Most Gracious” (TMQ, 19:47). What does hafeyan mean (this word “Most Gracious” is mentioned in the Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an (19:47))?  This word is derived from the word ‘hafawa’ which means that Allah (SWT) grants you bounties until you feel satisfied, happy and unable to thank Him enough.  When Ibrahim (AS) uttered these words, he was still young.  Do you ever feel Allah’s hafawa towards you? Do you ever feel the features of this hafawa? While I was preparing this lecture, I told someone that I would talk about the meaning of this word ‘hafeyan.’  This person told me, “I have not felt Allah’s hafawa towards me for a long time.” When I told him that Allah (SWT) showers us with His bounties all the time, he said, “I wish I would feel this hafawa strongly.”  Afterwards, while we were on our way to the mosque, he asked me in an impressive way, “Have I become a bad person to the extent that Allah no longer grants me hafawa?”  Then, one of his friends called him on his mobile phone from America to tell him, “I am supplicating for you.”  Afterwards, another friend called him and said, “I dreamt that you were in front of a sea and a voice was calling you, ‘Hurry up, you are from the foremost.  You are from the foremost.  These will be the nearest (to Allah).’ At that point, this person cried because Allah (SWT) answered him so quickly.  This matter is considered as evidence of hafawa.  If anyone thinks carefully, he will discover that Allah (SWT) has granted him much hafawa.  Allah (SWT) may grant a person, who was formerly disobedient, the blessing of performing Umrah (lesser pilgrimage).  A person might hear a word that would be the reason behind his guidance.  Allah (SWT) might guide someone to prepare a religious lesson although he was committing many sins before.  If you think carefully, you will discover that Allah (SWT) has sustained you, helped you to marry and granted you wealth.  All these matters are considered features of hafawa.  We are required to pay attention to such matters and comprehend Allah’s messages to us.  In future, you should search for the signs of Allah’s hafawa towards you.

The tenderness of Ibrahim (AS) towards his father:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Ibrahim said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily He is unto me Ever Most Gracious.  And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call upon my Lord and I hope that I shall not be unblessed in my invocation to my Lord.” (TMQ, 19:47-48).  These Ayat demonstrate a very significant point.  At the beginning, Ibrahim’s father asked him to leave him “get away from me.”  Which is crueler: leaving someone or turning away from him for a while? The latter implies going away for a period of time, but the former means going away never to return.  That is why Ibrahim (AS), being tender, did not say to his father, “I will get away from you.”  Ibrahim (AS) was keen on choosing his words while talking to his father.  Despite his father’s disbelief, he did not address him using the singular pronoun.  He preferred to use the plural form out of respect to his father. 

The last point we are going to tackle in this Ayah is the following׃ Did Ibrahim’s father embrace Islam or not?  Unfortunately, he lived and died as a disbeliever.  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “On the Day of Judgement, Ibrahim will meet his father Azar whose face will be dark and covered with dust. (The Prophet Ibrahim will say to him): “Didn't I tell you not to disobey me?” His father will reply, “Today I will not disobey you.” Ibrahim will say: ‘O Lord! You promised me not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgement; and what will be more disgraceful to me than cursing and dishonoring my father?’ Then Allah will say (to him): 'I have forbidden paradise for the disbelievers.’”[11] Brothers and sisters, do you realize that people enter paradise with no mediation?  Neither Ibrahim (AS) will be able to intercede for his father nor will Muhammad (SAWS) be able to intercede for his uncle Abu-Taleb because they were disbelievers when they died.  The end of Azar’s life makes us feel afraid.  That is why I recommend those of you who have a father, a mother or a sister who do not perform prayer, please beg them and exert your utmost effort in order to make them pray.  They can neglect anything except prayer because it is the most important thing.

The rest of Ibrahim’s story in Surat al-Anbiya:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “When he said to his father and his people: ‘What are these images, to which you are devoted?’” (TMQ, 21:52).  Do you notice that Ibrahim (AS) did not stop guiding his father although he was only sixteen years old?  Brothers and sisters, we should also be protective of Islam.  Do you see how Ibrahim (AS) was attached to Allah (SWT) at this age?  The word ‘devotion’ has two connotations (in Arabic).  One is related to time, and the other to place.  The meaning of ‘devotion’ which is related to place is performing it in a specific place, such as a mosque (the Arabic word for this meaning is itikaf: a particularly commended pious practice consisting of a period of retreat in a mosque.  A person will practice fasting, ritual prayer and recitation of the Qur’an while there).  Were Ibrahim’s people devoted to staying with the statutes day and night?  No, this devotion was profound.  That is to say, they were preoccupied in such matters, day and night.  The same happens nowadays; for example, some girls are devoted to fashion which means that they think of clothes while they are praying.  They are preoccupied only by this issue.  A girl may be devoted to cosmetics, to the extent that when she performs ablution, she does not remove her nail polish.  The result is that the ablution is void and her prayer is void as well.  Imagine! She is ready to abandon the prayer for the sake of her nail polish.  Consequently, the nail polish is more precious than prayer for her.  A man may think about a football match while he is performing prayer.  In addition to this, he may not complete his prayer, if his favorite team scores a goal.  In another example, a businessman may be preoccupied in bargains and deals while he is performing prayer.  Do you realize the meaning of devotion?

Imitating predecessors without thinking:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “When he said to his father and his people: ‘What are these images, to which you are devoted?’” (TMQ, 21:52).  Consider the reply Ibrahim (AS) received from his people.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping them.’” (TMQ, 21:53).  This point is extremely important.  They were doing these deeds only because they found their fathers and grandfathers doing them.  Let me give you a similar example from our own real life.  Celebrating weddings in Islam is halal (permissible).  However, huge money is spent so that people can watch the bride and the groom, eat and dance.  The result is that the bride and the groom get sins and begin their life with these evils.  The cause of all of this is that they found their families doing the same.  Hence, they fear that they might upset their family if they do not celebrate their wedding in such a way.  Brothers and sisters, celebrating weddings is halal and it is nice that both families spend time with the bride and the groom.  However, we should bear in mind the expenses and evils which happen as a result of such deeds.  We should differentiate between these two matters.  Do you see the difference?

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping them.’” (TMQ, 21:53).  Ibrahim (AS), for the first time, told his people in powerful words what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “He said, ‘Indeed, you and your fathers have been in manifest error.’” (TMQ, 21:54).  He was tough with them for the first time because it is absurd for anyone to stop thinking.  When people stop thinking about what is halal and haram (lawful and prohibited), they reach the utmost mental impasse.  What matters for those people is just to imitate their families and friends.  Take for example, some young men flirt with girls just to follow in their friends’ footsteps.  Moreover, a young person may be religious but he is embarrassed to show that to his friends because they are not.  Brothers and sisters, adhere to the Prophet’s approach of being kind if others are kind, and even if they misbehave, never being unjust to others.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?’” (TMQ, 21:55).  This is the reply of Ibrahim’s people.  They started mocking Ibrahim (AS).  However, when Ibrahim (AS) found no response from his father, he did not stop.  On the contrary, he began guiding his people to the right path.  Therefore, the lesson understood from Ibrahim’s behavior is that the same situation may happen to a young man or woman who tries to guide his or her friend to the right path and make him or her close to Allah (SWT), but this friend does not respond.  The solution is that they should not wait for the response forever.  They should search for another friend who may respond and, later on, try with their former friend.  That is to say, some people may not respond the first time.  You should try with them two or three times because they are very distant from Allah (SWT).  Then, the only solution for those people is waiting for the right time when Allah (SWT) sends a message for them.  The message may be a disease, a disaster or the death of a close person.  When people experience such events, they are ready to listen and respond.  The best is the one who avails himself of this opportunity and is the first to go to his friend in order to guide him.  Due to that reason, if you find no response from a certain person, you should not wait for him, because there are many people that need guidance and you want to take thawab (reward in the hereafter) for having guided them.  What matters is that you should not forget your former friend and try to be in touch with him so that you may succeed in guiding him when the appropriate moment comes.

Continuing the call to Allah (SWT):

Let us go back to what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “They said, ‘Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?’” (TMQ, 21:55).  Ibrahim’s people began mocking him because he was still young.  The same thing happens when a young man tries to call his friends to be closer to Allah (SWT).  At that point, his friends begin telling him, “Did you forget what you used to do last year? Do you consider yourself a sheikh because you have attended religious lectures once or twice?” In addition to this, a girl may be told, “What is this hijab (veil) that you are wearing?  What is this nonsense? We are all enjoying our time on the beach while you are not.”  Consequently, some young men and women may change their minds when they hear words like this.  Are you one of those who may change their minds or are you an unshakeable person? Will you change your mind if your friends tease you? Imagine! Some girls may have doubts that wearing hijab is necessary because others tell them that they are still young and that by wearing hijab they will find no suitors to marry them.  Although a girl is convinced that wearing hijab is necessary, she may change her mind and say that she can obey Allah (SWT) without wearing it.  Allah (SWT) does not like such changes.  Due to that reason, Allah (SWT) sometimes causes people to mock us when we become close to Him (SWT) as a test.  This is manifested in what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “Alif-Lam-Mim. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah knows their meanings.].   Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” (TMQ, 29:1-3)

The result of being close to Allah (SWT):

When Ibrahim's people said what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “They said, ‘Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?’” (TMQ, 21:55), his reply was very strong.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and to that I am one of the witnesses.’” (TMQ, 21:56).  Can you imagine how strong he was, although he was only sixteen years old? If you wish to be like Ibrahim (AS), you need to do many things.  First, you should worship Allah (SWT) more.  The more you worship Allah (SWT), the closer you will get to Him.  Due to that reason, you should pray more, perform Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer), recite Qur'an and learn tajweed (recitation of the Qur’an in accordance with the rules of pronunciation and intonation).  Secondly, you should choose good companions.  Beware of bad companions, and of those who are disobedient and far from Allah (SWT).  When you practice all these duties, you will find yourself stronger than before because such deeds are factors that change you for the better. 

Pay attention to what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah, or a nation…..” (TMQ, 16:120).  Ibrahim (AS) was facing a whole country because he was so close to Allah (SWT).  Does your faith enable you to face your neighbors or your friends? You should not shake when anyone mocks you.  Try to be strong and confident.  Consider what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “He said: “Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and to that I am one of the witnesses.” (TMQ, 21:56).  Of what was Ibrahim (AS) a witness? He witnessed that Allah (SWT) is the One who created the heavens and the earth.  Did Ibrahim (AS) see Allah (SWT) creating the heavens and earth? No, it is assumed that one should see with his eyes in order to witness.  Note that we are imitating Ibrahim (AS) in every prayer when we say, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.”  Do you realize the meaning of testifying that there is no God but Allah (SWT) although you have not seen Him? Why do you bear witness? Witnessing is similar to the following matter: when someone goes to court in order to testify, the judge asks him, “Can you bear witness?” He replies, “Yes.”  The judge asks him, “What did you see?” If he had seen with his eyes, his account is accepted, but if he had not seen, his account is unacceptable.  However, the matter is different concerning Ibrahim's witnessing.  He was certainly positive that Allah (SWT) is the One who created the heavens and the earth, as if he saw Allah (SWT) creating them.  We should also have the same certainty when we say, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.”  The required testimony in prayer is not mere words but it is heart-felt certainty.  Therefore when you say at-tashahud (the testimony of faith recited during the Prayer) you should feel it in your heart.

Imagine! Ibrahim (AS) was still sixteen years old when he said this.  Can you love Islam this way? Can you cling to religion like this? You should specify your goals regarding religion.  What do you want? Do you want to marry, eat, drink, and have children and money, then die? Is it possible that Allah (SWT) has created you solely for these reasons? When you make Islam your cause, Allah (SWT) will make you happy in this life and in the hereafter.  You should hope that Allah (SWT) is pleased with you and that all people love Allah (SWT).  Your cause should be to make people love Allah (SWT) because you love Him.  At that time, your cause will be like that of Ibrahim's.  Moreover, Allah (SWT) wants you to be like this, and the secret behind all this is certainty.

Here is another example of certainty.  Once, a disagreement occurred between a Jew and the Prophet (SAWS) over a shield that was in the Prophet’s possession.  The Jew claimed that the shield belonged to him.  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The shield is mine.”  The Jew asked, “Do you have any witnesses?” The Prophet (SAWS) asked, “Who can witness?”  Abu-Khuzaima, one of the sahaba, said, “I bear witness that the shield belongs to the Prophet (SAWS).”  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Did you see that it is mine?” The companion replied, “I believe that Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) is revealed to you from Allah.  How can I disbelieve that the shield is yours!”  Do you feel this certainty within your heart?  The meaning of certainty is exemplified in the previously mentioned verse.  However, when some girls wear hijab and go to seaside summer resorts, their resolve is shaken because people mock them.

Being honest with Allah (SWT):

Allah says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and to that I am one of the witnesses.’” (TMQ, 21:56).  Allah (SWT) also says what can be translated as, “And by Allah, I shall plot a plan (to destroy) your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.” (TMQ, 21:57).  When you hear that Ayah, you feel that Ibrahim (AS) was in a state of excitement out of his pride for Islam.  Have you ever felt this pride for Islam? “And by Allah” is a strong vow, by Allah (SWT).  How many times did you swear by Allah (SWT) that you are committed to follow the right path? Did you fulfill your commitment? Ibrahim (AS) fulfilled it.  Ibrahim (AS) did indeed fulfill it.  Due to that reason, when you make an oath to Allah (SWT), you should fulfill it.  Be true to your covenant with Allah (SWT); a covenant with Allah (SWT) must be accomplished.  Be sure that if you were honest with Allah (SWT) at a certain moment, Allah (SWT) will answer everything you asked for then.  An example; a man came to the Prophet (SAWS) and embraced Islam.  Then, he took part in a battle with the Prophet (SAWS).  When his share of the booty was sent to him, he shuddered and asked, “What is it?” They replied, “It is your share of the booty.”  He said, “By Allah O messenger of Allah, I did not follow you for this reason.  I followed you in order to be martyred by the piercing of an arrow here,” he said pointing to his neck.  This man was in a moment of truth.  On the next day, there was a battle in which this man was martyred by an arrow in his neck where he had pointed.  When the Prophet (SAWS) knew about it, he asked, “Is it he?” They replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”  The Prophet (SAWS) expressed his wonder and said, “He was honest with Allah so Allah answered him.”[12]  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And by Allah, I shall plot a plan (to destroy) your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.” (TMQ, 21:57).  Do you feel the excitement of Ibrahim (AS) in this word “I shall plot a plan?” We will follow up with what happened afterwards in Surat as-Saffaat.  Then, we will go back to follow up the story in Surat al-Anbiya in order to tell the story in its chronological order.

The plan of Ibrahim (AS) to get rid of the idols:

In Surat as-Saffaat, we find that Ibrahim (AS) made a plan in order to get rid of the idols and to fulfill his oath to Allah (SWT).  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then he cast a glance at the stars. And he said: “Verily, I am sick. So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease)” (TMQ, 37: 88- 90).  What does this mean, and what exactly happened? There was a festival, during which all the people used to go to the gardens in order to eat, drink, go for walks, and play.  They used to leave the temple which was far away from the gardens.  It was normal for all the people to go to the gardens, and it was normal as well for Ibrahim (AS) not to wish to go with them.  However, had he not gone with them, they would have felt that there was something wrong. “Then he cast a glance at the stars” means that he began to think about how he could not go with them without raising their suspicion.  Right now, I would like to ask you a question: do you ever plan for the sake of Islam? Do you ever think of a way to help your friend get closer to Allah (SWT)? Have you ever thought of participating in a project for orphans? Have you ever thought of a way that would make your friends love faith? Has your thinking ever been focused on this idea to the extent that you were unable to either eat or drink?

Brothers and sisters, Allah (SWT) will guide whoever loves and contemplates for Islam.  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Abu-Bakr did not excel you by virtue of frequent prayers and fasting; rather he excelled you by virtue of something (i.e. faith) that dwells in his heart.”[13]  What he had engraved in his heart was pride for Islam and his being keen to guide people to it.  Abu-Bakr said about himself, “I swear by Allah, I have not slept and dreamt, neither did I forget nor lose track but I am on the path and I have not gone astray.”

This is what Ibrahim (AS) did when he thought of guiding people.  He kept thinking about how he could guide his people to the right path.

Brothers and sisters, I feel annoyed when I find that non-Muslims succeed in their life because of earnestness which our young people may lack.  Take for example, Charlie Chaplin was a very special person.  Regardless of our disagreement with him, he wrote in his diaries how he achieved his success.  He said, “When I go to sleep, I put a paper, a pen and a recorder beside my bed.  Then, I turn the light off.   If any new idea occurs to my mind during the night, I get up and write it.  Many ideas cross my mind because of my interest.”  This was the reason behind the success of this person.  Allah (SWT) never wastes the effort of anyone, and any person who works will be rewarded; be it in this life or in the hereafter.

Your awareness of the problems of Islam:

Let us go back to Surat as-Saffaat. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then he cast a glance at the stars. And he said, ‘Verily, I am sick.’ So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease)” (TMQ, 37:88- 90).  I would like to ask you a question: Did Ibrahim (AS) lie? Was he sick? No, he was not.  Why did he say “I am sick?” Ibrahim (AS) did not lie.  He was really sick because he was afraid for his people.  He used a pun.  Do you feel ill because of the conditions of Muslims? Do your eyes shed tears because of what happens in Palestine? Do you feel ill because of the state of the Aqsa mosque? Can you imagine that when Ibrahim (AS) said this, he was still sixteen years old! He felt sick because he cared only for Islam.

The Prophet (SAWS) narrated a Hadith which is one of the Musalsalat (i.e. the Hadith is followed by an action that the Prophet (SAWS) did in the original tradition, e.g. a smile).  It means that the Prophet (SAWS) smiled after narrating this Hadith.  Due to that reason, when a companion narrated this Hadith afterwards, he smiled at its end.  This matter shows the precision of the sahaba in narrating Ahadith.  A narrator might not want to smile at the time of narrating this Hadith, but he smiles only because the Prophet smiled at the end of its narration.  This Hadith continued to be narrated until it reached Nour el-Deen Mahmoud, Salah el-Deen's professor.  Nour el-Deen Mahmoud was teaching jurisprudence and Ahadith.  He taught Salah el-Deen this Hadith and smiled at the end of the narration.  Once, Salah el-Deen narrated this Hadith without smiling in al-Azhar mosque where he used to give lessons regularly.  Hence, Nour el-Deen Mahmoud asked him, “Why did you not smile?” Salah el-Deen said his famous sentence, “How can I smile while the Aqsa mosque is captured?” At that time, Salah el-Deen was in his thirties.

This applied to Ibrahim (AS).  He did not want to go for a walk with his people because he was sick for the sake of Islam.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And he said: ‘Verily, I am sick.’ So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease” (TMQ, 37:89- 90).  It means that all his people turned away from him.   We should imitate Ibrahim (AS).  You should not get angry if everyone cares only about playing.  If a girl finds that nobody cares about anything important, she should not get angry, because the same thing happened to Ibrahim (AS) when all his people left him alone.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly.” (TMQ, 12:103)  You cannot guide all people because it is not possible and you should know this fact.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's Path.” (TMQ, 6:116) and “those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few...” (TMQ, 6:116).  Believers are always few so you should not get angry or be afraid.  You should know that victory and truth will be for the believers in the end because Allah (SWT) will certainly support them.

Love for Islam:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then they turned away from him, withdrawing.” (TMQ, 37:90). Then, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So he went apart to their gods; then he said, 'Will you not eat?' How is it with you that you do not pronounce (a word)?" (TMQ, 37:91-92). “So he went apart to” indicates that Ibrahim (AS) was very eager to accomplish what he had in mind at that point in time as fast as he could.  Why did he talk to them? Could they understand him? Of course not, and he knew that.   He was mocking them; he did that out of his love for Islam.  He was very proud of Islam.  Here I would like to ask you again, do you really love Islam with this kind of sincerity? At the beginning I said something and here I am saying it again; whoever truly loves Islam and cares about it should rest assured that Allah (SWT) will honor him/her and glorify him/her amongst all people.  Such examples are the girl who sheds a tear out of her keenness to show her friend the righteous way, or the man who feels happy just because he helped a friend of his to find the way to Allah (SWT) should be sure of Allah’s reward. 

I would like to tell you about my personal experience; ten or fifteen years ago I was unable to recite the Qur’an properly or with tajweed.  I was not even able to read a book like Riyad al-Saliheen (selected traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)).  I cannot forget the day when someone asked me, "Why should we pray at the mosque?” At the time, I searched my mind trying to find a Hadith that affirms the obligation (for men) to pray at the mosque but I could not find one.  At the time, I knew little religious information. 

More than once, I’ve been asked how I became capable of preaching, but I believe that what I know is still little.  It was Allah’s will to give me the ability to know some information, and then convey it to people.  Sometimes, I even ask myself, “How did this happen in such a short time?” The answer is: my love for Islam from my early youth is the reason for what I am now.  Of course I made errors. However, eventually, my love of Islam made me keen to stimulate the youth, and to let them know that if they loved Islam they would feel the changes that would affect their lives.  Their struggle against sins will become much easier.  Only then will they be strong and attached to Allah (SWT). Their love for Islam will be part of them, a part that is more than a mere physical prayer.  Keep in mind that there are two types of people.  The first is one who preserves his prayers, yet he has no sense of attachment to Islam; like a girl who is veiled, yet she is not attached to Islam.  The second type feels that he is absorbed by Islam; hence his actions show this clearly, just as you can see in what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “So he went apart…” (TMQ, 37:91-92).

Our Predecessors’ Explanations

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So he went apart upon them (i.e., their idols) striking with his right hand." (TMQ, 37: 93).  The word “right hand” symbolizes strength, which means he was exerting all his efforts. 

At times, when I was reading the sayings of the sahaba (companions) of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), I found that their sayings had the same meaning as that of Prophet Ibrahim’s.  Take for example, ‘I will die and Islam will be honored’; he who said this phrase meant that he won’t die until Islam is utterly honored.  Nobody knows his time, of course, but he just meant that he would do his best in order to glorify Islam.  Oqba Ibn-Nafi’ (the famous Muslim commander) once said while standing on the Atlantic shore, staring at the vast ocean “O sea, I swear by Allah, If I knew that there was land behind you, I would have crossed you to let the inhabitants of that land worship Allah.”  He said that after his long journey, leaving from Madinah to conquer Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.  He said that phrase because he was still not satisfied with what he had accomplished, and it was also out of his love for Islam.

Back to Surat al-Anbiya (The Prophets), Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So he made them into scraps, except a great one they had, that possibly they would return to it." (TMQ, 21: 58).  The word “scraps” implies that not only did he break the idols, but also that he had shattered them into tiny pieces.  Someone may ask, “Can we do as Ibrahim did—when he broke the idols—if we see something forbidden?” Of course not, this would also be forbidden.  We are requested to call to Allah (SWT) kindly; we cannot do as Ibrahim (AS) did for two reasons: Ibrahim (AS) did that because he was living amongst disbelievers, but nowadays people in our countries are believers.  That is why any sabotage you may commit is forbidden, for Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) prohibited us from doing so.  Second, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) himself did not do that; it was not his way to commit such acts.  Although he was living amongst disbelievers, he did not break the idols surrounding the Holy Ka’ba. 

Here we should learn an important thing; predecessors' laws are applied to us as long as they were not abrogated.  I mean that predecessors’ laws are applied to us Muslims as long as Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) did not refuse it.  In regards to breaking idols, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) himself circumambulated the Ka’ba for 13 years after his prophecy although it was surrounded by 360 idols, yet he did not topple any of them.  Consequently, nowadays we are not allowed to follow anything except the Prophet’s path.  Likewise, Abu-Jahl killed Sumaya (RA), yet no one could retaliate against him.  What's more, at that time Makkah had some houses upon which red flags were hung.  A red flag meant that that house was a place for prostitution, yet none of the sahaba ever interfered.  This is what Islam is about, calling people to Allah (SWT) with love, kindness and gentleness, then leaving the consequences to Allah (SWT), for Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “decidedly (your duty) is nothing except the proclamation of (the Message)” (TMQ, 42:48).  This means that your duty is just to help others find the way, not to force it upon them.   

Rational behavior:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So he made them into scraps, except a great one they had, that possibly they would return to it.” (TMQ, 21: 58).  Why did he leave one idol? He had a plan, though he was only a sixteen-year-old boy.  That means that he was not doing it out of rage or loss of control, otherwise he would have broken all of them.  On the contrary, he was very much in control.  From that, we should learn something; don’t ever lose your temper should you see anything forbidden taking place.  You have the right to feel angry, yet you must control your temper.  Sometimes, a young man says, “I was outraged because my sister was wearing tight cloths, so I hit her.”  Let me tell you something.  Maybe you feel angry, but you have no authority to hit your sister; it is your parents’ responsibility, while yours is only to advise and help her.  You should learn from Ibrahim (AS) and how at such a young age he was in control of what was happening after he had broken the idols.  Now we can understand the meaning of this Ayah where Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And indeed We already brought Ibrahim aforetime his righteous (judgment ;) and We were Knowledgeable of him.” (TMQ, 21: 51)

Ibrahim (AS) broke all the idols, and then hung the axe he used on the biggest idol’s neck.  Ibrahim (AS) had two virtues: strong emotions to Islam and rationality.  Nowadays, the youth have a problem with one of these two virtues.  They are either intellectually mature with hearts not full of strong emotions for Islam, or vice versa.  We need youth who have both virtues, love for Islam and intellectual maturity: youth who know how to help people and how to help them love Islam; youth who read often in order to become enlightened and to become useful to others; youth who learn how to be skillful in order to be distinguished amongst people; youth who know how to be successful and have a good occupation so that they are able to influence people when they talk to them about religion.  I am sincerely asking you; do not leave this lecture with a strong emotion towards Islam, looking forward to doing anything for the sake of Islam, yet irrational.  No, we need both virtues together, like Ibrahim (AS).  After he had smashed the idols except the biggest on whose neck he hung the axe, he returned home and went to sleep.  In the morning his people went to the temple, and they saw their idols smashed to pieces.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Who has performed this with our gods? Surely he is indeed of the unjust.’” (TMQ, 21: 59).  Can you imagine how mad the whole village was then? They started to ask, “Who did this to our gods while we were all out?” They realized that Ibrahim (AS) was the one, because not only did Ibrahim (AS) not go out with them, but he was also talking against their worship of idols.  Therefore, they gathered that he was the one they were looking for.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘We heard a young man making mention of them; he is called Ibrahim.’” (TMQ, 21: 60). “A young man” can you see this phrase? He was young then, almost 16 or so.  “He is called Ibrahim” implies that he was not famous; he was just an ordinary young man.  Anger was flaring up then.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Then come up with him (i.e., bring him) before the eyes of the multitude, that possibly they would testify.'”(TMQ, 21: 61).

You can imagine how they brought him, no doubt shackled, beaten, his hair messed up, and his clothes torn.  The place was overcrowded and he was pushed here and there.  Nevertheless, he was standing firm and confident of what he had done.  “Before the eyes of the multitude”, this phrase means they wanted to insult, ridicule and laugh at him in front of the whole city.  They wanted to insult him before all people to scare him.  Can you imagine that Ibrahim (AS) had faced all this while you feel shy to tell your friends that you don’t want to approach girls indecently, or you feel shy to wear the veil?  Can you imagine Ibrahim’s situation at the time, being so young and facing the whole city?

Facing the consequences

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘We heard a young man making mention of them; he is called Ibrahim’” (TMQ, 21: 60).  They started to try him; it was a fake trial, of course.  They were mad at him.  Listen to what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “They said, ‘Is it you who performed this with our gods, O Ibrahim?’” (TMQ, 21: 62).  If you were in Ibrahim’s situation, how would you feel? Maybe you would be crying, apologizing and begging them to forgive you, promising that you would not do that again. 

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘No indeed, it was this great one of them that performed it; so, ask them in case they (can) pronounce (a word).’” (TMQ, 21: 63).  A strange yet confident reply, is it not?  This is the sweetness of the Qur’an.  When you live with the Qur’an, wholeheartedly, you feel as if it is talking to you and that you are more confident.  I mean after this lecture, for example, would you be able to go and approach girls indecently? No, you should be confident just like Ibrahim (AS).  His reply was a proof of his confidence in Allah (SWT) although Ibrahim (AS) was young.  He was an obedient slave to Allah (SWT).  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘No indeed, it was this great one of them that performed it; so, ask them in case they (can) pronounce (a word).’” (TMQ, 21: 63).  He was logical, so this was their response: Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So they returned one to another (and) then said, ‘Surely you yourselves are the unjust.’” (TMQ, 21: 64).

His people were shocked at the time.  Sometimes, when we hear someone attacking Islam and accusing it of being old-fashion and backward, we feel shocked.  Imagine that such a person met a sixteen-year-old boy who told him that Allah (SWT) is the One Who created us and that He is the eternal owner of this whole universe, and we all must obey Him, whatever He orders.  You should know that the natural disposition is so simple, so do not be shy or feel vulnerable, because your evidence is rational.  There is nothing like obedience to Allah (SWT).  You should trust in Allah (SWT) as one Ayah could answer all the philosophies attacking Islam; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Verily, to Him (belong) the creation and the command." (TMQ, 7: 54).  It means that He Who created this universe should be obeyed.  With this simple reason, Ibrahim (AS) answered his people, though he was on his own.  Can you imagine that this young man overcame thousands?  With the same simple reasoning you can, kindly and tenderly, ask your friend whom you wish to help, “Why don’t you pray? You know that your life is no more than 60 or 70 years, don’t you?” Surely he will answer yes.  Then ask him, “You know that after your death you will return to Allah (SWT), don’t you?” “Yes,” will be his reply.  Then, remind him of paradise and hellfire, ask him to imagine himself standing before Allah (SWT), after his carelessness in life, and ask him what he will do then.  Of course “I don’t know,” will be his reply.  After that, he will start thinking of doing something about it now.  This is the simple way that addresses human nature, the same as what had happened with Ibrahim’s people. 

“So they returned one to another,” means that they never had turned to themselves or reconsidered their doings before.  How many times do we turn to ourselves then forget all about it again?  Some people never turn to themselves unless they listen to a religious lecture; afterwards they forget about the reconsideration until they listen to another lecture.  Let me tell you something: if you feel no change after listening to these lectures, you are wasting your time. 

Keeping a protective eye on Islam and feeling affiliated with it:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So they returned one to another (and) then said, ‘Surely you yourselves are the unjust.’  Thereafter they were made to relapse (into idolatry), (saying), ‘Indeed you already know that these (can) in no way pronounce (a word).’” (TMQ, 21: 64-65).  According to the previous Ayah you could gather that no sooner had they turned to themselves, starting to recognize their false conceptions, then they returned to their stubbornness again.  The word "relapse" means that they were turned upon their heads. This indicates that they dismissed the truth for the falsehood and said to Ibrahim (AS) that which Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Indeed you already know that these (can) in no way pronounce (a word).” (TMQ, 21: 65).  What an ironic thought!  Nevertheless, we ourselves sometimes think in the same way.  A young man sometimes says, “I don’t pray, I have girlfriends; I do know that Allah (SWT) can see me, yet I can’t repent, and I won’t repent!” Even if someone were to advise him, he would refuse, saying, “Don’t talk to me about repentance; I’m upset about this issue!” This is just the same as what Ibrahim’s people did.  Not only did they turn back on themselves, but also they confessed disbelief in these idols.  However, they still insisted on worshiping them. 

Ibrahim (AS) could not stand it any more; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘Do you then worship, apart from Allah, that which does not profit you anything nor harms you? Fie upon you and upon whatever you worship apart from Allah! Do you then not consider?’” (TMQ, 21: 66-67).  Can you understand Ibrahim’s feelings when he said, "Fie upon you."  When I recite Surat al-Anbiya I really think, “if only all Muslims would keep a protective eye on Islam, just like Ibrahim did.”  I really wish that we all prayed to Allah (SWT) to keep our love for Islam safe and to keep us caring for it, just as Ibrahim (AS) did.  Being concerned with Islam is the only thing that keeps us from sinning and makes us feel attached to Allah (SWT) and to Islam.  The youth are full of enthusiasm; if this passion were directed towards the uplifting of Islam, Islam’s position would have been much better.

Listen to Ibrahim (AS) –the sixteen-year-old boy—facing his people, saying, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Fie upon you and upon whatever you worship apart from Allah! Do you then not consider?” (TMQ, 21: 67).  You should know that Ibrahim (AS) had been through all this during his youth.  Ibrahim’s great days are spread throughout his life.  I’m telling you this, all youth, let Islam be the foundation of your life.  Again I’m telling you, Allah (SWT) will honor you, enlighten your mind, let you know more about Islam, give you the right tools to use, glorify you amongst people and make people love you and listen to what you say, all because your main concern is to make people love Allah (SWT). 

It was mentioned in al-Athar (old writings) that after the death of one of the tabe’een (knowledgeable people who came after the Prophet’s companions) came in someone’s dreams.  That person asked him, “What has Allah done with you?” He replied, “He questioned me harshly.  I was so terrified; I thought that I was done for, nevertheless, I happened to remember something, so I said, ‘O, Allah, I showed people how to love you.’”  Hence, Allah (SWT) said, “My slave, I forgive you.”  Be careful, this is not from the Sunnah; it is just from al-Athar, which may be true or not.  However, he who works for the sake of Allah (SWT) and shows people how to love Allah (SWT) is the winner, for then, his job would be to show people the path of Allah (SWT).

The final verdict

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said, ‘Do you then worship, apart from Allah, that which does not profit you anything nor harms you? Fie upon you and upon whatever you worship apart from Allah! Do you then not consider?’” (TMQ, 21: 66-67).  Here, the trial was halted, for they recognized that if they were to talk to him with reason, surely they would be defeated; so, they gave their verdict.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Burn him away and vindicate your gods, in case you are performing that.’” (TMQ, 21: 68) They closed their minds, for after they confessed that those idols do not even speak, again they said "vindicate your gods." Therefore, be careful of your minds, otherwise you may lose your reason and go after your whims just as those people did.  In Surat as-Saffat, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Build him a structure, (and) then cast him in the Hell-Fire.’” (TMQ, 37: 97).  Do you know the meaning of “a structure” in this context? It is not merely a pit; it is a huge pit, in which an enormous blazing fire was lit.  It was a huge building; some say that it took four months to build.  They did not want to get rid of him out of vengeance only, but because they were enraged by him and his faith, it was malice. 

Trust in the Ultimate Trustee

The whole city worked on that structure for four months.  Did anybody think about the whereabouts of Ibrahim (AS) at the time? He was imprisoned.  What was he doing? He was saying nothing but “Allah suffices me, for He is the best disposer of affairs.”  This phrase does not mean that he was asking Allah (SWT) to avenge him against his people.  It means that he was putting all his trust in the Ultimate Trustee.  As if he was saying, “O Allah, do whatever You Wish, for I am all Yours.” This is the meaning of the name of Allah (SWT) al-Wakeel, the Ultimate Trustee.  Can you ultimately trust in Allah (SWT) like Ibrahim (AS) did?

Take for example, going to the Registry Office, and telling the officer that you want to entrust someone with your money.  The officer will ask you then, “Do you really trust him?” You would reply, “Yes.”  However, how can you trust a mere human being, yet not trust in Allah (SWT)?  You should put all your trust in the Ultimate Trustee.  Ladies, I’m telling you this, don’t worry about your daughters, for Allah (SWT) will keep them safe.  Just sign the contract of authorization and say ‘Allah suffices me, for He is the best disposer of all affairs.’ Say, “O, Allah I’m entrusting You with all my affairs, I’m all Yours, do as You wish;” just say it and you will see.  Ibrahim (AS) was not afraid of entrusting Allah (SWT), hence He saved him.  The Ultimate Trustee means that He is the Disposer, by His mercy, of His slaves’ affairs.  Hence, He would never leave them to be harmed.  If you entrust Him, He will never let you down.  Even if you were harmed, be assured that you will be blessed afterwards, for the Ultimate Trustee would never let His slaves down.

The structure was built and everybody contributed to its construction, even the women.  They used to say, “If my son is cured, I will help to build it.”  The structure was completed, and the fire was lit.  Nevertheless, this structure was not inside the city.  It was in the dessert; they feared that if they built it inside the city, the city may be incinerated too, for it was a huge structure.  Can you imagine how big it was? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then they came forward to him in a hurried procession” (TMQ, 37: 94).  They all hurried to him in a procession to put him into the fire, insulting him and calling him names, yet he never said but one phrase “Allah suffices me, for He is the best disposer of all affairs.”  He went through all this while he was no more than a sixteen-year-old boy.  This story should be a symbol for the youth who says, “I want to find the right path to Allah, but I can’t stop committing sins.” Another one says, "I’m religious, yet sometimes my spirituality decreases.”  To them, I say, keep this story in mind, hold on and do as Ibrahim (AS) did.

Ibrahim’s execution

Thousands of people from the city took Ibrahim (AS) in order to throw him into the fire.  It was mentioned that if a bird was to cross over that structure, it would fall down dead into the fire.  It was also mentioned in al-Athar–not the Sunnah—that the angel responsible for rain said, “O Allah, grant me Your permission so that I can extinguish the fire,” but Allah (SWT) said, “No, it is only I Who will save him.” Allah (SWT) is the Ultimate Trustee.  You worry about how to earn your living, I’m telling you, never be worried, as long as you put your trust in Allah (SWT) and do your best in life.  Women, if you are having problems with your husbands, never worry, just trust in Allah (SWT).  Jobless youth, trust in Allah (SWT).  Try to learn a craft, or take computer courses and be sure that Allah (SWT) will never fail you. 

As the fire was blazing, the people were afraid that whoever goes to throw Ibrahim (AS) in to the fire will also be caught in it.  They postponed his execution until they brought a type of catapult or a military engine that was used to hurl its contents over long distances (usually stones).  They used it to throw Ibrahim (AS) into the fire.  Before they threw him they had made trials using wood, throwing it into the fire to be assured that when they later put Ibrahim (AS) in it he would fall right into the fire.  Those trials were made because they feared that he may not fall into the fire and be burnt, can you imagine? They were sure, now, that as soon as they catapulted him from the catapult, he would fall into the fire and burn.  People cheered for their idols, insulting Ibrahim (AS) while they were putting him in the catapult.  Then, Jibril (AS) came asking Ibrahim (AS), “Is there anything that I can do for you?” He replied, “I need nothing from you. It is only Allah (SWT) to whom I turn and supplicate, for His knowledge of my situation suffices me.”

Can you see? He had signed the contract with Allah (SWT), not with Jibril (AS).  The catapult flung Ibrahim (AS), who was shackled, into the fire.  People shouted cheers.  They were excited, thinking that Ibrahim (AS) would die.  Watchfully, they stood there waiting for the fire to be put out, so that they could then see what had happened to Ibrahim (AS).  They decided to leave and come back a few days later to check what had happened to Ibrahim (AS).

Ibrahim’s best days:

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Build him a structure, (and) then cast him in the Hell-Fire.’” (TMQ, 37: 97).  Allah (SWT) also said what can be translated as, “We said, ‘O fire, be coolness and peace upon Ibrahim!’” (TMQ, 21: 69).  If Allah (SWT) had said, “be coolness” without saying “and peace”, Ibrahim (AS) would have died of cold; can you see the divine mercy?  Did not Ibrahim (AS) say about Allah (SWT), what can be translated as, “Surely He has been Ever-Hospitable to me.”? (TMQ, 19: 47)

Ibrahim (AS) stayed three days in the fire, unharmed.  It was only his chains that had melted from the fire’s heat.  Much later, when Ibrahim (AS) was dying, he was asked, “O Ibrahim, tell us about the best of times you lived.” Ibrahim (AS) replied, “The days during which I was in the fire.”  “How is that?” he was asked again.  “Allah was feeding and giving me drink from paradise,” he replied.

Now you can see that no harm can befall you unless it is accompanied by a mercy, although you do not recognize it.  You should learn an important thing.  No matter what people say or do, it is Allah’s will that matters, for it will take place by any means.  See the difference when they say throw him into the blazing fire, but Allah (SWT) said what can be translated as “O fire, be coolness and peace upon Ibrahim!” (TMQ, 21: 69).

Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) teaches us how to be satisfied only by Allah (SWT):

On the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported: “One day, I was riding behind the Prophet (SAWS) when he said, ‘Boy, I will instruct you in some matters.  Be watchful of Allah (Allah’s commandments) and He will preserve you.  Safeguard His rights, He will be ever with you.  If you beg, beg of Him alone, and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah alone for help.

“And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except with that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined
against you.  The pens have been lifted and the ink has dried.’”[14]

He who ordered the knife not to hurt Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael) is the One who ordered the whale to swallow Yunus (AS) (Jonah) yet not to kill him.  The whale just kept him inside itself until it took him to the coast.  Allah (SWT) is the One who ordered the sea to split when Musa (AS) (Moses) touched it with his stick.  Whatever properties anything may have, it is not effective unless the All-Creator orders it.  Neither the knife cuts nor the sea drowns by itself; it is all done by Allah’s orders.  We are not the only worshippers of Allah (SWT).  Knives, fire, animals and jinn, they are all Allah’s servants.  I say this to women who fear the jinn.  Be sure that they are as much a servant to Allah (SWT) as you are, so seek your heaven from the Sovereign.

Therefore, what had happened to Ibrahim (AS) was, by all means, a divine miracle.  Three days later, Ibrahim (AS) came out of the fire, unshackled and with a smile on his face.  People were astonished, asking, “How did he make it?” However, still none believed in him.   Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then Lu‍t (Lot) believed him” (TMQ, 29: 26). Glory be to Allah (SWT), the Almighty.

Next time, by Allah’s will, we will talk about Ibrahim’s marriage to Sarah and his migrations.