Topic: The story of Abraham.

[dnasims]

I read a story from a book about Islam, and it had a story of Abraham destroying all the Idols in father’s house. 

This was done because Abraham believed in only one G_D.  As this book pointed out this made Abraham a Christian before Christians existed.  A Muslim before there where Muslims, and a Jew before there where Jewish.


I found this story very interesting and was wanting to read more about it, however even though book referred to Gen. 1:12.  I could not find it.

I thought well it was Islamic book so I looked in Quran and still could not find it.

Does any one know where I can find this story?

Salam
Dan Sims

[Ummkulthum]

Allaah says of His slave and Close Friend (Khaleel) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning):

“99. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!”

100. “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.”

101. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

102. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allaah). So look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, In shaa’ Allaah (if Allaah wills), you shall find me of As-Saabiroon (the patient).”

103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allaah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);

104. We called out to him: “O Ibraaheem!

105. You have fulfilled the dream!” Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers).

106. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.

107. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram);

108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

109. “Salaam (peace) be upon Ibraaheem!”

110. Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers).

111. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

112. And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaaq (Isaac) ¾ a Prophet from the righteous.

113. We blessed him and Ishaaq (Isaac). And of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.” [al-Saaffaat 37:99-113)

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Allaah tells us that when His Close Friend (Khaleel) Ibraaheem migrated from the land of his people, he asked his Lord to grant him a righteous son, so Allaah gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. This was Ismaa’eel (peace be upon him), because he was the first child who was born (to Ibraaheem, peace be upon him). There is no dispute on this point among the followers of the various religions [Jews, Christians and Muslims], that (Ismaa’eel) was the first child born to Ibraaheem.

“And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him” means, when he grew up and was able to take care of himself, like his father. Mujaahid said: “And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him” means, when he grew up and was able to ride and walk and work like his father did. When this happened, then Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) saw a dream in which he was commanded to sacrifice this son of his. According to a hadeeth narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas and attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The dreams of the Prophets are Wahy (revelation).” So Allaah was testing His Close Friend by commanding him to sacrifice this beloved son who had come to him in his old age, when he was very old, and after he had been commanded to settle the child and his mother in the desert, in a valley in which there was no noise, no people, no vegetation and no animals. So Ibraaheem obeyed the command of Allaah and left them there, putting his trust in Allaah, and Allaah sent them provision, from an unexpected source. After all that, when Ibraaheem was ordered to sacrifice this son of his, who was his firstborn and his only child, he responded to his Lord and obeyed His command, hastening to do as He willed. So he told his son about it so as to put him at ease and not sacrifice him by force.

“He said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allaah). So look what you think!’” The forbearing boy immediately responded: “He said: ‘O my father! Do that which you are commanded, In shaa’ Allaah (if Allaah wills), you shall find me of As-Saabiroon (the patient).’” This was the best answer he could give, an example of obedience to his father and to the Lord of mankind. Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allaah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering).” It was said that “when they had both submitted themselves” meant when they had both surrendered to the command of Allaah. “and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead” means that he put him face down. It was said that he wanted to slaughter him from behind so that he would not see his face at the time of slaughter. This was the view of Ibn ‘Abbaas, Mujaahid, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, Qutaadah and al-Dahhaak… “They both submitted themselves” means that Ibraaheem said Bismillaahi’r-Rahmaan ir-Raheem and said Allaahu akbar and the boy said La ilaaha ill-Allaah because he was about to die. Al-Saddi and others said that (Ibraaheem) passed the knife over the boy’s throat but it did not cut him at all. It was said that a sheet of copper was placed between the knife and his throat, and Allaah knows best. Then it was called out from Allaah:

“’O Ibraaheem! You have fulfilled the dream!’” meaning, the purpose has been achieved, you have been tested and your obedience and willingness to do what your Lord commands have been proven. An alternative sacrifice will be provided instead of your son, just as you willingly submitted your body to the flames and you spent your wealth to honour your guests. Hence Allaah said:

“Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial” meaning that it was an obvious test.

“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice” means, We provided a ransom for his son, an alternative to be sacrificed in his stead. According to the best known opinion of the majority of scholars, this was a fine white horned ram. Al-Thawri narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Khaytham from Sa’eed ibn Jubayr that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: It was a ram that had grazed in Paradise for forty years.

It was also narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the dried ram’s head was still hanging on the downspout of the Ka’bah. This alone is evidence that the one who was to be sacrificed was Ismaa’eel, because he was the one who was settled in Makkah and we have never heard that Ishaaq ever came to Makkah from the time he was little. And Allaah knows best.

See Al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah by Ibn Katheer, 1/157-158

The one who was to be sacrificed was Ismaa’eel and not Ishaaq, because of the reasons stated above. In his Tafseer (commentary) on these Ayaat, Ibn Katheer also mentioned a number of points which prove that it was Ismaa’eel who was to be sacrificed. These points may be summed up as follows:

Ismaa’eel was the first child of whom glad tidings were given to Ibraaheem. He was older than Ishaaq according to the consensus of the Muslims and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). According to the scriptures of the People of the Book, it was stated that Allaah commanded Ibraaheem to sacrifice his only son, and in some manuscripts it says that he was to sacrifice his first-born son.

The first son is usually more dear than other children, so the command to sacrifice him is a more exacting test.

It is mentioned that glad tidings of a forbearing boy were given, and that he was the one who was to be sacrificed. Later in the passage it says (interpretation of the meaning): “And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaaq (Isaac) ¾ a Prophet from the righteous.” When the angels brought the glad tidings of Ishaaq to Ibraaheem, they said: “We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom” [al-Hijr 15:53 – interpretation of the meaning].

Allâh said (interpretation of the meaning): “But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaaq, and after him, of Ya’qoob.” (Hood 11:71) meaning that a child called Ya’qoob would be born during their (Sara and Ishaaq’s) lifetimes, and he would have many descendents… and it does not sound right for Ibraaheem to be commanded to sacrifice him when he was little, because Allaah had promised that he would have many descendents.

Ismaa’eel is described here (in Soorat al-Saffaat) as being “forbearing” because this is very appropriate in this context.

Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/15.

Hope this helps.

[Sami Yusuf Islam]

may God bless your heart and eyes Ummu

[Mazhar]

The first son is usually more dear than other children, so the command to sacrifice him is a more exacting test.

It is mentioned that glad tidings of a forbearing boy were given, and that he was the one who was to be sacrificed. Later in the passage it says (interpretation of the meaning): “And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaaq (Isaac) ¾ a Prophet from the righteous.” When the angels brought the glad tidings of Ishaaq to Ibraaheem, they said: “We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom” [al-Hijr 15:53 – interpretation of the meaning].
Allâh said (interpretation of the meaning): “But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaaq, and after him, of Ya’qoob.” (Hood 11:71) meaning that a child called Ya’qoob would be born during their (Sara and Ishaaq’s) lifetimes, and he would have many descendents… and it does not sound right for Ibraaheem to be commanded to sacrifice him when he was little, because Allaah had promised that he would have many descendents.

This may cause a little confusion. Time of occurrence needs to be kept in mind. When sacrifice is being offered he has only one son, whom he got in response to his own request/prayer. Ismail alahissalam was born much earlier than Ishaq alaihissalam.
He was born much later; after the destruction of people of Lut alaihissalam.

[Ummkulthum]

This may cause a little confusion. Time of occurrence needs to be kept in mind. When sacrifice is being offered he has only one son, whom he got in response to his own request/prayer. Ismail alahissalam was born much earlier than Ishaq alaihissalam.
He was born much later; after the destruction of people of Lut alaihissalam.

Thank-you for the 'elaboration'.

[Sami Yusuf Islam]

thank you Mazhar for the kind clarification. MashaaAllah, you are a wonderful member to have on talkaboutislam.

[dnasims]

Thank you for this information it is great, however I am talking about a story where Abraham went into his father’s house and destroyed all Idols.  He did this because there was only one god, which made him the first Muslim, or Christian or Jew.

Salam
Dan Sims

[Sami Yusuf Islam]

Thank you for this information it is great, however I am talking about a story where Abraham went into his father’s house and destroyed all Idols.  He did this because there was only one god, which made him the first Muslim, or Christian or Jew.

Salam
Dan Sims

you are apparently totally lost and need help ...........

let us go one step at a time.

[Ummkulthum]

Thank you for this information it is great, however I am talking about a story where Abraham went into his father’s house and destroyed all Idols.  He did this because there was only one god, which made him the first Muslim, or Christian or Jew.

Hi Dan Sims,

Although this was not what you were looking for, hopefully it was of benefit to you. I've now realised that you were specifically looking for the part of Ibrahim's-(peace and blessing be upon him) life where he went and broke the idols. Here is what I've found for you, hope this helps.

Ibrahim and the idols

They had a festival which they celebrated once every year, going out of their town. Ibrahim's father asked him to attend it, but he said that he was ill, not feeling very well-"and then he cast a glance at the stars; and said: 'I am sick.'" (37:88-89). Ibrahim alluded in his speech, so that he could humiliate their idols and support the religion of Allah, the Religion of Truth.

When they went for their festival and he found himself alone in town "he turned to their gods" (37:91). 'Ragha' means that he hurried towards them hiding himself. He found them in a magnificient surrounding, with foods of every kind as offering to them, so he said to them in derision: "Why do you not eat? What is the matter with you that you do not speak? And he turned upon them smiting them with his right hand" (37:91-93). He smashed them with an axe and: "he broke them into pieces, except the biggest of them, that they might return and see it" (21:58). It is said that he hung the axe in the hand of the biggest of their gods to demean it. When they returned from the festival, they discovered what had befallen upon their gods. "They said: 'who has done this to our gods? surely he is one of the most unjust'" (21:59).

There was a clear evidence in this if they had a mind to undersatnd. were they true gods, they would not have suffered this humiliation and this mantling of themselves, and they would have certainly defended themselves to whoever wanted to harm them. but because of their ignorance and persistence in thier deviation, they said: " whos has done this to our gods?" (21:59)

"They said:'we heard a youth speaking about them, and he is called Ibrahim.'" (21:60). he spoke about them in derision and degradation. he is the one who done this and broke them into pieces. but according to what ibn Mas'ud said earlier that he spoke to them openly, it meant that he was the one who threatened them by saying: "and by Allah, i shall surely outwit your idols after you have gone away."(21:57)

"They said:'bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may bear witness.'"(21:61). They said: bring him in our assembly infront of all people, so that they all could hear what he says and witness the occasion. And also observe what punishment we might decide to inflict upon him. This was the main purpose of Ibrahim pbuh that all people could come in one place, and so he could fulfill his duty and mission by refuting their false practice of worshipping idols. Just as Moses said to Pharaoh when he said:

"Your appointment is on the day of the festival of adornment, and let the people be assembled at high noon." (20:59)

When they gathered and bought Ibrahim, they asked him: "have you done this to our gods, o Ibrahim?' He said:'It was the biggest of them that did it. So ask them if they are able to speak.'" (21:62-63). It is said that he meant that it was the biggest of thes idols who provoked me to break them into pieces. What Ibrahim wanted to draw there attention to was the fact that their gods could not even speak, so they could recognise that they are nothing but inanimate being.

"Then they turned to their own conscience and said:'Surely, you are yourselves unjust.'" (21:64). They started lamenting themselves by saying: You yourselves were wrong when you left your gods alone unprotected. "Then they were confounded with shame." Qatadah said:People were taken by bewilderment and shame and so they bowed their head and said:"surely you know that they do not speak." (21:65). You know better, Ibrahim, that they do not speak so how could you ask us to question them? so this was the moment when Ibrahim put his question: "Do you then worship other then Allah something that can niether benefit you nor harm you? Fie upon you and what you worship other then Allah, do you have no sense?" (21:66-67).

Allah said: "so they came to him hastening. He said:'do you worship what you have carved?'" (37:94-95). How could you worship idols that you have carved out, by your own hands, from stones and wood, and given them shape? "And god has created you and what you make." (37:96). What it meant is: you are creatures and these idols are creatures, so how could a creature worship another creature? Your worship of them is not more derserving than their worship of you. This is false, because worship belongs only to Allah, Who is the Creator, without any partnership of anybody or anything.

"They said: 'Prepare for him a furnace and cast him into the blaze.' They devised a plot against him, but We made them the one most humiliated." (37:97-98).     

The story further goes on...however, this is the section i have stated here for you, hope this helps.

This information was derived from the following book: Stories of the PROPHETS (peace be upon them) p.144-146. Imam Imaduddin Abul-Fida Isma'il. Ibn Kathir, Darussalam  publication.

[Mazhar]

Thank you for this information it is great, however I am talking about a story where Abraham went into his father’s house and destroyed all Idols.
They had a festival which they celebrated once every year, going out of their town. Ibrahim's father asked him to attend it, but he said that he was ill, not feeling very well-"and then he cast a glance at the stars; and said: 'I am sick.'" (37:88-89). Ibrahim alluded in his speech, so that he could humiliate their idols and support the religion of Allah, the Religion of Truth.

When they went for their festival and he found himself alone in town "he turned to their gods" (37:91). 'Ragha' means that he hurried towards them hiding himself.

Sorry Sister I could not find when and where were you talking about the episode of breaking idols.
What have you stated is based on myths frequently spread. There is no mention that anyone had invited Ibrahim alaihissalm for a so called festival and he avoided it by the excuse of 'not feeling very well'.

Please read the entire episode without missing some of the ayat. Read 37:86-90
In 37:86 it is told that Ibrahim alaihissalm is addressing a group of young people after sun set and darkening of the night and asked them that do they like/pursue to have imaginary Illaha other than Allah? and then in 37:87 it is told that he asked that group of young people as to what was their opinion about the Sustainer Lord of Worlds?

There was no response. Therefore he looked spreading his eys into the stars and on their remaining dumb said "I am fed up"
As a sequel to his showing annoyance that group of people turned and left him, as is told in 37:90