The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 32)

Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan

The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 32)

The Kindness of Ebrahim (PBUH) in Calling His Father to Monotheism

In examining the conversation between Prophet Ebrahim (PBUH) and his father, subtle but meaningful details emerge that give us a better understanding of the personality of Ebrahim (PBUH) and the way he called for monotheism:

1. The Gentleness and Tolerance of Ebrahim (PBUH): One of the most prominent features that is evident in this conversation is the unparalleled patience of Prophet Ebrahim (PBUH); even when he is faced with his father’s stubbornness and disbelief, his tone and words are full of kindness and compassion. He never uses harsh or derogatory words; rather, he calls his father to the right path with the utmost courtesy and respect. This manner of dealing not only demonstrates the spiritual greatness of Ebrahim (PBUH); but is also considered a model for the way to call to religion and guide others. The Holy Quran portrays this gentleness in precise and captivating terms that demonstrate the peak of Ebrahim’s eloquence in expressing the truth.

2. Being truthful before being a prophet: Allah Almighty’s description of Ebrahim as a truthful and prophet is very thoughtful. The precedence of the word “Siddiq” (truthful) over “Nabi” (prophet) clarifies a key point: Ebrahim, before he attained the position of prophet hood and received divine revelation, was a person of perfect honesty and truthfulness among his people. He was trusted and respected by everyone because of his good morals, trustworthiness, and keeping his promises. This inherent honesty became the basis for accepting his call after prophet hood. In other words, people first recognized his honest and trustworthy personality and then were ready to accept his mission. This shows that sincerity and inner purity precede position and status, paving the way for greater influence in guiding others.

These aspects of the character and manner of the Prophet Ebrahim (MABH) teach us valuable lessons: how to spread the truth with gentleness and honesty, even in the face of the stubbornest opposition.

The reaction of Azar, Ebrahim’s father, to his son’s call

Despite the great kindness and politeness of Ebrahim (PBUH) in calling his father, and despite addressing him as “My dear father” to arouse his fatherly feelings, we see that Azar, Ebrahim’s father, responds to all this kindness with cruelty, violence, ruthlessness, and threats.

After hearing his son’s words, Azar said: “قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنتَ عَنْ آلِهَتِی یا إِبْراهِیمُ لَئِن لَّمْ تَنتَهِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ وَاهْجُرْنِی مَلِیاً“. Translation: “(Ebrahim’s father became angry and) said: Will you turn away from my gods, O Ebrahim? If you do not desist (from this act of monotheism and blasphemy against idols), I will surely stone you. Go away from me for a long time (until my anger and hatred subside, and I do not take your blood)”. [1]

This means: O Ebrahim, will you turn away from my gods and abandon me in full? If you do not stop mocking my gods and advising me to abandon their worship, I will surely stone you with stones and keep you away from me for a long time. [2]

He declared with all emphatically that if Ebrahim did not turn from his path, his fate would be fulfilled in the future (I will certainly stone you to death). And as a guarantee of this determination and emphasis, he announced the decision to separate and break off long-term relations: (And stay away from me for a long time). That is, there will be no conversation, no socializing, and no place in my house for you, and there will be no trace of love or kindness or goodness for you in my heart.

He announced two punishments for Ebrahim (MABH): the first was immediate, which was expulsion from the house, homelessness, and exile; and if this did not work, the second was in the future, which was stoning to death.

It is not surprising that such a thing should befall Azar, the father of Ebrahim (MABH); because disbelief or polytheism had made his heart like a rock; in fact, even a rock is softer than him. Allah the Almighty says: “وَإِنَّ مِنَ الْحِجَارَةِ لَمَا یتَفَجَّرُ مِنْهُ الأَنْهَارُ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا یشَّقَّقُ فَیَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ الْمَاء وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا یهْبِطُ مِنْ خَشْیةِ اللّهِ وَمَا اللّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ” Translation: “And there are some rocks from which rivers gush forth, and there are some that split open and water gushes forth, and there are some that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.” [3]

This verse shows that even stones humble themselves before the greatness of Allah, but the hearts of the disbelievers have become so hardened.

Ebrahim’s reaction to his father: The height of politeness and patience

In the face of the violence and cruelty of his father, Azar, Prophet Ebrahim (MABH) adopted his divine and educational policy. He, who was an example of a righteous believer and a role model in dealing with his parents, responded with the utmost calmness, patience and openness.

“Peace be upon you.” This short but profound word contains several messages:

1. Ending the argument respectfully: By saying “Peace be upon you,” Ebrahim (MABH) implicitly showed that he was refusing to continue the fruitless argument with his father, who had no desire to hear the truth; but this ending of the argument was accompanied by respect and good wishes, not with anger and rage.

2. The pinnacle of righteousness: Ebrahim (MABH) remained true to his moral principles despite his father threatening to stone him and cast him out. This act demonstrates the highest degree of righteousness and filial piety of a child towards his parents, even if the parents are in error. This attitude is a practical manifestation of the verse of the Holy Quran which says:

“وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلى أَن تُشْرِكَ بِی مَا لَیسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِی الدُّنْیا مَعْرُوفاً” Translation: “If they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them.” (Because in matters of beliefs, disbelief, and faith, it is not permissible to follow one another, and the relationship with Allah takes precedence over the relationship between a person and his parents, and the belief of a school of thought is superior to kinship feelings. But at the same time,) treat them in this world in a manner that is worthy and appropriate.” [4]

Ebrahim (MABH) rejected obedience to polytheism, but continued to keep good and kind company.

3. Prayer and wish for health and guidance: “Peace be upon you” can also mean a prayer for the health and salvation of the father. By these words, Ebrahim (PBUH) continued to hope for his father’s guidance in the depths of his being and asked for peace and health for him.

This reaction of Ebrahim (MABH) is a clear example of the patience, wisdom, and insight of a prophet who does not give up his moral and divine principles even in the most difficult circumstances and treats his opponents, especially his family, with the utmost respect and kindness.

Continues…

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References:

1. Maryam: 46.
2. Muhammad bin Ahmad Al-Ansari, Al-Qurtubi, Al-Jameh Le Ahkam al-Qur’an, vol. 11, p. 111.
3. Al-Baqarah: 74.
4. Luqman: 15.