قَالُوا۟ حَرِّقُوهُ وَٱنصُرُوٓا۟ ءَالِهَتَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ فَـٰعِلِينَ 68
Translations
They said, "Burn him and support your gods - if you are to act."
Transliteration
Qalū harriqūhu wansurū ālihatkum in kuntum fāʿilīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Babylon command one another to burn Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and to aid their gods if they truly possessed power. This verse demonstrates the irrational fury and desperation of those who rejected the message of tawhīd (monotheism), as they resorted to violence rather than engaging with Abraham's logical arguments against idolatry. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this represents the typical response of those whose hearts are sealed against truth—they choose destruction over reflection.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Abraham's confrontation with his people over idol worship, which occurs within Surah Al-Anbiyā's broader discussion of the prophets and their struggles. The context shows Abraham's public denouncement of idolatry, leading the community to collectively decide to punish him through fire, illustrating the persecution prophets faced when challenging societal norms.
Related Hadiths
The story of Abraham's trial by fire is referenced in Sahih Bukhari (3335) where the Prophet Muhammad mentions Abraham as one of the most patient and steadfast of messengers. Additionally, Surah Al-Anbiyā 21:69 directly follows this verse describing Allah's protection, referenced in various collections including Tirmidhi regarding the miraculous nature of this event.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that truth often provokes violent resistance from those invested in falsehood, yet the believer's role is to remain steadfast in conveying the message, trusting in Allah's ultimate protection and justice. It teaches that rational argumentation against evil may be rejected, but perseverance in faith and reliance on Allah transcends worldly threats.
Related Ayahs
وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلذِّكْرِ أَنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ
And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention that the land [of Paradise] is inherited by My righteous servants.
وَإِنْ أَدْرِى لَعَلَّهُۥ فِتْنَةٌ لَّكُمْ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
And I know not; perhaps it is a trial for you and enjoyment for a time."
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.
أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ ءَالِهَةً ۖ قُلْ هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَـٰنَكُمْ ۖ هَـٰذَا ذِكْرُ مَن مَّعِىَ وَذِكْرُ مَن قَبْلِى ۗ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ فَهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ
Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muḥammad], "Produce your proof. This [Qur’ān] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away.