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
وَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْهِمْ فِعْلَ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَإِقَامَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَإِيتَآءَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةِ ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا عَـٰبِدِينَ
And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakāh; and they were worshippers of Us.
وَلُوطًا ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا وَنَجَّيْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَت تَّعْمَلُ ٱلْخَبَـٰٓئِثَ ۗ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمَ سَوْءٍ فَـٰسِقِينَ
And to Lot We gave judgement and knowledge, and We saved him from the city that was committing wicked deeds. Indeed, they were a people of evil, defiantly disobedient.
وَمَا جَعَلْنَا لِبَشَرٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ٱلْخُلْدَ ۖ أَفَإِي۟ن مِّتَّ فَهُمُ ٱلْخَـٰلِدُونَ
And We did not grant to any man before you eternity [on earth]; so if you die - would they be eternal?
لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَآ ءَالِهَةٌ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا ۚ فَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
Had there been within them [i.e., the heavens and earth] gods besides Allāh, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allāh, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.