فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ ٱقْتُلُوهُ أَوْ حَرِّقُوهُ فَأَنجَىٰهُ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ 24
Translations
And the answer of his [i.e., Abraham's] people was not but that they said, "Kill him or burn him," but Allāh saved him from the fire. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
Transliteration
Famā kāna jawābu qawmihi illā an qālū aqtulūhu aw harriqu-hu faanjāhu Allāhu mina n-nāri inna fī dhālike la-āyātun liqawmin yu'minūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the response of his people when he called them away from idolatry—they threatened to kill or burn him. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Allah miraculously saved Ibrahim from the fire they kindled, transforming it into coolness and safety. The ayah emphasizes that this miraculous deliverance contains clear signs (āyāt) for those who truly believe, demonstrating Allah's protection of His messengers and the falsehood of idolatry.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-'Ankabut, a Meccan chapter that extensively discusses trials and tests faced by prophets. The context illustrates the persecution Ibrahim faced from his idolatrous people when he rejected their gods, leading them to threaten him with death by fire—an event referenced multiple times in the Quran as a test of faith and divine protection.
Related Hadiths
The story of Ibrahim's trial by fire is referenced in various hadith collections. Imam Al-Bukhari reports that Ibrahim was thrown into fire, and this event is mentioned in connection with the virtue of patience in trials. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned Ibrahim among the most patient messengers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that steadfastness in faith despite intense persecution will result in Allah's protection and deliverance, and that recognizing the signs of Allah's power and mercy is central to true belief and spiritual growth.