إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِۦ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ 70
Translations
When he said to his father and his people, "What do you worship?"
Transliteration
Idh qala li-abīhi wa-qawmihi mā ta'budūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) addressing his father and people with a direct question about their religious practices and beliefs. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Ibrahim's question serves as an introduction to his rational argument against idolatry, demonstrating the prophetic method of engaging people through dialogue and inquiry rather than immediate condemnation. The question 'What do you worship?' is foundational to Ibrahim's call toward monotheism, challenging them to reflect on the irrationality of worshipping lifeless idols.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan chapter that recounts the stories of various prophets and their struggles against polytheism. The passage specifically narrates Ibrahim's confrontation with his father Azar and his community regarding their idol worship. This context is part of the broader Quranic narrative illustrating how prophets employed wisdom and dialogue in their da'wah (call to faith).
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain numerous hadiths about Ibrahim's monotheistic mission. Notably, the hadith in both collections describes Ibrahim as 'Khalil Allah' (the Friend of Allah) due to his unwavering commitment to the message of tawhid despite familial opposition.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that effective da'wah begins with sincere questioning and understanding others' beliefs, encouraging Muslims to engage in respectful dialogue rather than dismissive condemnation. It reminds us that even when facing resistance from loved ones, the pursuit of truth and calling people to the worship of Allah alone remains a noble and necessary obligation.