وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ مِّمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ 26
Translations
And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship
Transliteration
Wa-idh qala Ibrahim li-abih wa-qawmih innanee bara'un mimma ta'budun
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) declares his complete disassociation and innocence from the idolatry practiced by his father and people. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this statement represents Ibrahim's firm rejection of polytheism and his commitment to monotheism, marking a pivotal moment in his prophetic mission. The phrase 'bara'un mimma ta'budun' (I am free from what you worship) emphasizes the total separation between true faith and false worship, establishing that a believer cannot partially accept or remain silent about idolatry.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a Meccan surah addressing the polytheistic practices of the Quraysh. It presents Ibrahim's historical confrontation with idolatry as a precedent and exemplar for the Prophet Muhammad and his followers facing similar rejection of monotheism in Mecca. The broader context of Surah Az-Zukhruf uses Ibrahim's example to demonstrate the consistency of the divine message throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (6482) mentions the Prophet's statement about disassociating from those who practice shirk (polytheism), echoing Ibrahim's principle. Additionally, the Quran itself references Ibrahim's declaration in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), emphasizing the permanence of this principle in Islamic theology.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere faith requires clear disassociation from falsehood, even when it conflicts with family or society, and that believers must not compromise on fundamental religious principles for the sake of social harmony. It reminds us that following truth sometimes demands courage to speak against deeply rooted cultural practices, serving as inspiration for maintaining Islamic conviction amid opposition.