prophet abraham lot

8/14/2019 prophet abraham lot

1/80

PROPHET ABRAHAM(pbuh) and

PROPHET LOT

(pbuh)

HARUN YAHYA

February, 2005


2/80

!n"en"#

B!!$ %&

IntroductionProphet Abraham (pbuh)

Characteristics of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) Tribe

Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) Religion

Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) Pleasing Moral Values

B!!$ 2&

Prophet Lot (pbuh)

Prophet Lots (pbuh) Life

Conclusion

The eception of !"olution


3/80

T! "he Reader

A special chapter is assigned to the collapse of the theor# of e"olution because this theor# constitutes thebasis of all anti$spiritual philosophies% &ince ar'inism reects the fact of creationand therefore* +od,s

e-istenceo"er the last ./0 #ears it has caused man# people to abandon their faith or fall into doubt% It is

therefore an imperati"e ser"ice* a "er# important dut# to sho' e"er#one that this theor# is a deception% &ince

some readers ma# find the chance to read onl# one of our boo1s* 'e thin1 it appropriate to de"ote a chapter to

summari2e this subect%

All the author,s boo1s e-plain faith$related issues in light of 3ur,anic "erses* and in"ite readers to learn

+od,s 'ords and to li"e b# them% All the subects concerning +od,s "erses are e-plained so as to lea"e no doubt

or room for 4uestions in the reader,s mind% The boo1s, sincere* plain* and fluent st#le ensures that e"er#one of

e"er# age and from e"er# social group can easil# understand them% Than1s to their effecti"e* lucid narrati"e*

the# can be read at one sitting% !"en those 'ho rigorousl# reect spiritualit# are influenced b# the facts these

boo1s document and cannot refute the truthfulness of their contents%

This and all the other boo1s b# the author can be read indi"iduall#* or discussed in a group% Readers eager

to profit from the boo1s 'ill find discussion "er# useful* letting them relate their reflections and e-periences to

one another%

In addition* it 'ill be a great ser"ice to Islam to contribute to the publication and reading of these boo1s*

'ritten solel# for the pleasure of +od% The author,s boo1s are all e-tremel# con"incing% 5or this reason* to

communicate true religion to others* one of the most effecti"e methods is encouraging them to read these boo1s%

6e hope the reader 'ill loo1 through the re"ie's of his other boo1s at the bac1 of this boo1% 7is rich

source material on faith$related issues is "er# useful* and a pleasure to read%In these boo1s* unli1e some other boo1s* #ou 'ill not find the author,s personal "ie's* e-planations based

on dubious sources* st#les that are unobser"ant of the respect and re"erence due to sacred subects* nor

hopeless* pessimistic arguments that create doubts in the mind and de"iations in the heart%


4/80


5/80

a great effect% Those 'ho doubt this can readil# see that the sole aim of 7arun :ah#a,s boo1s is to o"ercome

disbelief and to disseminate the 3ur,an,s moral "alues% The success and impact of this ser"ice are manifested in

the readers, con"iction%

ne point should be 1ept in mind@ The main reason for the continuing cruelt#* conflict* and other ordeals

endured b# the "ast maorit# of people is the ideological pre"alence of disbelief% This can be ended onl# 'ith

the ideological defeat of disbelief and b# con"e#ing the 'onders of creation and 3ur,anic moralit# so that

people can li"e b# it% Considering the state of the 'orld toda#* leading into a do'n'ard spiral of "iolence*

corruption and conflict* clearl# this ser"ice must be pro"ided speedil# and effecti"el#* or it ma# be too late%

In this effort* the boo1s of 7arun :ah#a assume a leading role% B# the 'ill of +od* these boo1s 'ill be a

means through 'hich people in the t'ent#$first centur# 'ill attain the peace* ustice* and happiness promised in

the 3ur,an%


6/80

'NTROUT'ON

Throughout histor#* prophets ha"e called on their tribes to belie"e in the ne and nl# +od and to ser"e

onl# 7im% The# rela#ed the i"ine religion to humanit# and demonstrated ho' to li"e the ideal life% Thus* thesechosen ser"ants of +od represent the "er# finest model of superior characteristics* proper moral "alues* and

ideal beha"ior and reactions to e"ents% ?ust as the# ser"ed as role models for their societies* the 3uran re"eals

that the# also sho'ed all future belie"ers ho' to li"e in a manner that pleases +od@

Y!u hae an e*+een" -!de .n "he Me##en/er ! 1!d, !r a h! pu" "he.r h!pe .n 1!d and "he

La#" ay and re-e-ber 1!d -u+h3 (4uran, 66&2%)

!ach prophet possesses "irtues that are praised in the 3uran% Therefore* belie"ers must carefull# stud#

e"er# detail of these 3uranic accounts so that the# can ta1e these mens li"es* moral "irtues* and deep de"otion

to +od as models for themsel"es% !ach prophet 'as sent to his o'n tribe* e-perienced different situations* and

used "arious methods to e-plain +ods e-istence% 5or that reason* the natures of the prophets tribes* and their

reactions to the prophets* as 'ell as the difficulties e-perienced b# those 'ho became belie"ers and the prophets

themsel"es* pro"ide us 'ith important information about ho' 'e can please +od%

This boo1 introduces Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* 'ho is praised in the 3uran in these terms@ 7Y!u hae

an e*+een" e*a-pe .n Abraha- and "h!#e ."h h.-8(3uran* =0@/) and Prophet Lot (pbuh)* 'ho li"ed

during the same period* so that the# can ser"e as role models for our o'n li"es% &ince e"er# piece of

information about these t'o prophets contains considerable 'isdom* 'e shall e-amine their li"es closel# in this

boo1 so that 'e can follo' their e-ample%


7/80

BOO9 :%;

PROPHET ABRAHAM (PBUH)

Y!u hae an e*+een" e*a-pe .n Abraha- and "h!#e ."h h.-3 (4URAN, D)% Man# of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh)

descendents 'ere prophets as 'ell* such as Prophet Isaac* Prophet Ishmael* Prophet ?acob* Prophet Moses*

Prophet Aaron* Prophet a"id* Prophet &olomon* Prophet Facharia* Prophet ?ohn* and Prophet ?esus (peace be

upon them all)%

7istorical sources record that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) li"ed in Mesopotamia% The 3uran informs us that

he and his son* Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) built the GaHbah% This confirms the historical accounts that Prophet

Abraham (pbuh) did indeed li"e in the Middle !ast%

The 3uran states that Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) tribe follo'ed paganism% In fact* historical sources state

that nearl# all Middle !astern tribes at that time either 'orshipped hand$made idols or "arious celestial bodies

(e%g%* the Moon and the &un)% !-ca"ations in Mesopotamia ha"e unco"ered information and remains of temples

(2iggurats) built for such 'orship* as 'ell as the remains of man# stone and cla# statues%

In short* both the historical and archaeological facts sho' that the Middle !ast* at the time of ProphetAbraham (pbuh)* 'as a pagan land% +od chose Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* b# honoring him 'ith prophethood* as

7is pure ser"ant to represent the i"ine religion and proper moral "irtues in the midst of these misguided

pagans%

ur Lord re"eals that Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) tribe regarded their idols made of stone or 'ood as

di"ine and pra#ed to them for assistance% Although de"oid of po'er and life* these pagans belie"ed that these

idols could either harm or help them% ue to these superstitious beliefs* the# blindl# follo'ed the misguided

belief s#stem of their ancestors and passed it on to the ne-t one%

+od re"ealed to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that 7e 'as the Creator of e"er#thing in the uni"erse and that

those 'ho belie"ed other'ise 'ere utterl# mista1en% Although his tribe 'anted him to li"e and thin1 li1e them*

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) turned his bac1 on his tribes traditional belief s#stem* reected its false deities* and

declared that onl# +od trul# e-isted% In order to deepen and reinforce his faith* +od sho'ed Prophet Abraham

(pbuh) proofs of 7is po'er and dominion@

Be+au#e ! "ha", >e #h!ed Abraha- "he d!-.n.!n# ! "he heaen# and Ear"h #! "ha" he -./h" be

!ne ! "he pe!pe ! +er"a.n"y3 (4uran,


8/80

Although he gre' up among pagans* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) e-hibited such a "er# different character

and such a superior moral understanding that he finall# separated himself from them and de"oted himself to

+od% But he did not content himself 'ith this separation alone* for he then sought to e-plain +ods e-istence to

them and called them to belief in 7im% The people of the tribe* ho'e"er* refused to accept the truths he told

them out of lo#alt# to their ancestors religion% As the 3uran states@

>hen "hey are "!d& 7F!! ha" 1!d ha# #en" d!n "! y!u,8 "hey repy& 7>e are !!.n/ ha"

e !und !ur a"her# d!.n/38 >ha", een "h!u/h "he.r a"her# d.d n!" under#"and a "h.n/ and ere n!"

/u.ded@ (4uran, 2&%?0)

ne of the reasons 'h# his tribe refused to abandon their traditional paganism is found among all people

'ho are distant from true religion@ The ideas of the maorit# are considered to be right* e"en if the# are not true*

rational* and di"ine% According to this 'orld"ie'* 4uestioning* researching* or critici2ing 'idel# held ideas are

unacceptable and e"en sinful acts% This mista1e is so important that +od mentions it in the 3uran and tells all

people to a"oid it* as follo's@

' y!u !beyed -!#" ! "h!#e !n Ear"h, "hey !ud -.#/u.de y!u r!- 1!d# ay3 They !!

n!"h.n/ bu" +!ne+"ure3 They are !ny /ue##.n/3 (4uran,


9/80

>e hae reeaed "! y!u, a# >e reeaed "! N!ah and "he pr!phe"# h! +a-e a"er h.-3 And >e

reeaed "! Abraha-, '#h-ae, '#aa+, a+!b, "he e#+enden"#, e#u#, !b, !nah, Aar!n, and C!!-!n3

And >e /ae a.d "he P#a-3 (4uran, =&%


10/80

This sho's that +od had sent do'n te-ts to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) before 7is re"elation of the Torah to

Prophet Moses (pbuh)% These te-ts contain the true religion* 'hich is based on Prophet Abrahams (pbuh)

submission to +od% The hadith literature records the follo'ing con"ersation@

I [Abu Dharr] asked: O Messenger of God has anyth!ng fro" the #ages of $ro#het Abraha" %#buh&

and $ro#het Moses %#buh& been sent down to you'( He re#l!ed: O Abu Dharr( [Yes( he sa!d su)h *erses

were re*ealed( and began to read the":] +*eryone who )leans h!"self well re)alls the na"e of the ,ord and

#erfor"s the #rayers has a)h!e*ed h!s ho#es- $erha#s you hold the l!fe of th!s world to be su#er!or- .ut the

Hereafter !s "ore aus#!)!ous and "ore )onstant- /hese [truths] also ex!st !n #re*!ous #ages the #ages of

Abraha" %#buh& and Moses %#buh&-(.

Pr!phe" Abraha-# (pbuh) Re./.!n

>h! +!ud hae a be""er re./.!n "han #!-e!ne h! #ub-."# h.-#e +!-pe"ey "! 1!d, .# a /!!d;

d!er, and !!# "he re./.!n ! Abraha-, a -an ! pure na"ura be.e333 (4uran, =&%25)

People continue to argue o"er 'hich religion Prophet Abraham (pbuh) follo'ed% ?e's regard him as a

?e'ish prophet and claim to follo' his path% Christians also consider him a ?e'ish prophet* but claim that he

follo'ed Prophet ?esus (pbuh)* 'ho came after him%

In the 3uran* ho'e"er* +od re"eals the truth of this matter b# pro"iding certain information@

Or d! "hey #ay "ha" Abraha-, '#h-ae, '#aa+, a+!b, and "he e#+enden"# ere e# !r hr.#".an#

Cay& 7! y!u $n! be""er, !r d!e# 1!d8 >h! +!ud d! /rea"er r!n/ "han #!-e!ne h! h.de# "he

e.den+e he ha# been /.en by 1!d 1!d .# n!" unaare ! ha" y!u d!3 (4uran, 2&%=0)

Moreo"er* other "erses e-pose ust ho' irrational this debate reall# is@

O Pe!pe ! "he B!!$3 >hy d! y!u ar/ue ab!u" Abraha- hen "he T!rah and 1!#pe ere !ny

#en" d!n a"er h.- >hy d!n" y!u u#e y!ur .n"ee+" Y!u are "he !ne# h! ar/ued ab!u" "ha" ! h.+h

y!u had $n!ed/e3 Bu" hy d! y!u ar/ue ab!u" #!-e"h.n/ ! h.+h y!u hae n! $n!ed/e 1!d

$n!#J y!u d! n!" $n!3 (4uran, 6&


11/80

prophets and their lines* for teaching falsehoods and engaging in speculation and guess'or1* particularl# about

the prophets* displeases +od%

nl# the 3uran states the 'hole truth about Prophet Abraham (pbuh)@

Abraha- a# ne."her a e n!r a hr.#".an, bu" a -an ! pure na"ura be.eKa Mu#.-3 He a#n!" !ne ! "he .d!a"er#3 (4uran, 6&


12/80

Abu .akrah %ra& relates that: /he Messenger of God "ay God bless h!" and grant h!" #ea)e on)e

asked: 12hall I !nfor" you of a great s!n one of the greatest s!ns' ---[It !s] to as)r!be a #artner to God-0(

In one "erse* +od re"eals that Islam is as eas# as Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) religion@

333 He D1!d ha# #ee+"ed y!u and n!" pa+ed any +!n#"ra.n" up!n y!u .n "he re./.!nK"he re./.!n !y!ur !rea"her Abraha-3 He na-ed y!u Mu#.-# be!re, and a#! .n "h.#, #! "ha" "he -e##en/er +!ud be

."ne## a/a.n#" y!u and y!u +!ud be ."ne##e# a/a.n#" a ! hu-an."y3 C! per!r- "he pre#+r.bed

prayer#, /.e a-#, and h!d a#" "! 1!d3 He .# y!ur Pr!"e+"!rK"he Be#" Pr!"e+"!r, "he Be#" Heper3

(4uran, 22&?)

According to the 3uran* the people 'ho turn to +od and li"e b# 7is religion in its true sense are Musl!"%

The 'ordMusl!"comes from the Arabic 'ordsala"and means one who has a)h!e*ed well3be!ngor who has

sub"!tted %to God&% The essence of being Muslim lies in submitting to +od and li"ing in the ensuing peace and

securit#% The prophets* all of 'hom guided their people to the true path* submitted totall# to our Lord and 'ere

sincerel# de"oted to 7im* are role models for us% B# turning to and then submitting to our Lord* see1ing refuge

in 7im* ta1ing 7im as their onl# friend* and as1ing for help onl# from 7im* the# are all called Musl!"in the

3uran%

5or instance* +od commanded Prophet 8oah (pbuh) to tell his tribe 7My a/e .# "he re#p!n#.b.."y !

1!d a!ne3 ' a- +!--anded "! be !ne ! "he Mu#.-#8(3uran* .0@E) Prophet Moses (pbuh) told his tribe

7My pe!pe3 ' y!u be.ee .n 1!d, "hen pu" y!ur "ru#" .n H.-, . y!u are Mu#.-#8 (3uran* .0@>/) and

Prophet &olomon (pbuh) addressed his tribe in these terms@ 7! n!" r.#e up a/a.n#" -e, bu" +!-e "! -e .n

#ub-.##.!n Da# Mu#.-#8(3uran* E@D.)% In the 3uran* +od re"eals the follo'ing to 7is follo'ers@

>hen ' .n#p.red "he .#+.pe# D! e#u# "! be.ee .n Me and .n My Me##en/er De#u#, "hey #a.d&

>e be.ee3 Bear ."ne## "ha" e are Mu#.-#3 (4uran, 5&%%%)

As can be seen from the abo"e "erses* sincere belie"ers are those people 'ho submit to +od* li"e solel#

b# religious moral "alues* and ha"e pure faith% +od honors such people 'ith the nameMusl!"%

Prophet ?osephs (pbuh) pra#er is a fine e-ample for us in se"eral areas% +od re"eals it in the follo'ing

"erse@

333 Y!u hae /ran"ed p!er "! -e .n "he and and "au/h" -e "he "rue -ean.n/ ! een"#3 O,

Or./.na"!r ! "he heaen# and Ear"h3 Y!u are -y Fr.end .n "h.# !rd and "he Herea"er, #! "a$e -e a# aMu#.- a" -y dea"h and !.n -e "! "he pe!pe h! are r./h"e!u#3 (4uran, %2&%0%)

Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) o#ful faith in +od* his deep lo"e for 7im* his submission to all of 7is

commands* as 'ell as his obedience and superior moralit#* are emphasi2ed in the 3uran% &ome of these "erses

read@


13/80

Our L!rd, -a$e u# b!"h Mu#.-# #ub-.""ed "! Y!u and !ur de#+enden"# a Mu#.- +!--un."y

#ub-.""ed "! Y!u3 Ch! u# !ur r."e# ! !r#h.p and "urn "!ard u#3 Y!u are "he Eer;Re"urn.n/, "he M!#"

Mer+.u3 (4uran, 2&%2)

>hen h.# L!rd #a.d "! h.-& 7Be+!-e a Mu#.-,8 he DAbraha- #a.d& 7' a- a Mu#.- h! ha##ub-.""ed "! "he L!rd ! a "he !rd#38 (4uran, 2&%6%)

!"er# Muslim must ta1e Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) pleasing moralit#* sincere faith* and total submission

and obedience to +od as role models% In fact* his discernment and determination in presenting +ods message

are among the important traits that all people 'ho call themsel"es Muslims should adopt%

riginall#* all di"ine religions 'ere based on Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) religion% 7o'e"er* Christianit#

and ?udaism 'ere corrupted o"er time and so mo"ed a'a# from their original nature@ not ascribing partners to

+od (the greatest sin) and li"ing solel# to earn 7is good pleasure%

The lo"e and respect felt b# both present$da# Christians and ?e's for Prophet Abraham (pbuh) unites

them in a common foundation 'ith Muslims% Members of these three di"inel# re"ealed religions therefore share

a common belief in +od* 'hich the# ha"e inherited from Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* and see1 to ser"e 7im%

7o'e"er* Christians and ?e's misinterpret some aspects of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) religion% The 3uran

informs us that Muslims ha"e in"ited them to this common 'ord@

Cay& 7O Pe!pe ! "he B!!$ Dhr.#".an# and e#, +!-e "! a pr!p!#.".!n "ha" .# "he #a-e !r u# and

y!uK"ha" e #h!ud !r#h.p n!ne bu" 1!d, a##!+.a"e n! par"ner# ."h H.-, and "a$e n! !ne ! u# a#

!rd# be#.de# 1!d38 ' "hey "urn aay, #ay& 7Bear ."ne## "ha" e are Mu#.-#38 (4uran, 6&


14/80

tell them of +ods e-istence and oneness* 'as sent to guide them from their blind de"otion to their ancestors

paganism into the light of 7is religion%

Throughout histor#* the "a4or!tyhas often decided 'hich ideas and beliefs are to be accepted as true%

+i"en that it is difficult to stand up against the maorit# in societies that are far from religion* man# people

e"entuall# agree* either 'illingl# or un'illingl#* to submit to ideas and beliefs that the# 1no' to be 'rong% The

prophets and the belie"ers 'ho follo'ed them* ho'e"er* al'a#s opposed the unbelie"ing maorit# and

displa#ed enormous courage in the face of the ensuing pressure* threats* or attac1s% The# remained lo#al to

+ods religion b# scrupulousl# performing their religious obser"ations and abiding b# our Lords commands out

of their fear and a'e of 7im* as 'ell as their complete trust in 7im%

Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* 'hom +od praised as being 7a +!--un."y .n h.-#e8 (3uran* [email protected])*

stood alone against his father and his entire pagan tribe% 7e patientl# e-plained 'h# their idols could ne"er

attain an# di"ine 4ualit# and that the onl# true deit# 'as +od% 7is opposition to his tribes paganism* as 'ell as

his method of challenging their superstitions and 'or1ing to guide them to the true path despite their hostilit#*

clearl# re"ealed his po'erful faith* submission* sincerit#* and superior character% All of these characteristics

made him a courageous and determined indi"idual% The 3uran relates some of his 'ords* as follo's@H.# "r.be ar/ued ."h h.-3 He #a.d& 7Are y!u ar/u.n/ ."h -e ab!u" 1!d, hen He ha# /u.ded -e

' hae n! ear ! any par"ner y!u a#+r.be "! H.-, une## -y L!rd #h!ud . #u+h a "h.n/ "! happen3 My

L!rd en+!-pa##e# a "h.n/# .n H.# $n!ed/e, #! . y!u n!" pay heed >hy #h!ud ' ear ha" y!u

hae a##!+.a"ed ."h H.-, hen y!u y!ur#ee# apparen"y hae n! ear ! a##!+.a".n/ par"ner# ."h 1!d,

!r h.+h He ha# #en" d!n n! au"h!r."y "! y!u >h.+h ! "he "! par".e# .# -!re en"."ed "! ee #ae, .

y!u hae any $n!ed/e8 (4uran,


15/80

societies and e-plaining the religion to tr!bes whose fathers ha*e not been warned* namel#* communities that

are far from religions moral "alues* is a hea"# responsibilit#% In fact* +od tells belie"ers to spread 7is religion

w!th w!sdo" and #leasant ad*!)e* as the follo'ing "erse re"eals@

a "! "he ay ! y!ur L!rd ."h .#d!- and a.r ad-!n.".!n, and ar/ue ."h "he- .n "he $.nde#"ay3 Y!ur L!rd $n!# be#" h! .# -.#/u.ded r!- H.# ay3 And He $n!# be#" h! are /u.ded3 (4uran,

%


16/80

L!rd "! !r/.e y!u3 He ha# aay# h!n!red -e3 ' . #epara"e -y#e r!- y!u and a "ha" y!u +a up!n

be#.de# 1!d, and ' . +a up!n -y L!rd3 '" -ay e be "ha", .n +a.n/ up!n -y L!rd, ' . n!" be

d.#app!.n"ed38 (4uran, %I&==;=


17/80

>ha" ab!u" "he !ne h! ar/ued ."h Abraha- ab!u" h.# L!rd, !n "he ba#.# "ha" 1!d had /.en

h.- #!ere./n"y Abraha- #a.d& 7My L!rd .# He >h! /.e# .e and +au#e# "! d.e38 He DN.-r!d #a.d& 7'

"!! /.e .e and +au#e "! d.e3338 4uran, 2&25)

As this "erse ma1es clear* 8imrod had become "er# arrogant due to his goods* propert#* and rule% 6hile

tal1ing 'ith Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* he made the enormous and irrational claim that he also possessed the

po'er of creation% B# proclaiming his o'n di"init#* as he 'as so proud of his 'ealth and chattel* he 'as* in

fact* den#ing +od% Because of his pride* he reected to see +ods might and po'er o"er the uni"erse%

After informing 8imrod of +ods e-istence and oneness* Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* replied to this ruler*

'ho gre' arrogant against +od* 'ith a most 'ise and rational statement@

71!d -a$e# "he Cun +!-e r!- "he Ea#"3 Ma$e ." +!-e r!- "he >e#"38 And "he d.#be.eer

DN.-r!d a# du-b!unded3 1!d d!e# n!" /u.de r!n/d!.n/ pe!pe3 (4uran, 2&25)

All prophets ha"e al'a#s emplo#ed 'ise and rational arguments* such as the e-ample gi"en abo"e% +od

has enabled those belie"ers 'ho spread 7is message to do so most effecti"el#* thus refuting the unbelie"ers

mista1en 'orld"ie'% &uch arguments al'a#s lea"e unbelie"ers* 'ho belie"e themsel"es to be on the right path

and 'ho trust in their 'ealth* po'er* and idols* unable to mount a serious defense of their belief s#stems%

Therefore* the# are al'a#s condemned to be defeated and at a loss for 'ords%

Another important aspect of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) response is his honest# and naturalness% A sincere

and honest e-planation al'a#s influences peoples hearts and consciences% +ods e-istence is e"ident* and the

belie"ers e-planation of this manifest truth from the heart al'a#s touches other people% But e"en if the# are so

influenced* some unbelie"ers persist in their unbelief% &uch people* 'ho generall# are far remo"ed from

religion* gro' proud out of the belief that their 'ealth* attracti"eness* or status are the results of their o'nefforts% The# unustl# regard themsel"es as superior and forget about +od% &atan encourages their pride and uses

the po'er and position that the# mista1enl# consider their o'n* to pre"ent them from ser"ing +od%

Belie"ers encounter man# people as the# spread +ods message% Man# people* due to their pride* cannot

see +ods might and po'er% In such situations* belie"ers must gi"e e-amples that sho' people ust ho' helpless

the# reall# are in order to eliminate their pride% As a result* unbelie"ers 'ill reali2e that their arrogance and

pride in their possessions are of no significance% +raduall#* the# 'ill reali2e that their strength and po'er are

limited* that e"er#thing 'ill end 'ith death* and that +od is the onl# absolute being%

The mode of e-plication used b# Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to rela# the truth to 8imrod sho's ust ho'

important the use of rational* 'ise* and target$oriented speech is in spreading 7is message% Belie"ers must ne"er

engage in pointless arguments rather* the# must al'a#s use effecti"e and rational e-planations to defeat the

audiences superstitious beliefs and demonstrate +ods e-istence b# anal#2ing the audience members

ps#chological states and logical frame'or1s% Clearl#* onl# people 'ith deep faith* 'ho scrupulousl# adhere to

+ods commands and 'ho hold 7im in a'e* 'ill be able to de"ise such an effecti"e and 'ise mode of

e-plication% This is true* because 'isdom is a di"ine blessing that must be sought from +od% +od imparts this

secret to us* as follo's@


18/80

He /.e# .#d!- "! h!eer He .#, and he h! ha# been /.en .#d!- ha# been /.en /rea"

/!!d333 (4uran, 2&2


19/80

>hen n./h" +!ered h.- DAbraha-, he #a a #"ar and #a.d& 7Th.# .# -y L!rd@8 Then hen ." #e",

he #a.d& 7' d! n!" !e "ha" h.+h #e"#38 Then hen he #a "he M!!n +!-e up, he #a.d& 7Th.# .# -y

L!rd@8 Then hen ." #e", he #a.d& 7' -y L!rd d!e# n!" /u.de -e, ' . be !ne ! "he -.#/u.ded pe!pe38

Then hen he #a "he Cun +!-e up, he #a.d& 7Th.# .# -y L!rd@ Th.# .# /rea"er@8 Then hen ." #e", he

#a.d& 7My "r.be, ' a- ree ! ha" y!u a##!+.a"e ."h 1!d@ ' hae "urned -y a+e "! H.- >h! br!u/h"

"he heaen# and Ear"h .n"! be.n/, a pure na"ura be.eer3 ' a- n!" !ne ! "he .d!a"er#38 (4uran,


20/80

9n!.n/8(3uran* =@>D)* +od re"eals that 7e ga"e Prophet Abraham (pbuh) "arious proofs to use against his

tribe%

This manner of communication sets an e-ample for all Muslims% In other 'ords* belie"ers must demolish

the other sides false and groundless beliefs and then present indisputable proof of +ods e-istence and oneness%

5ollo'ing this* the# must call on the other side to belie"e in +od and ser"e onl# 7im% If the other side cannot

abandon its misguided belief s#stem* it 'ill be difficult for them to belie"e in +od and become true Muslims%

True faith can come about onl# 'hen people abandon all of their idols and superstitious ideologies and

philosophies%

Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) lo"e of +od* o#ous faith* and scrupulous adherence to 7is commands can be

clearl# seen in ho' he conducted himself 'ith others% The 'a# in 'hich he communicated 'ith his father and

tribe sho's in the finest possible 'a# that he 'as chosen b# +od* 6ho made him superior to all others% In the

3uran* +od re"eals@

Re+."e "! "he- "he #"!ry ! Abraha-, hen he a#$ed h.# a"her and h.# "r.be& 7>ha" d! y!u

!r#h.p8 They #a.d& 7>e !r#h.p .d!# and . +!n".nue "! +.n/ "! "he-38 He a#$ed& 7! "hey hear y!u

hen y!u +a ! "hey hep y!u !r har- y!u8 They #a.d& 7N!, bu" "h.# .# ha" e !und !ur a"her#

d!.n/38 He a#$ed& 7Hae y!u reay "h!u/h" ab!u" ha" y!u !r#h.p, y!u and y!ur a"her# h! +a-e

be!re8 (4uran, 2h! +rea"ed -e and /u.de#

-eJ He >h! /.e# -e !!d and dr.n$J and hen ' a- ., He hea# -eJ He >h! . +au#e -y dea"h and

"hen /.e -e .eJ He >h! ' #.n+erey h!pe . !r/.e -y -.#"a$e# !n "he ay ! Re+$!n.n/38 (4uran,

2


21/80

+od creates humanit# and* in the same 'a#* 'ill ta1e each persons soul at the moment of his or her

death% !"en before a person is born* +od has alread# established the length of his or her life* 'hat 'ill happen

to them* and all that the# 'ill sa# and do% In other 'ords* people do not control their destin#* for +od has

'ritten it e"en before the person is born%

+od created this 'orld as a testing arena and then sent messengers to lead others to the true path b#

means of re"elation% n the a# of ?udgment* e"er# human being 'ill ha"e to account for 'hat he or she did

'hile in this 'orld% Belie"ers 'ho spend their li"es doing good in the hope of earning 7is good pleasure and

merc# 'ill meet 'ith countless blessings% +od* 6ho is most merciful* forgi"ing* and lo"ing to'ard 7is

ser"ants* has promised to co"er the e"il deeds of 7is ser"ants on the a# of ?udgment* to forgi"e their mista1es*

and to re'ard them 'ith the countless blessings of Paradise%

Remember that human beings ha"e no po'er to bring others to the true path* for their onl# responsibilit#

is to rela# 7is message% In fact* this is a religious obligation for all belie"ers% 6hether or not an unbelie"er turns

to faith depends totall# on +ods guidance* for no one can belie"e unless +od so 'ills% Indeed* despite the

strength that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) ac4uired from his faith in +od* his pagan tribe* 'ho had no fear of +od

and ignored their consciences* persisted in their denial% In fact* the# 'ent so far as to threaten Prophet Abraham(pbuh) 'ith death b# fire% Thus* all belie"ers must de"outl# and determinedl# call those around them to the true

path and not despair if the# are ignored and persecuted%

In one "erse* our Lord states that 7333 '" .# "he "ru"h r!- y!ur L!rdJ #! e" h!eer .#he# be.ee and

h!eer .#he# d.#be.ee8 (3uran* .>@;)% In another "erse +od re"eals to our Prophet (ma# +od bless him

and grant him peace) that 7Perhap# y!u . de#"r!y y!ur#e ."h /r.e be+au#e "hey . n!" be+!-e

be.eer#8(3uran* =@D)% In &urah :usuf* +od re"eals that 7Bu" -!#" pe!pe, !r a y!ur ea/erne##, are n!"

be.eer#3 Y!u d! n!" a#$ "he- !r any a/e !r ."3 '" .# !ny a re-.nder "! a be.n/#8(3uran* [email protected]$0/)%

ne reason 'h# Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) tribe persisted in their denial 'as their concern for their o'n

interests% Their pagan belief s#stem pro"ided them 'ith "arious 'orldl# ad"antages* and an# change to the

established order 'ould conflict 'ith those interests* ust as our Prophets mission (ma# +od bless him and

grant him peace) upset the Ma11an leaders* 'ho eno#ed enormous commercial profits than1s to Arabias

paganism% This is actuall# a la' that +od has decreed for 7is prophets% As the 3uran states* the prophets ha"e

al'a#s been opposed b# their tribe% The# ha"e been threatened 'ith death and subected to slander* and

sometimes ha"e e"en been accused of sorcer#* madness* and ascribing their o'n 'ords to +od% In sum* those

'ho accused the prophets had no hesitation about resorting to such falsehoods as asserting that the prophets

'ere on the 'rong path 'hile the# 'ere on the right path%

7o'e"er* these people are laboring under a cloud of irrationalit#* for 'hile tr#ing to protect their o'n

interests* the# are actuall# condemning themsel"es to eternal suffering% +od has re"ealed the fate of those 'ho

rebel against 7is prophets* those role models of pleasing moral "alues* godliness* and deep faith@

333 They hae br!u/h" d!n an/er r!- 1!d up!n "he-#ee#, and "hey hae been pun/ed .n"!

de#"."u".!n3 Tha" a# be+au#e "hey ree+"ed 1!d# #./n# and $.ed "he pr!phe"# ."h!u" any r./h" "! d! #!3

Tha" a# be+au#e "hey d.#!beyed and en" bey!nd "he .-."# D"ha" 1!d ha# e#"ab.#hed !r hu-an."y3

(4uran, 6&%%2)


22/80

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) En" rap# "he 'd!#

According to the 3uran* +od gi"es those 'ho fear and hold 7im in a'e the ab!l!ty to d!st!ngu!sh

between r!ght and wrong% This great 1indness and superior blessing is restricted to the belie"ers% The methods

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) used to call his tribe to belief* as 'ell as his decisions and st#les of presentation* are allimportant e-amples of this great blessing%

ne e-ample is the trap he laid for his tribes idols% +i"en that he 'as all alone and operating in a

dangerous en"ironment* he too1 certain precautions to pre"ent bodil# harm and to ma1e sure that +ods

message 'ould be heard% 5or e-ample* he told the unbelie"ers around him that he 'as ill so that the# 'ould go

a'a#@

And DAbraha- a#$ed h.# a"her and h.# "r.be& 7>ha" are y!u !r#h.pp.n/ '# ." a#eh!!dKde.".e#

be#.de# 1!dK"ha" y!u de#.re C! ha" are y!ur "h!u/h"# ab!u" "he L!rd ! a "he !rd#8 He !!$ed a"

"he #"ar# and #a.d& 7' a- #.+$38 C! "hey "urned "he.r ba+$# !n h.-3 (4uran, 6?&5;I0)

After sending the unbelie"ers a'a#* he 'ent up to the idols and smashed them@

He "urned #urrep".".!u#y "! "he.r de.".e# and a#$ed& 7!n" y!u ea" >ha" .# "he -a""er ."h y!u

"ha" y!u d!n" #pea$8 He "urned !n "he-, #"r.$.n/ !u" ."h h.# r./h" hand3 (4uran, 6?&I%;I6)

He br!$e "he- .n p.e+e#, e*+ep" !r "he ar/e#" !ne, #! "ha" "hey !ud hae ." "! +!n#u"@ (4uran,

2%&5)

Lea"ing the largest idol untouched sho's great 'isdom% 6hen his tribe sa' 'hat had happened and that

onl# the largest idol remained* the# immediatel# began loo1ing for the person 'ho had done this% &ince the#

'ere a'are of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) opposition to their idols and paganism* the# 4uic1l# reali2ed that he

'as responsible and so sought him out to ta1e their re"enge@

They e*+a.-ed& 7>h! ha# d!ne "h.# "! !ur de.".e# He .# de.n."ey !ne ! "he r!n/d!er#@8 They

#a.d& 7>e heard a y!un/ -an -en".!n.n/ "he-3 They +a h.- Abraha-38 They !rdered& 7Br.n/ h.-

be!re "he pe!pe# eye# #! "hey +an be ."ne##e#@8 They a#$ed& 7.d y!u d! "h.# "! !ur de.".e#,

Abraha-8 (4uran, 2%&5I;


23/80

7earing this response* the unbelie"ers ine"itabl# began thin1ing and understanding that their idols 'ould

ne"er ha"e the po'er of speech% And so his plan succeeded* for it caused them to 4uestion their pagan belief

s#stem% The 3uran states@

They +!n#u"ed a-!n/ "he-#ee# and #a.d& 7'" .# y!u y!ur#ee# h! are r!n/d!er#38 (4uran,

2%&. y!u n!" u#e y!ur .n"ee+"8 They #a.d& 7Burn h.- and

#upp!r" y!ur de.".e#, . y!u are re#!ed "! d! #!-e"h.n/38 (4uran, 2%&


24/80

9nfortunatel#* such a lac1 of understanding is not limited to Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) time alone%

Paganism still thri"es toda# under a 'ide "ariet# of different names% The pagan beliefs of Prophet Abrahams

(pbuh) time* for instance* bear a close resemblance to ar'inian claims%

C.-.ar.".e# be"een Pa/an.#- and ar.n.#-

The pagan tribes of Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) time 'orshipped idols that the# and their ancestors had

made* and belie"ed that their idols could influence the 'or1ings of the uni"erse% According to this superstitious

belief* idols could ma1e and implement decisions and could punish or re'ard human beings% In other 'ords*

these pagans belie"ed that inanimate matter could create and control human beings% +od re"eals this terrible

mista1e and great sin in the 3uran% 5or e-ample@

1!d d!e# n!" !r/.e any"h.n/ be.n/ a##!+.a"ed ."h H.-, bu" He !r/.e# h!eer He .# !r

any"h.n/ !"her "han "ha"3 Any!ne h! a##!+.a"e# #!-e"h.n/ ."h 1!d ha# +!--.""ed a "err.be +r.-e3

(4uran, =&=)

Those 'ho defend ar'ins theor# of e"olution follo' a "er# similar superstitious concept* for the#

belie"e that certain elements (e%g%* carbon* h#drogen* o-#gen* calcium* magnesium* and iron) as 'ell as mudd#

'ater containing "arious minerals* someho' ac4uired a superior po'er and free 'ill o"er the course of time

and b# chance% The ar'inists claim that life emerged from the mud o"er time and b# coincidence% &upposedl#*

this trio of mudd# 'ater* time* and chance decided to form all of the beautiful things in nature* animals* and*

most importantl#* conscious human beings%

The origins of this superstition lie in the fallacious belief that inanimate substances are actuall# entities

that possess intelligence and 'illpo'er* and that can ma1e and act upon decisions% In other 'ords* the# regardmatter itself as something di"ine% Based upon this false concept* ar'inists maintain that e"er#thing in the

uni"erse de"eloped on its o'n as the result of chance* and that e"er# entit# is regarded* together 'ith chance* as

di"ine% 7o'e"er* those 'ho loo1 at all of the animate and inanimate things that surround them* beginning 'ith

their o'n bodies* 'ill see that the uni"erse is the 'or1 of an infinitel# po'erful Creator 6ho possesses infinite

intelligence and 1no'ledge% !"er# detail* from our o'n planet to the fla'less harmon# 'ithin our o'n bodies*

from the e4uilibrium bet'een the gala-ies* as 'ell as the stars and all other celestial bodies* to our 'orld 'ith

all of its countless blessings* pro"es the e-istence of an infinitel# compassionate and lo"ing Creator@ +od* Lord

of the 'orlds%

ur Lord has re"ealed this manifest truth* 'hich e"er#one can disco"er for themsel"es* to humanit#

through such messengers as Prophet Abraham (pbuh)% :et for some reason* man# people throughout histor#

ha"e reected this truth and ha"e insisted on den#ing 7is e-istence% In 7is final re"elation* the 3uran* +od

describes the position of such people@

They hae #!rn by 1!d ."h "he.r -!#" earne#" !a"h# "ha" . a #./n +!-e# "! "he-, "hey .

be.ee .n ."3 Cay& 7The #./n# are under 1!d# +!n"r! a!ne38 >ha" . -a$e y!u rea.e "ha" een . a


25/80

#./n d.d +!-e, "hey !ud #". n!" be.ee >e . !er"urn "he.r hear"# and #./h", u#" a# hen "hey d.d

n!" be.ee .n ." a" .r#", and >e . aband!n "he- "! ander b.ndy .n "he.r e*+e##.e .n#!en+e3 Een .

>e #en" d!n an/e# "! "he-, "he dead #p!$e "! "he-, and >e /a"hered "!/e"her eery"h.n/ .n r!n" !

"he- r./h" be!re "he.r eye#, "hey !ud #". n!" be.ee une## 1!d .ed3 The "ru"h .# "ha" -!#" ! "he-

are ./n!ran"3 (4uran,


26/80

G hen he a#$ed h.# a"her and h.# "r.be& 7>ha" are "he#e #"a"ue# y!u are +.n/.n/ "!8 They #a.d&

7>e !und !ur a"her# !r#h.pp.n/ "he-38 He #a.d& 7Y!u and y!ur a"her# are +eary -.#/u.ded38

(4uran, 2%&52;5=)

Clearl#* it is a great mista1e to suggest that matter is conscious and* as a result* ascribe consciousness to

material things% Atoms* molecules* mudd# 'ater* and coincidence ha"e no consciousness or po'er to ma1e an#

decisions or to thin1% Atoms are unconscious* inanimate obects% !"er#thing in the uni"erse can ac4uire life onl#

because of the e-istence of a superior consciousness and 'ill% These attributes are uni4ue to +od* Lord of the

'orlds* for 7e created the 'hole uni"erse and thereb# displa#s 7is infinite 1no'ledge% The fla'lessness of 7is

creation* 7is superior intelligence* and 7is e-traordinar# 'isdom can be seen e"er#'here in the uni"erse% +od

has created e"er#thing* li"ing and non$li"ing* out of nothing and has endo'ed each one 'ith features that

astonish us%

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) sho'ed his tribe that the Moon* the &un* and the stars had no creati"e po'er*

and then called on them to abandon their paganism and belie"e in +od% The path that he follo'ed contains

se"eral signposts for us% 5irst of all* he demonstrated* 'ith the inspiration of +od and in the 'isest and mosteffecti"e 'a#* 'h# the pagans beliefs 'ere superstitious and groundless%

This approach is an important guide for all belie"ers% &ome present$da# circles sa# that it is unnecessar#

to e-pose the fallacious nature of such atheist philosophies as ar'inism and materialism* or the errors of those

'ho e-pound them% In their "ie'* describing +ods superior creation is sufficient% But this point of "ie' is

mista1en% ne of the most important 'a#s of changing peoples "ie'points consists of ans'ering* one b# one*

of all their 4uestions% 5or that reason* 'hile e-plaining the proofs of +ods e-istence and the facts about 7is

creation* belie"ers must also e-plain 'h# the theor# of e"olution is incorrect% This 'ill help the people

understand that their o'n ideas ha"e no real foundation* and* if +od 'ills* the# 'ill abandon these long$held

deceptions and see that +ods e-istence is a manifest truth%

!-plaining 'h# ar'inism is in"alid eliminates all of the supports emplo#ed in its defense% In this 'a#*

all errors and impossibilities are e-posed% Than1s to his superior understanding and foresight* 'hich stemmed

from his o#ous faith in +od* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) 'as able to re"eal* 'ith proofs and in the 'isest possible

'a#* 'h# human$made idols and celestial bodies are not di"ine% People 'ho spread the message of +ods

e-istence and the truth of 7is creation can use the same method* for +od made Prophet Abraham (pbuh) a role

model for others of ho' to li"e 'ith proper moral "alues and strong faith%

Another similarit# bet'een Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) tribe and ar'inists is their response to the

message% The pagans reali2ed that their statues had no po'er to do an#thing and admitted as much* as the

3uran re"eals@ 7They +!n#u"ed a-!n/ "he-#ee# and #a.d& '" .# y!u y!ur#ee# h! are r!n/d!er#8

(3uran* .@=/)% espite the fact that the# sa' the truth and accepted it in their hearts* the# persisted in theirdenial and remained lo#al to their idols%

ar'inists also 1no' that modern science has e-posed the theor# of e"olution as a fallac#% (5or details*

see 7arun :ah#a*Darw!n!s"


27/80

bet'een the lines and most un'illingl#* and e"en then not in the full sense% In e"er# debate* the# blindl#

continue to defend their theories and ignore the e"idence against them%

Belie"ers must not forget one "er# important fact@ The important thing is not to attest to a truth on the

surface through 'ords 'hat reall# matters is to grasp this truth 'ithin ones heart% ar'inists ha"e accepted the

truth of creation in their hearts* and their desire to conceal their true thoughts does not alter this fact%

5urthermore* this re"eals an important truth mentioned in the 3uran@ 7Ony a #-a +!--un."y .

be.ee8(3ur,an* /0@


28/80

methods of e-plaining +ods e-istence% 7e spent his 'hole life 'aging an intellectual struggle against all

unbelie"ers 'ith enormous determination and enthusiasm* all the 'hile e-pecting no re'ard other than +ods

good pleasure* merc#* and Paradise%

It is much easier to belie"e in a societ# in 'hich e"er#one has faith and li"es according to +ods good

pleasure* for people can easil# find the true path in such a societ#% 7o'e"er* li"ing as belie"ers in an

unbelie"ing societ# re4uires a much greater determination to li"e such a life% Therefore* such a life ma# be more

esteemed% (+od 1no's best%) In these terms* too* +od made Prophet Abraham (pbuh) superior to all of his tribe%

&ome present$da# people despair because* seeing their fello's den# +ods e-istence and lead li"es far

remo"ed from the 3urans moral "alues causes them to lose their enthusiasm for gaining 7is good pleasure%

7o'e"er* e"en if the 'hole 'orld 'ere to den# +od* Muslims 'ould still ha"e the dut# to submit sincerel# to

7im and li"e in the manner that earns 7is good pleasure% In the "erse* 7Abraha- a# a +!--un."y .n

h.-#e, e*e-pary, !bed.en" "! 1!d, a -an ! pure na"ura be.e3 He a# n!" !ne ! "he .d!a"er#8

(3uran* [email protected])* +od re"eals that this ser"ant turned onl# to 7im and li"ed according to the true faith all b#

himself% Therefore* all belie"ers must displa# the same determination and refuse* no matter 'hat the

circumstances* to ma1e concessions 'hen confronted 'ith the unbelie"ers deceptions and snares%

The >.#h "! Burn Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh)

Angered that their idols had been smashed* the pagans decided to ta1e their re"enge upon Prophet

Abraham (pbuh) b# burning him to death% As the 3uran recounts@

They e*+a.-ed& 7Bu.d a pyre !r h.- and .n/ h.- .n"! "he bae@8 They "r.ed "! !u"." h.-, bu"

>e -ade "he- "he !e#"3 (4uran, 6?&I)

In another "erse* +od re"eals their hostilit#* as follo's@

The !ny an#er ! h.# DAbraha-# "r.be a# "! #ay& 79. h.- !r burn h.-@8 Bu" 1!d re#+ued h.-

r!- "he .re3 There are +er"a.ny #./n# .n "ha" !r pe!pe h! be.ee3 (4uran, 2I&2=)

Although the# could clearl# see the proofs of +ods e-istence* their great anger dro"e them to thro'

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) into the fire% This is an important e-ample of their hatred and intolerance of +ods

prophets and belie"ers% In fact* the 3uran re"eals that a number of other belie"ers 'ere subected to a similar

cruelt#@

ur#ed be "he !-pan.!n# ! "he P."K"he .re e #"!+$ed ."h ueKhen "hey ere #ea"ed r./h"

be#.de ." ."ne##.n/ ha" "hey d.d "! "he be.eer#3 The !ny rea#!n "hey pun.#hed "he- a# be+au#e "hey

be.eed .n 1!d "he A-./h"y, "he A;Pra.#e!r"hy3 (4uran, 5&=;)


29/80

As 'ith all of the unbelie"ers other snares* this one 'as also foiled b# +od% Those belie"ers 'ho suffer

torture gain great merit in 7is sight* and the unbelie"ers 'ho inflict it upon them are re'arded 'ith eternal

suffering in 7ell%

At first sight* it appeared that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) 'ould be burned to death% 7o'e"er* in the same

'a# that death onl# comes 'hen +od 'ills* fire can onl# burnif 7e so 'ills it% +od* the Creator of all things*

commanded the fire to be cool at that moment* and thus turned the unbelie"ers trap against themsel"es@

>e #a.d& 7F.re, be +!!ne## and pea+e !r Abraha-38 They de#.red "! "rap h.-, bu" >e -ade "he-

"he !#er#3 >e de.ered b!"h h.- and L!" "! "he and "ha" >e had be##ed !r a be.n/#3 (4uran, 2%&


30/80

In the "erse* 7F.re, be +!!ne## and pea+e !r Abraha-8 (3uran* .@=;)* +od re"eals that the fire did

not harm Prophet Abraham (pbuh)% As a result* the pagans snares 'ere neutrali2ed and the# could not harm

him% This "erse also contains an important indication for the present da#% (+od 1no's best%)

As 'e 1no'* all 1inds of fabrics and materials are no' produced b# high technolog#% Among them are

fire$proof clothing and "ehicles% 5or instance* fire$resistant clothes protect their 'earers against fire* flames* and

other effects of burning* for the# catch fire less easil#* burn slo'er* and put themsel"es out 'hen the flame or

the fires source is remo"ed% &uch clothing gi"es people more time to remo"e their burning clothes or e-tinguish

the blames%

5abrics made from glass* aramid* no"oloid* sulphur* and saran fibres do not catch fire and resist "er# high

temperatures% These fabrics are the result of different fibers oined together* through a series of tests* to protect

the 'earer against fire% &hirts* pants* ac1ets* s'eaters* shoes* glo"es* soc1s* and headgear designed from such

fire$resistant materials are used b# 'or1ers in oil refineries* chemical substance producing plants* electricit# and

natural gas facilities* steel and aluminum factories* 'elding plants* the air and space industr#* the construction

industr#* and emergenc# and fire$fighting personnel% (American 5ire'ear Product &pecificationshttp@'''%fire'ear%comspcgide%htm)

The abo"e "erse ma# be pointing to this maor scientific de"elopment* 'hich 'ill emerge during the !nd

Times* and indicating the production of these fire$resistant fabrics and materials% (+od 1no's best%)

The >.#d!- .n Pr!phe" Abraha-# (pbuh) Me"h!d

'nd.+a".n/ "he Tru"h by A#$.n/ 4ue#".!n#

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) led his pagan people to accept the fact that their idols possessed no po'er b#as1ing 4uestions@

! y!u "hen !r#h.p, .n#"ead ! 1!d, "ha" h.+h +ann!" hep !r har- y!u .n any ay (4uran,

2%&


31/80

Hae y!u "h!u/h" ab!u" "he a"er "ha" y!u dr.n$ '# ." y!u h! #en" ." d!n r!- "he +!ud#, !r

are >e "he Cender ' >e had .#hed, >e +!ud hae -ade ." b.""er3 C! . y!u n!" /.e "han$# Hae

y!u "h!u/h" ab!u" "he .re "ha" y!u ./h" '# ." y!u h! -a$e "he "ree# "ha" ue ." /r!, !r are >e "he

1r!er >e hae -ade ." "! be a re-.nder and a +!-!r" !r "raeer# .n "he .d3 C! /!r.y "he na-e !

y!ur L!rd, "he Ma/n..+en"@ (4uran, 5


32/80

"ha" h.+h y!u hae a##!+.a"ed ."h H.-, hen y!u y!ur#ee# apparen"y hae n! ear ! a##!+.a".n/

par"ner# ."h 1!d, !r h.+h He ha# #en" d!n n! au"h!r."y "! y!u >h.+h ! "he "! par".e# .# -!re

en"."ed "! ee #ae, . y!u hae any $n!ed/e8 Th!#e h! be.ee and d! n!" -.* up "he.r a."h ."h

any r!n/d!.n/, "hey are "he !ne# h! are #aeJ ." .# "hey h! are /u.ded38 Th.# .# "he ar/u-en" >e /ae

"! Abraha- a/a.n#" h.# "r.be3 >e ra.#e .n ran$ any!ne >e .3 Y!ur L!rd .# A;>.#e, A;9n!.n/3

(4uran,


33/80

Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) tribe* 'hich 'as 4uite numerous* threatened him 'ith death* stoning* and

e-ile% 7o'e"er* he sought to 1eep his distance from them b# telling them that he 'as ill@

And DAbraha- a#$ed h.# a"her and h.# "r.be& 7>ha" are y!u !r#h.pp.n/ '# ." a#eh!!dKde.".e#

be#.de# 1!dK"ha" y!u de#.re C!, ha" are y!ur "h!u/h"# ab!u" "he L!rd ! a "he !rd#8 He !!$eda" "he #"ar# and #a.d& 7' a- #.+$38 C! "hey "urned "he.r ba+$# !n h.-3 (4uran, 6?&5;I0)

This method reflects a most 'ise and rational attitude* for his tribe left him alone out of fear that the#

themsel"es might become ill% Left alone* he gained enough time to smash the idols% This cle"er plan* designed

to free his tribe from the sin of ascribing partners to +od* is one of the finest e-amples of acting based upon his

lo"e for and fear (respect) of +od and personal faith% 7e made great efforts to carr# out his +od$gi"en

responsibilit# and* 'ith great courage and determination* refused to gi"e up in the face of all difficulties% 7e

sought no re'ard from people* responded to e"il 'ith good* and sought onl# +ods good pleasure 'hile doing

so%

The 3uran gi"es other e-amples of#ortray!ng so"eth!ng as flawed and thus es)a#!ng the )lut)hes of the

)ruel* such as Ghidr (pbuh)* 'ho tra"eled 'ith Prophet Moses (pbuh) for a short time% The "erses read@

They +!n".nued un". "hey b!arded a b!a", and he D9h.dr +au#ed ." "! #.n$3 Then M!#e# #a.d& 7.d

y!u +au#e ." "! #.n$ #! "ha" ."# !ner# !ud be dr!ned Th.# .# "ruy a dreadu "h.n/ "ha" y!u hae

d!ne@8 (4uran, %&?%)

D9h.dr #a.d "! M!#e#& 7A# !r "he b!a", ." be!n/ed "! #!-e p!!r pe!pe h! !r$ed !n "he #ea3 '

an"ed "! da-a/e ." be+au#e a $.n/ a# +!-.n/ beh.nd "he-, +!--andeer.n/ eery b!a"38 (4uran,

%&?I)

Ghidr (pbuh) 'as chosen b# +od and gi"en special 1no'ledge* and his great intelligence and foresight in

this instance are 'orth# of note% The 3uran praises his profound faith* humilit#* and submission to +od* as 'ell

as man# of his other 4ualities* and re"eals that he 'as a ser"ant of +od 'hose e"er# action 'as founded on

guidance and 'isdom% B# sin1ing this boat* Ghidr (pbuh) pre"ented the 1ing from ta1ing it and also sho'ed

great compassion to'ards its o'ners* 'ho 'ere poor% At the same time* he damaged it in such a 'a# that it

could be easil# repaired%

These "erses also describe Ghidr (pbuh) as being a 'ise ser"ant of +od 'ho carried out 7is commands

'ithout hesitation* and as being note'orth# for his lo"e and compassion* for his desire to help belie"ers* and for

his patience and determination% (5or details* see 7arun :ah#a* 2!gns of the +nd /!"es !n 2urat Al3 =ahfK8e'elhi@ +ood'ord Boo1s* 00/%)

As 'e sa' earlier* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) smashed all but the largest of his tribes idols% After seeing

'hat he had done* the# sought to punish him% At this point* his plan to sho' them the fallac# of their pagan

belief s#stem emerged@


34/80

He #a.d& 7N!, "h.# !ne, "he ar/e#" ! "he-, d.d ."3 A#$ "he-, . "hey are abe "! #pea$@8 (4uran,

2%&


35/80

The An/e# >h! Q.#."ed Pr!phe"

Abraha- (pbuh)

ne of +ods greatest blessings to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) 'as to support him 'ith angels% According to

the 3uran* t'o angels came to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) in human guise and sta#ed in his house@

Ha# "he #"!ry rea+hed y!u ! "he h!n!red /ue#"# ! Abraha- >hen "hey en"ered h.# de.n/ and

#a.d& 7Pea+e,8 he rep.ed& 7Pea+e, "! pe!pe e d! n!" $n!38 (4uran, 5%&2=;25)

Our an/e# br!u/h" "he /!!d ne# "! Abraha-3 They #a.d& 7Pea+e,8 and he "!! #a.d& 7Pea+e8 and

br!u/h" .n a r!a#"ed +a ."h!u" deay3 (4uran, %%&e hae been #en" "! "he "r.be ! L!"38 (4uran, %%&?0)

The 'a# that his guests declined to eat* e"en though he had treated them "er# 'arml# and offered them

food* sho'ed Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that something e-traordinar# 'as happening% These angels* 'ho came to


36/80

him in human guise* displa#ed a most noble and blameless moralit#% Indeed* he treated them 'ith such

enormous hospitalit# because he reali2ed that the# 'ere most 'orth# guests% The angels then re"ealed their true

identities and ga"e him the glad tidings of a righteous son@

>hen "hey +a-e .n "! h.-, "hey #a.d& 7Pea+e38 He rep.ed& 7Truy e are ara.d ! y!u38 They #a.d&7! n!" be ara.d3 >e br.n/ y!u "he /!!d ne# ! a b!y ! /rea" $n!ed/e38 (4uran, %5&52;56)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his 'ife 'ere astonished* for both of them 'ere 4uite old% In addition* his

'ife 'as barren% Prophet Abraham (pbuh) replied 'ith the follo'ing 'ords@

He a#$ed& 7! y!u br.n/ -e "h.# /!!d ne# de#p."e "he a+" ! !d a/e ha.n/ rea+hed -e >ha"

$.nd ! /!!d ne# are y!u br.n/.n/ -e8 They #a.d& 7>e br.n/ y!u /!!d ne# ! "he "ru"h, #! d! n!" be

a-!n/ "h!#e h! de#pa.r38 (4uran, %5&5=;55)

H.# .e a# #"and.n/ "here, and #he au/hed !u" !ud3 C! >e /ae her "he /!!d ne# ! '#aa+, and

bey!nd '#aa+, a+!b3 Che e*+a.-ed& 7>!e .# -e@ H! +an ' /.e b.r"h hen ' a- an !d !-an and -y

hu#band .# an a/ed -an Th.# .# .ndeed an a#"!n.#h.n/ "h.n/@8 (4uran, %%&?%;?2)

This 'as ne's of a great miracle% In response to his 'ifes 4uestion* 7They #a.d& Tha" .# ha" y!ur

L!rd #ay#3 He .# "he A;>.#e, "he A;9n!.n/8(3uran* and it 'ill immediatel# come about% &ince


37/80

e"er#thing is possible in +ods sight* belie"ers ma1e their re4uests full of hope% The 3uran re"eals 7is infinite

might in follo'ing terms@

The Or./.na"!r ! "he heaen# and Ear"h3 >hen He de+.de# !n #!-e"h.n/, He u#" #ay# "! .", 7Be@8

and ." .#3 (4uran, 2&%%?)

People 'ho grasp this great truth 1no' that e"en apparentl# insurmountable obstacles e-ist because of

7is 'isdom% +od creates sterilit# and so can turn it into fertilit# in a moment% That is 'hat happened to Prophet

Abraham (pbuh) and his barren 'ife* despite their great age% nl# +od* 6ho ga"e them a righteous son* can

gi"e and ta1e life* and then bring an#thing to life once again%

In the 3uran* +od relates a miraculous e"ent and re"eals that 7e 'ill cause Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and

his 'ife to ha"e a righteous son% There ma# also be an indication in this "erse of present$da# sterilit# treatments

and ad"ances in medical science% (+od 1no's best%)

O"her Ne# Br!u/h" by "he An/e#

The angels then informed Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that Prophet Lots (pbuh) tribe 'ould soon be

destro#ed because of their homose-ual lifest#le% (This 'ill be discussed in greater detail later on%) The 3uran

states@

He DAbraha- .nu.red& 7>ha", "hen, .# y!ur bu#.ne##, O e-.##ar.e# r!- 1!d8 They #a.d& 7>e

hae been #en" "! a "r.be ! e.d!er# "! unea#h up!n "he- u-p# ! +ay ear-ar$ed by y!ur L!rd !r "he

pr!./a"e38 (4uran, 5%&62;6=)

The 3uran also gi"es more details about this con"ersation in other passages% 5or e-ample@

>hen Our e-.##ar.e# +a-e ."h "he /!!d ne# "! Abraha-, "hey #a.d& 7>e are /!.n/ "! de#"r!y

"he pe!pe ! "h.# +."y3 Truy ."# .nhab."an"# are r!n/d!er#38 He #a.d& 7L!" .# .n ."38 They #a.d& 7>e $n!

ery e h! .# .n ."3 >e are /!.n/ "! re#+ue h.- and h.# a-.yKe*+ep" !r h.# .e3 Che . be !ne !

"h!#e h! #"ay beh.nd38 (4uran, 2I&6%;62)

>hen "he ee.n/ ! ear e" Abraha- and "he /!!d ne# rea+hed h.-, he d.#pu"ed ."h U# ab!u"

"he "r.be ! L!"3 Abraha- a# !rbear.n/, +!-pa##.!na"e, and pen."en"3 7Abraha-, "urn aay r!- "h.#@

Y!ur L!rd# +!--and ha# +!-e3 A pun.#h-en" .# +!-.n/ "! "he- "ha" +ann!" be repeed38 (4uran,

%%&?


38/80

They #a.d& 7>e hae been #en" "! a pe!pe h! are e.d!er#K."h "he e*+ep".!n ! "he a-.y !

L!", a ! h!- >e . #ae, e*+ep" !r h.# .e3 >e hae de+reed her "! be !ne ! "h!#e h! #"ay

beh.nd38 (4uran, %5&5;e /.e y!u "he /!!d ne# ! a b!y na-ed !hn, a

na-e e hae /.en "! n! !ne e#e be!re38 He a#$ed& 7My L!rd@ H! +an ' a"her a #!n hen -y .e .#

barren and ' hae rea+hed adan+ed !d a/e8 He D1!d rep.ed& 7'" . be #!3 Y!ur L!rd #ay#& Tha" .#

ea#y !r -e "! d!3 ' +rea"ed y!u be!re, hen y!u ere n!"h.n/38 (4uran, %I&2;I)


39/80

Li1e Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* Prophet Fachariah (pbuh) as1ed for a de"out son% As stated abo"e* onl#

+od can guide someone to the true path% Indeed* +od re"eals@ 7333 1!d /u.de# "h!#e He .#3 He ha# be#"

$n!ed/e ! "he /u.ded8(3uran* >@h!, de#p."e -y !d a/e, ha# /.en -e '#h-ae and '#aa+3 My L!rd .# "he Hearer

! Prayer3 (4uran, %=&6I)

The 3uran describes Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) as being 7a-!n/ "he be#" ! +h!#en -en8(3uran* D>@/>)

and 7a!red !er a be.n/#8(3uran* =@>=)% In addition* he is said to be a man 7"rue "! h.# pr!-.#e and a#

a Me##en/er and a Pr!phe"8 (3uran* .;@@/=)% +od re"eals Prophet Isaacs (pbuh) and Prophet ?acobs (pbuh) superior moral 4ualities in the

follo'ing "erses@

>e pur..ed "he.r #.n+er."y "hr!u/h #.n+ere re-e-bran+e ! "he ab!de3 'n Our eye#, "hey are a-!n/

"he be#" ! +h!#en -en3 (4uran, 6&=e /ae h.- DAbraha- '#aa+ and a+!b and -ade b!"h ! "he-

r./h"e!u#3 >e -ade "he- eader#, /u.d.n/ "he- by Our +!--and, and reeaed "! "he- h! "! d! /!!d

a+".!n#, per!r- prayer, and /.e a-#3 And "hey !r#h.pped U#3 (4uran, 2%&?2;?6)

>e /ae h.- DAbraha- "he /!!d ne# ! '#aa+, a Pr!phe", !ne ! "he r./h"e!u#3 (4uran, 6?&%%2)

The 3uran praises Prophet Abraham (pbuh) for turning to +od in e"er#thing he did* his sincere and

genuine pra#ers* and his determined faith% Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) submissi"e attitude in the face of all

troubles and difficulties is an e-ample for all belie"ers% 7is sincere pra#er for his children is a clear indication of

this@


40/80

7Our L!rd, ' hae #e""ed #!-e ! -y !#pr.n/ by Y!ur Ca+red H!u#e .n an un+u".a"ed aey3

Our L!rd, e" "heper!r- prayer3 Ma$e "he hear"# ! hu-an."y .n+.ne "!ard "he- and pr!.de "he-

."h ru."#, #! "ha", h!peuy, "hey . be "han$u38 (4uran, %=&6?)

+od describes the great blessing 7e has placed on Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) descendents in the

follo'ing terms@

7A++!rd.n/y, y!ur L!rd . p.+$ y!u !u" and "ea+h y!u "he "rue -ean.n/ ! een"# and pere+"y

u. H.# be##.n/ !n y!u, a# e a# !n "he a-.y ! a+!b, u#" a# He u.ed ." pere+"y be!re up!n

y!ur !rebear# Abraha- and '#aa+3 M!#" +er"a.ny, y!ur L!rd .# 9n!.n/, >.#e38 (4uran, %2&e /ae h.- h.# reard .n "h.# !rd, and .n "he Herea"er he . be a-!n/ "he r./h"e!u#3

(4uran, 2I&2?)

And re-e-ber Our #eran"# Abraha-, '#aa+, and a+!b, -en ! "rue #"ren/"h and .nner #./h"3 >e

pur..ed "he.r #.n+er."y "hr!u/h #.n+ere re-e-bran+e ! "he ab!de3 'n Our eye#, "hey are a-!n/ "he be#"

! +h!#en -en3 (4uran, 6&=5;=?)

>hen he DAbraha- #epara"ed h.-#e r!- "he- and ha" "hey !r#h.pped be#.de# 1!d, >e /ae

h.- '#aa+ and a+!b, -a$.n/ ea+h ! "he- a pr!phe"3 >e end!ed "he- ."h Our -er+y and -ade "he-

h./hy h!n!red3 (4uran, %I&=I;50)

ur Lord further informs us that 7e has made Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) famil# superior to the 'orlds*

supported them 'ith 'isdom and the Boo1* and pro"ided them 'ith considerable assets@

1!d +h!#e Ada- and N!ah, a# e a# "he a-.y ! Abraha- and "he a-.y ! S'-ran, !er a

!"her be.n/#3 (4uran, 6&66)

Or d! "hey, .n a+", eny !"her pe!pe !r "he b!un"y 1!d ha# /ran"ed "he- >e /ae "he a-.y !Abraha- "he B!!$ and .#d!-, and >e /ae "he- an .--en#e $.n/d!-3 (4uran, =&5=)

7Th!#e h! be.ee and d! n!" -.* up "he.r a."h ."h any r!n/d!.n/, "hey are "he !ne# h! are

#aeJ ." .# "hey h! are /u.ded38 Th.# .# "he ar/u-en" >e /ae "! Abraha- a/a.n#" h.# "r.be3 >e ra.#e .n

ran$ any!ne >e .3 Y!ur L!rd .# A;>.#e, A;9n!.n/3 (4uran,


41/80

And e" "he a"er pe!pe #ay.n/ ! h.-& 7Pea+e be up!n Abraha-38 Tha" .# h! >e re+!-pen#e

/!!d;d!er#3 Truy, he a# !ne ! Our be.e.n/ #eran"#3 (4uran, 6?&%0;%%%)

+od re'arded Prophet Abraham (pbuh) 'ith a pleasing* guided* and unsullied line of descent% Although

his tribe 'as disobedient* proud* and insistent upon den#ing +od* his sons* 'hom +od selected as prophets*

'ere his true legac#@

>e /ae h.- '#aa+ and a+!b, ea+h ! h!- >e /u.ded3 And be!re h.- >e had /u.ded N!ah3 And

a-!n/ h.# de#+enden"# ere a.d and C!!-!n, !b and !#eph, M!#e# and Aar!n3 Tha" .# h! >e

re+!-pen#e "he /!!d;d!er#3 (4uran,


42/80

And hen Abraha- bu." "he !unda".!n# ! "he H!u#e ."h '#h-ae& 7Our L!rd, a++ep" "h.# r!-

u#3 Y!u are "he A;Hear.n/, "he A;9n!.n/38 (4uran, 2&%2?)

As the# engaged in building the GaHbah and thereb# fulfilling their religious dut#* these t'o prophetsconstantl# pra#ed to our Lord% 5ollo'ing this pleasing practice* 'e can pra# and see1 +ods help in an# matter*

and praise and call on 7is name% This is because +od 1no's 'hat is hidden in peoples hearts* hears them at all

times* and sees and 1no's 'hat the# do% Belie"ers 1no' that 7e 'ill respond to their pra#ers* and so regard

pra#er as a means of dra'ing closer to 7im% People sometimes thin1 that pra#er can onl# be performed at

certain times or places* and therefore see1 to mold it into a specific form% :et the prophets pra#ers sho' that

belie"ers can turn to +od at an# time (e%g%* 'hen 'or1ing* going to bed* or sitting do'n)% As there is no rule

concerning this* belie"ers ma# turn to +od at all moments* recall 7im in their hearts at all times* and praise our

Lord 'ith 7is most beautiful names%

At the end of their pra#ers* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) praised +od% After

stating 'hat the# sought from 7im* the t'o prophets praised 7im* e-pressing the fact that 7e 1no's and hears

e"er#thing% This demonstrates that it is acceptable to recall 7is names during pra#er and to use them 'hen

pra#ing to 7im% Indeed* in one "erse +od re"eals that@

T! 1!d be!n/ "he M!#" Beau".u Na-e#, #! +a !n H.- by "he- and aband!n "h!#e h!

de#e+ra"e H.# Na-e#3 They . be repa.d !r ha" "hey d.d3 (4uran, ?&%0)

Belie"ers should e-press the fact* as did the prophets* of +ods greatness* that 7e sees and hears

e"er#thing* controls e"er#thing* and is the Lord of po'er and 'isdom% Man# "erses concerning the prophets

pra#ers shed light on ho' belie"ers should actuall# pra#%

Pr!phe" Abraha-# (pbuh) Te#"

ne of the man# tests that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had to face 'as that of sacrificing Prophet Ishmael

(pbuh)% As the 3uran relates@

And >e /ae h.- DAbraha- "he /!!d ne# ! a !rbear.n/ b!y3 >hen he D'#h-ae a# ! an a/e

"! !r$ ."h h.-, he DAbraha- #a.d& 7My #!n, ' #a .n a drea- "ha" ' -u#" #a+r..+e y!u3 >ha" d! y!u

"h.n$ ab!u" "h.#8 He #a.d& 7! a# y!u are !rdered, a"her3 1!d ..n/, y!u . .nd -e pa".en"38 Thenhen "hey had b!"h #ub-.""ed and he had a.n h.- a+e d!n !n "he /r!und, >e +aed !u" "! h.-&

7Abraha-@ Y!u hae d.#+har/ed y!ur .#.!n38 Tha" .# h! >e re+!-pen#e /!!d;d!er#3 Th.# a# .ndeed a

-!#" -an.e#" "r.a3 >e ran#!-ed h.- ."h a -./h"y #a+r..+e3 (4uran, 6?&%0%;0?)

In the abo"e "erses* +od relates ho' 7e tested Prophet Abraham (pbuh)% Islamic scholars generall#

interpret these "erses in the same 'a#% 5or e-ample* in his commentar# on the 3uran* 7amdi :a2ir of !lmali


43/80

states that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) sa' a re"elation in his dream and 'as told to fulfill it% 7e e-plains the

rele"ant "erses in the follo'ing terms@

9He d!d not seek to do th!s by for)e-


44/80

li"es% All belie"ers must follo' in the path of these 'orth# indi"iduals* 'hom +od made superior to the 'orlds*

and implement their matchless moral "alues in their o'n li"es%

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh), 7"he 'n".-a"e Fr.end ! 1!d8

>h! +!ud hae a be""er re./.!n "han #!-e!ne h! #ub-."# h.-#e +!-pe"ey "! 1!d and .# a

/!!d;d!er, and !!# "he re./.!n ! Abraha-, a -an ! pure na"ura be.e 1!d "!!$ Abraha- a# an

.n".-a"e r.end3 (4uran, =&%25)

ur Lord has re"ealed that 7e too1 Prophet Abraham (pbuh) as a friend% 5or that reason* he is 1no'n as

=hal!lullah (the friend of +od)* and remembered b# that name% Indeed* Prophet Muhammad (ma# +od bless

him and grant him peace) said@ Oh "y God $ro#het Abraha" !s Your fr!end [=hal!l] and Your #ro#het-(=

In the Bible* 'e find the follo'ing statement concerning Prophet Abraham (pbuh)@

And the s)r!#ture was fulf!lled that says: Abraha" bel!e*ed God and !t was )red!ted to h!" as

r!ghteousness( and he was )alled God0s fr!end- %@a"es :B&

The onl# aim of those 'ho are friends of +od and 'ho lo"e and fear (and respect) 7im is to gain 7is

good pleasure* merc#* and Paradise% +od is al'a#s in their hearts and minds% 6hene"er the# see things that gi"e

them pleasure* the# sa#@How beaut!fully has God )reated the"- He !s worthy of #ra!se-The# call on +od b#

7is most beautiful names%

&uch people 1no' that all blessings come from +od and constantl# than1 7im for 'hate"er 7e sends to

them% 6hene"er the# encounter trouble or difficult#* the# 1no' that +od is testing them and that 'hate"er good

it contains one da# 'ill be re"ealed% The# demonstrate a pleasing patience* sho' submission* and engage in

de"out 'or1s in the hope of gaining their abode in the 7ereafter% And* the# ta1e Prophet Muhammads (ma#

+od bless him and grant him peace) 'ords* $ra!se be to God ;ho )reated e*eryth!ng as !s ne)essary ;ho

does not hasten anyth!ng He defers and deter"!nes- God !s enough for "e and suff!)!ent(Eas a guide and than1

7im for e"er#thing%

+od encourages belie"ers to reach this honorable state b# see1ing 'a#s to dra' closer to 7im@

O y!u h! be.ee3 Fear Dand re#pe+" 1!d, and #ee$ "he -ean# ! dra.n/ near "! H.-333 (4uran,

5&65)

In other "erses* +od sa#s* 7C! ee "! 1!d8(3uran*


45/80

Re-e-ber "he Na-e ! y!ur L!rd, and de!"e y!ur#e "! H.- +!-pe"ey3 L!rd ! "he Ea#" and

>e#"K"here .# n! de."y bu" H.-K#! "a$e H.- a# y!ur 1uard.an3 (4uran, ?6&;I)

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) P!# #e##ed C"ren/"h, 'n#./h",

and "he Ab.."y "! h!!#e R./h"

The 3uran states that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) possessed 7"rue #"ren/"h and .nner #./h"8 (3uran*

D>@/


46/80

/ruth leads to #!ety and #!ety leads to $arad!se- A "an #ers!sts !n s#eak!ng the truth unt!l God enrolls

h!" as a truthful "an- Calsehood leads to *!)e and *!)e leads to the C!re %Hell&- A #erson goes on tell!ng a l!e

unt!l God enrolls h!" as a l!ar-..

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) >a# a Pure Ceran"

>h! Aay# Th!u/h" ab!u" "he Herea"er

+od describes Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his line as being pure and al'a#s thin1ing of the 7ereafter@

And re-e-ber Our #eran"# Abraha-, '#aa+, and a+!b, -en ! "rue #"ren/"h and .nner #./h"3 >e

pur..ed "he.r #.n+er."y "hr!u/h #.n+ere re-e-bran+e ! "he ab!de D! "he Herea"er3 (4uran, 6&=5;=


47/80

must be seen as a means of 'inning +ods good pleasure* e-plaining religions moral "alues* and recalling the

life of the 7ereafter%

Thin1ing about Paradises infinite beauties* reoicing at +ods promise of Paradise* a"oiding 7ells

endless torments* and 1eeping this in mind are important 'a#s for belie"ers to increase their closeness to +od

and their enthusiasm for li"ing b# the 3urans moral "alues% ther'ise* &atan 'ill see1 to use their

forgetfulness and encourage them to li"e 'ithout 'orr#ing about the a# of ?udgment% Belie"ers must ne"er

fall into this snare* and must al'a#s* li1e Prophet Abraham (pbuh)* thin1 deepl# about the 7ereafter and e-plain

it to others% Indeed* +od sa#s of Prophet Abraham (pbuh)@

>h! !ud de.bera"ey ren!un+e "he re./.!n ! Abraha-, e*+ep" #!-e!ne h! reea# h.-#e "!

be a !! >e +h!#e h.- .n "h.# !rd, and .n "he Herea"er he . be !ne ! "he r./h"e!u#3 (4uran,

2&%60)

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) >a# a .#".n/u.#hed

and Au#p.+.!u# Ceran" ! 1!d

'n Our eye#, "hey are a-!n/ "he be#" ! +h!#en -en3 (4uran, 6&=?)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) 'as one of +ods ser"ants to 'hom 7e "ouchsafed the true path* honored 'ith

prophethood* and made distinguished in 7is o'n sight% The fact that he and his famil# 'ere set apart from his

tribe is re"ealed in the follo'ing "erse@

1!d +h!#e Ada- and N!ah, and "he a-.y ! Abraha- and "he a-.y ! S'-ran, !er a !"her

be.n/#3 (4uran, 6&66)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his sons distinguished themsel"es from their fello' tribesmen b# calling on

their people to belie"e in +od and telling them of 7is superior might and po'er% +od re"eals that* 7>e #en"

N!ah and Abraha-, and pa+ed pr!phe"h!!d and "he B!!$ a-!n/ "he.r de#+endan"#G8 (3uran*


48/80

In the hadith* /he best of you are those who ha*e the "ost ex)ellent "orals(.D

* our Prophet (ma# +od

bless him and grant him peace) states that belie"ers 'ith e-emplar# morals are aus#!)!ous !nd!*!dualsfor their

communities% +od re"eals the difference bet'een those belie"ers 'ho beha"e according to +ods prescriptions

and al'a#s carr# the beaut# of religions moral "alues 'ith them* and those 'ho lac1 this 4ualit#@

1!d -a$e# an!"her -e"aph!r& "! -en, !ne ! "he- dea and -u"e, unabe "! d! any"h.n/, a

burden "! h.# -a#"er3 N! -a""er here he d.re+"# h.-, he br.n/# n! /!!d3 '# he "he #a-e a# #!-e!ne h!

+!--and# u#".+e and .# !n a #"ra./h" pa"h (4uran, %


49/80

ur Lord imparts the follo'ing glad tidings to those 'ho belie"e@

Bu" . any!ne repen"# a"er h.# r!n/d!.n/ and pu"# "h.n/# r./h", 1!d . "urn "!ard h.-3 1!d .#

Eer;F!r/..n/, M!#" Mer+.u3 (4uran, 5&6I)

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) >a# 7a !--un."y .n H.-#e8

Abraha- a# a +!--un."y .n h.-#e, e*e-pary, !bed.en" "! 1!d, a -an ! pure na"ura be.e3

He a# n!" !ne ! "he .d!a"er#3 (4uran, %e #en" a -e##en/er "! y!u r!- a-!n/ y!u "! re+."e Our C./n# "! y!u, pur.y y!u, "ea+h

y!u "he B!!$ and >.#d!-, and "ea+h y!u "h.n/# y!u d.d n!" $n! be!re3 Re-e-ber MeK' .

re-e-ber y!u3 1.e "han$# "! Me, and d! n!" be un/ra"eu3 O y!u h! be.ee3 Cee$ hep .n

#"eada#"ne## and prayer3 1!d .# ."h "he #"eada#"3 (4uran, 2&%5%;%56)


50/80

As a ser"ant 'ho constantl# ga"e than1s to +od for the blessings imparted to him* Prophet Abraham

(pbuh) 'as a sincere belie"er 'hom +od made a model for all Muslims% As the 3uran states@

He a# "han$u !r H.# be##.n/#3 1!d +h!#e h.- and /u.ded h.- "! a #"ra./h" pa"h3 (4uran,

%e . "e#" y!u ."h a +er"a.n a-!un" ! ear and hun/er, a# e a# !## ! ea"h, .e, and ru."#3

Bu" /.e /!!d ne# "! "he #"eada#"3 (4uran, 2&%55)

Eery per#!n . "a#"e dea"h3 >e "e#" y!u ."h b!"h /!!d and e. a# a "r.a3 And y!u . be

re"urned "! U#3 (4uran, 2%&65)

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) >a# Cub-.""ed "! 1!d

>hen h.# L!rd #a.d "! h.-, 7Be+!-e a Mu#.-,8 He DAbraha- #a.d& 7' a- a Mu#.- h! ha#

#ub-.""ed "! "he L!rd ! a "he !rd#38 (4uran, 2&%6%)

The 'ordIsla"comes from the "erb sala"a* 'hich means to sub"!t% Therefore* being a Muslim means

one who has sub"!tted% Throughout his struggle 'ith his tribe* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) demonstrated deep

de"otion and total submission to +od% 8o matter ho' difficult his tribe 'as or ho' much the# tried to 'ear him

do'n* Prophet Abraham (pbuh) continued to spread +ods religion 'ith the great enthusiasm stemming from

his o#ous faith% This 'as true to such an e-tent* in fact* that he e"entuall# left his tribe and all of his

possessions behind and 'ent to another land%

These prophets* 'ho 'ere sent to bring their people out of the dar1ness of idolatr# and into the light of

truth* 1ne' full 'ell that +od created all people and the uni"erse 'ith a destin#* and that our Lord has set do'n

e"er# e"ent that 'e 'ill e"er e-perience in both 'orlds% 5or that reason* the# 'ere esteemed indi"iduals 'ho

'ere full# submitted to +od* turned to 7im constantl#* and 'illingl# obe#ed 7is commands% Belie"ers must

consider the truth of the destin# re"ealed b# +od and li"e in 'illing submission to it%


51/80

Pr!phe" Abraha- (pbuh) >a# Tender;Hear"ed

Being compassionate* tender$hearted* affectionate* and full of lo"e and forgi"eness is #et another of the

belie"ers characteristics praised b# +od% ur Lord re"eals that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) possessed such a

tender$hearted nature@

333 Abraha- a# "ender;hear"ed and !rbear.n/3 (4uran, I&%%=)

Abraha- a# !rbear.n/, +!-pa##.!na"e, pen."en"3 (4uran, %%&?5)

As a manifestation of their o#ous lo"e for our Lord* belie"ers ma1e great efforts to be ser"ants 'ho

please +od and ha"e the moral "alues re"ealed in the 3uran% Being tender$hearted* compassionate* and

affectionate are moral "alues fre4uentl# emphasi2ed in the hadiths% &ome of these read as follo's@

;hen tenderness enters so"eth!ng !t always "akes !t "ore beaut!ful- ;hen !t !s re"o*ed fro"

so"eth!ng !t "akes !t flawed-.h! br!u/h" -e .n"! be.n/, >h! . +er"a.ny /u.de -e3 He -ade ." an !n;/!.n/ !rd a-!n/ h.#

de#+endan"# #! "ha", perhap#, "hey -./h" "urn ba+$38 (4uran, =6&2


55/80

prophets from that same line 'ho later continued to call on their people to li"e b# religions moral "alues% The

3uran mentions Prophet ?acobs (pbuh) legac# in the follo'ing terms@

Or ere y!u pre#en" hen dea"h +a-e "! a+!b and he a#$ed h.# #!n#& 7>ha" . y!u !r#h.p

hen ' hae /!ne8 They #a.d& 7>e . !r#h.p y!ur 1!d, "he 1!d ! y!ur !rea"her#, Abraha-,'#h-ae, and '#aa+K!ne 1!d3 >e are Mu#.-# #ub-.""ed "! H.-38 (4uran, 2&%66)

All prophets 'ho came after Prophet Abraham (pbuh) left the same legac# to their descendents@ &ubmit to

+od 'holeheartedl# and die as Muslims% 6hoe"er abides b# Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) legac#* ser"es onl#

+od* and spends his or her life for +ods good pleasure ma# hope for 7is forgi"eness and Paradise* the abode of

eternal happiness%


56/80

B!!$ :2 :

P r ! p h e " L ! " # ( p b u h ) L . e

>e /ae r./h" ud/-en" and $n!ed/e "! L!", and re#+ued h.- r!- "he +."y "ha" +!--.""ed

d.#/u#".n/ , They ere e. pe!pe h! ere de.a"!r#3 >e ad-.""ed h.- .n"! Our -erey3 He a# !ne

! "he be.eer#3 (4uran, 2%&?=;?5)

The 3uran informs us that a number of prophets li"ed during the same period% 5or e-ample* Prophet

Aaron (pbuh) supported his brother* Prophet Moses (pbuh)* in his struggle 'ith Pharaoh and in rela#ing the

di"ine message to the Children of Israel% Prophet ?acob (pbuh) and Prophet ?oseph (pbuh) also 'ere honored b#

+od 'ith prophethood during the same period%

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Lot (pbuh) li"ed in the same region% Although the# li"ed among

different people* the# still supported one another% ur Lord re"eals that@

He DAbraha- #a.d& 7Y!u hae ad!p"ed .d!# apar" r!- 1!d a# "!$en# ! -u"ua ae+".!n .n "h.#

!rd3 Bu" "hen, !n "he ay ! Re#urre+".!n, y!u . ree+" !ne an!"her and +ur#e !ne an!"her3 The F.re

. be y!ur #he"er3 Y!u . hae n! heper#38 And L!" had be.eed .n h.-3 He #a.d& 7' . e-./ra"e "!

D"he #er.+e ! -y L!rd3 He .# "he A-./h"y, "he A >.#e38 (4uran, 2I&25;2


57/80

(3uran* /@E)* these people 'ish to dra' e"er#one a'a# from the true path% The 3uran mentions the re'ard

that such people 'ill recei"e@

An e. /enera".!n #u++eeded "h!#e h! ne/e+"ed "he prayer and !!ed "he.r appe"."e#3 They .

pun/e .n"! "he Qaey ! E.3 (4uran, %I&5I)

This prohibited practice has appeared in man# societies throughout histor#% The 3uran specificall#

mentions Prophet Lots (pbuh) tribe* 'ho 'as 'ell 1no'n for this custom% Prophet Lot (pbuh)* an esteemed

prophet 'ho belie"ed full# in our Lord and possessed the proper moral "alues and resignation to +od* called on

his tribe to fear (and respect) +od* abandon their homose-ualit#* and li"e a life that 'ould please 7im% But the#

responded to his 'ords 'ith hostilit#% ue to their monstrous temerit# and immoralit#* the# full# merited our

Lords chastisement% As the 3uran tells us* the# met the follo'ing fate@

And L!", hen he #a.d "! h.# "r.be& 7! y!u +!--." an !b#+en."y n!" perpe"ra"ed be!re y!u by

any!ne .n a "he !rd# Y!u +!-e ."h u#" "! -en .n#"ead ! !-en3 Y!u are .ndeed a depraed "r.be38

The !ny an#er ! h.# "r.be a# "! #ay& 7E*pe "he- r!- y!ur +."y@ They are pe!pe h! $eep

"he-#ee# pure@8 C! >e re#+ued h.- and h.# a-.yKe*+ep" !r h.# .e3 Che a# !ne ! "h!#e h!

#"ayed beh.nd3 >e ra.ned d!n a ra.n up!n "he-3 Cee "he .na a"e ! "he e.d!er#@ (4uran, ?&0;=)

These people* 'ho refused to abandon their sin despite being 'arned* threatened Prophet Lot (pbuh) and

the belie"ers 'ith e-ile% &a#ing NThey are pe!pe h! $eep "he-#ee# pure@8(3uran* E@>)* the# imagined

that the# 'ere moc1ing the belie"ers% espite their sinful lifest#le and e-cesses* ho'e"er* Prophet Lot (pbuh)

continued to rela# 7is message in order to earn +ods good pleasure%

Prophet Lot (pbuh)* 'ho 'as a patient* determined* and courageous ser"ant* manifested his o#ous faith

in and respect for +od% 7is tribes moc1er# and attac1s onl# reinforced his enthusiasm and determination% Li1eall of the other prophets* he continued to command 'hat is good and forbid 'hat is e"il* thus scrupulousl#

fulfilling his +od$gi"en dut#% In the 3uran* +od re"eals the follo'ing@

O Pr!phe"3 >e hae #en" y!u a# a ."ne##, a br.n/er ! /!!d ne# and a arner, a +aer "! 1!d by

H.# per-.##.!n and a ./h";/..n/ a-p3 1.e /!!d ne# "! "he be.eer# "ha" "hey . re+e.e .--en#e

a!r r!- 1!d3 ! n!" !bey "he unbe.eer# and hyp!+r."e#, and d.#re/ard "he.r abu#e ! y!u3 Pu" y!ur

"ru#" .n 1!d3 1!d #u.+e# a# a Pr!"e+"!r3 (4uran, 66&=5;=)

Then >e #en" Our -e##en/er#, !ne a"er an!"her, a" .n"era#3 Ea+h ".-e ."# -e##en/er +a-e "! a+!--un."y, "hey +aed h.- a .ar3 C!, >e -ade "he- !! !ne an!"her "!! and "urned "he- .n"! -y"h#

and e/end#3 Aay ."h "he pe!pe h! d! n!" be.ee@ (4uran, 26&==)

Belie"ers must ta1e Prophet Lots (pbuh) superior moral "alues as models for themsel"es* al'a#s beha"e

patientl# 'hen presenting 7is message* and e-plain religions moral "alues to people in the most appropriate

and effecti"e 'a#%


58/80

Pr!phe" L!" ( pbuh) >arn# H.# Tr.be

The pe!pe ! L!" den.ed "he -e##en/er#, hen "he.r br!"her L!" #a.d "! "he-& 7>. y!u n!" /uard

a/a.n#" e. ' a- a a."hu Me##en/er "! y!u3 C! ear Dand re#pe+" 1!d and !bey -e38 (4uran, 2


59/80


60/80

7o'e"er* our Lord used these angels to re"eal to Prophet Lot (pbuh) that his tribe 'ould be punished

se"erel# for their e-cesses@

He #a.d& 7Y!u are pe!pe e d! n!" $n!38 They #a.d& 7>e hae +!-e "! y!u ."h ha" "hey had

d!ub"# ab!u"3 >e hae br!u/h" y!u "he "ru"h, and e are +er"a.ny "ru"hu -en3 Trae ."h y!ur a-.y.n "he dead ! n./h", !!.n/ beh.nd ."h "he- .n r!n" ! y!u3 N!ne ! y!u -u#" !!$ ba+$3 1! "! here

y!u are !rdered38 >e reeaed "! h.- "he +!--and >e had de+reed& "ha" !n "he !!.n/ -!rn.n/ "he

a#" re-nan" ! "h!#e pe!pe !ud be +u" !3 (4uran, %5&ha" #"r.$e# "he- . #"r.$e her a# e3 The.r pr!-.#ed app!.n"-en" .# "he -!rn.n/3 '# "he -!rn.n/ n!"

+!#e a" hand8 (4uran, %%&%)

This "erse re"eals that Prophet Lots (pbuh) 'ife 'ould be destro#ed* despite her position as a prophets

'ife% Although +od had honored and ele"ated her husband 'ith prophethood* this blessing and honor gained

her nothing because of her insincerit# and denial%

7er death sho's that such connections as being related to or descended from the prophets of +od 'ill be

of no benefit in the 7ereafter% nl# ones deep faith* submission and obedience* and strong fear and respect of

+od 'ill be of an# benefit% If ones heart contains no sincere faith* one 'ill find no sal"ation* regardless of his

or her ph#sical or familial closeness to +ods prophets% Indeed* such pro-imit# ma# 'ell increase ones

responsibilit# in +ods sight* for +od re"eals this about the 'i"es of the prophets@

O .e# ! "he Pr!phe"3 ' any ! y!u +!--."# an !b.!u# a+" ! .nde+en+y, #he . re+e.e d!ube

"he pun.#h-en"3 Tha" .# an ea#y -a""er !r 1!d3 Bu" "h!#e ! y!u h! are !bed.en" "! 1!d and H.#

Me##en/er and a+" r./h"y . be /.en "he.r reard ".+e !erJ and >e hae prepared a /ener!u#

pr!.#.!n !r "he-3 O .e# ! "he Pr!phe"3 Y!u are n!" .$e !"her !-en, pr!.ded y!u /uard a/a.n#"

e.3 ! n!" be "!! #!";#p!$en .n y!ur #pee+h, e#" #!-e!ne ."h #.+$ne## .n h.# hear" be+!-e# de#.r!u#3

Cpea$ +!rre+" and +!ur"e!u# !rd#3 Re-a.n .n y!ur h!u#e# and d! n!" d.#pay y!ur beau"y, a# ." a#

pre.!u#y d.#payed .n "he T.-e ! '/n!ran+e3 Per!r- D"he pre#+r.bed prayer# and /.e a-#, and !bey

1!d and H.# Me##en/er3 1!d de#.re# "! re-!e a .-pur."y r!- y!u, O Pe!pe ! "he H!u#e, and "!

pur.y y!u +!-pe"ey3 (4uran, 66&60;66)

ur Lord cites the 'i"es of Prophet Lot (pbuh) and Prophet 8oah (pbuh) to ser"e as a deterrent in this

matter% The "erses also refer to Pharaohs 'ife* 'ho is a fine model of sincerit#* fear and respect of +od* and

heartfelt pra#er@

1!d ha# -ade an e*a-pe !r "h!#e h! d! n!" be.ee& "he .e ! N!ah and "he .e ! L!"3 They

ere -arr.ed "! "! ! Our #eran"# h! ere r./h"e!u#, bu" "hey be"rayed "he- and ere n!" heped a"


61/80

a a/a.n#" 1!d3 They ere "!d& 7En"er "he F.re a!n/ ."h a h! en"er ."38 1!d ha# -ade an e*a-pe

!r "h!#e h! be.ee& "he .e ! Phara!h hen #he #a.d& 7My L!rd, bu.d a h!u#e .n "he 1arden !r -e

.n Y!ur pre#en+e, re#+ue -e r!- Phara!h and h.# deed#, and re#+ue -e r!- "h.# r!n/d!.n/ pe!pe38

(4uran, e pu" !u" "he.r eye#& 7Ta#"e My pun.#h-en" and

arn.n/#@8 (4uran, 5=&6?)

>hen Our +!--and +a-e, >e "urned "he.r +.".e# up#.de d!n and ra.ned d!n !n "he- #"!ne# !

hard ba$ed +ay, p.ed !n "!p ! !ne an!"her .n ayer#, ea+h !ne ear-ar$ed by y!ur L!rd3 And "hey are

neer ar r!- "he r!n/d!er#3 (4uran, %%&2;6)

Perhaps turn!ng u#s!de downsignifies the regions destruction b# a po'erful earth4ua1e% The e-pression

ra!ned down on the" stones of hard baked )lay ma# indicate a "olcanic eruption and the hard bakedla"a and

stones thro'n up b# it% The same e"ent is described else'here@ 7and -ade a ra.n +!-e p!ur.n/ d!n up!n

"he-3 H! e. .# "he ra.n ! "h!#e h! are arned@8(3uran* [email protected])% In other 'ords* the tribe ma# ha"e

been destro#ed b# an earth4ua1e follo'ed b# a "olcanic eruption% (+od 1no's best%)

7istorians opine that the site of this great disaster is the shore of the ead &ea* also 1no'n as La1e Lut%

The cities of &odom and +omorrah* located alongside the ead &ea* bet'een the Israeli$occupied 6est Ban1

and ?ordan* are regarded as the cities of Prophet Lots (pbuh) mainl# homose-ual people% Archaeological

research sho's that these cities collapsed after a po'erful earth4ua1e% According to researchers* one area*

shallo'er than the rest of the ead &ea* houses the remains of these people* 'ho entered the deep parts of the

sea% (5or further details* see 7arun :ah#a* /he $er!shed 8at!onsKIstanbul@ 00)%

The Fa"e ! P!-pe..


62/80

Pompeii 'as the s#mbol of Romes moral degeneration% ?ust li1e Prophet Lots (pbuh) tribe* the

inhabitants of Pompeii* 'ho had also stra#ed far from religious moralit#* chose a lifest#le contrar# to the morals

and life commanded b# +od% And so +od punished them* ust as 7e punished Prophet Lots (pbuh) tribe% !"er#

societ# that rebels against +od ine"itabl# is punished* either in this 'orld or the ne-t* for this is one of +ods

la's% As the 3uran re"eals@

333 Y!u . n!" .nd any +han/.n/ .n "he pa""ern ! 1!d3 Y!u . n!" .nd any a"era".!n .n "he

pa""ern ! 1!d3 (4uran, 65&=6)

Pompeii 'as destro#ed 'hen Mount Vesu"ius erupted in E; C!% Mount Vesu"ius is the s#mbol of Ital#*

particularl# the cit# of 8aples% ormant no' for some *000 #ears* it is also 1no'n as the Mounta!n of

M!sfortune% 8aples stands on the mounts 'estern slopes* and Pompeii stands on its eastern slopes% This disaster

struc1 Pompeii so suddenl# that e"er#thing seems to ha"e been fro2en in time%

There are important lessons to be learned from Pompeiis fate% 7istorical sources re"eal that before its

destruction* Pompeii 'as a hotbed of "ice and debaucher# and 'as 1no'n for its 'idespread prostitution% :et

Mount Vesu"ius 'iped the cit# from the map in a single moment% Interestingl#* despite its terrible eruption*

nobod# fled% It seems that the people 'ere rooted to the spot* as if una'are of the traged#% A number of couples

ha"e been found* among 'hich are same$se- couples and #oung bo#s and girls% &ome of the petrified human

remains contain perfectl# preser"ed facial features% Their general e-pression is one of surprise* for Pompeii 'as

destro#edsuddenly% +od gi"es an e-ample of the people of a cit#@

'" a# bu" !ne 1rea" Ba#", and D"hen "hey ere e*".n+"3 (4uran, 6e de.ered b!"h h.- DAbraha- and L!" "! "he and "ha" >e had be##ed !r a be.n/#3 And .n

add.".!n "! "ha", >e /ae h.- '#aa+ and a+!b and -ade b!"h ! "he- r./h"e!u#3 >e -ade "he- eader#,

/u.d.n/ D"he- by Our +!--and, and reeaed "! "he- h! "! d! /!!d a+".!n#, per!r- prayer, and /.e

a-#3 And "hey !r#h.pped U#3 >e /ae r./h" ud/-en" and $n!ed/e "! L!", and re#+ued h.- r!- "he+."y "ha" +!--.""ed d.#/u#".n/ a+"#3 They ere e. pe!pe h! ere de.a"!r#3 >e ad-.""ed h.- .n"! Our

-er+y3 He a# !ne ! "he r./h"e!u#3 (4uran, 2%&?%;?5)

H!4rais a religious obser"ation that onl# de"out belie"ers can perform% People 'ho li"e far remo"ed from

religion can ne"er agree to suddenl# lea"e behind e"er#thing the# o'n and emigrate to an un1no'n destination%

Their homes* goods* and propert# are most important to them% :et 'here"er belie"ers ma# go* since the# 1no'


63/80

that +od 'ill meet all of t

Documents

prophet abraham lot