قَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا فَتًى يَذْكُرُهُمْ يُقَالُ لَهُۥٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ 60
Translations
They said, "We heard a young man mention them who is called Abraham."
Transliteration
Qaaluu sami'naa fatan yadhkuruhum yuqaalu lahu Ibrahim
Tafsir (Explanation)
The people reported hearing about a young man who speaks against their idols, called Ibrahim (Abraham). This verse depicts the moment when the people of Abraham's community become aware of his monotheistic call and his rejection of their idolatrous practices. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this statement reflects their acknowledgment of Abraham's influence and the threat his message posed to their polytheistic beliefs, setting the stage for the confrontation that follows.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Abraham's struggle against idolatry in his community. The surah Al-Anbiya is Meccan and recounts stories of various prophets. This particular verse is part of the account where Abraham's people discover his opposition to their idol worship, leading to the famous incident where he destroyed the idols (as mentioned in the following verses). The context emphasizes the courage required of prophets in facing societal resistance.
Related Hadiths
The incident of Abraham breaking the idols is referenced in various hadiths. Sahih Bukhari (3:39:562) contains accounts of Prophet Muhammad discussing Abraham's actions against idolatry. Additionally, thematic hadiths about standing firm against falsehood relate to this passage, such as those in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the virtue of commanding good and forbidding evil.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that speaking truth against widespread falsehood, even when young and facing opposition, is a noble calling blessed by Allah. Believers should find inspiration in Abraham's example—that righteous conviction and clear communication of divine truth will always be noticed and ultimately will influence hearts, regardless of initial mockery or resistance from society.
Related Ayahs
فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَا كُفْرَانَ لِسَعْيِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ كَـٰتِبُونَ
So whoever does righteous deeds while he is a believer - no denial will there be for his effort, and indeed We [i.e., Our angels], of it, are recorders.
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.
وَكَمْ قَصَمْنَا مِن قَرْيَةٍ كَانَتْ ظَالِمَةً وَأَنشَأْنَا بَعْدَهَا قَوْمًا ءَاخَرِينَ
And how many a city which was unjust have We shattered and produced after it another people.
يُسَبِّحُونَ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لَا يَفْتُرُونَ
They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken.