قَالُوا۟ ٱبْنُوا۟ لَهُۥ بُنْيَـٰنًا فَأَلْقُوهُ فِى ٱلْجَحِيمِ 97
Translations
They said, "Construct for him a structure [i.e., furnace] and throw him into the burning fire."
Transliteration
Qāloo ibnu lahu bunyanā fa-alqawhu fil-jahīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the people of Prophet Ibrahim's time commanding that a building (furnace) be constructed for him, into which they would cast him into the fire. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to the historical incident where the disbelievers of Babylon, led by King Nimrod, attempted to execute Ibrahim by throwing him into a blazing furnace as punishment for his rejection of idolatry. This represents the extreme persecution faced by the Prophet for his monotheistic message, though Allah ultimately saved him miraculously (37:98).
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat's narrative account of Prophet Ibrahim's struggle against idolatry and his people's violent rejection of his message. The surah was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad and his followers, making Ibrahim's steadfastness an encouragement to the early Muslim community facing similar persecution.
Related Hadiths
The story of Ibrahim in the fire is referenced in multiple sources. Al-Bukhari and Muslim transmit hadith regarding Allah's protection of the righteous. Additionally, the Quran itself confirms in 21:69 that Allah commanded the fire: 'O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham,' demonstrating divine intervention.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that commitment to truth often invites worldly opposition and hardship, yet those who maintain faith in Allah will ultimately find His protection and support. It encourages patience during trials, knowing that persecution of the righteous is not new, and divine aid comes to those who remain steadfast.