Tafsir & Commentary
The Repentance (التوبة) · Medinan
وَمَا كَانَ ٱسْتِغْفَارُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ إِلَّا عَن مَّوْعِدَةٍ وَعَدَهَآ إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُۥٓ أَنَّهُۥ عَدُوٌّ لِّلَّهِ تَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُ ۚ إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَأَوَّٰهٌ حَلِيمٌ114
9:114
Translation — Sahih International
And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to him [i.e., Abraham] that he [i.e., the father] was an enemy to Allāh, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient.
Transliteration
Wa mā kāna istagħfāru Ibrāhīma li-abīhi illā ʿan mawʿidatin waʿadahā iyyāhu falammā tabayyana lahu annahu ʿaduwwun lillāhi tabarrā minhu inna Ibrāhīma la-awwāhun halīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah clarifies that Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) seeking of forgiveness for his father was only based on a promise he had previously made to him, but when it became clear to Ibrahim that his father was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this demonstrates the absolute priority of Allah's commands over familial ties, and that once Ibrahim recognized his father's enmity toward Allah, continuation of his supplication would have been inappropriate. The ayah establishes the principle that no relationship, however sacred, should compromise one's submission to Allah.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah is part of Surah At-Tawbah's discussion of believers' obligations and the clear boundaries between the believers and disbelievers. It addresses the wider context of the early Muslim community's struggles with familial opposition to Islam. The specific reference to Ibrahim's situation provides a timeless example of prioritizing monotheism over family loyalty when the two conflict.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 3445 records that when this ayah was revealed, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Ibrahim was kind to his father, but when he knew that he was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated from him.' Additionally, Surah 60:4 provides broader context: 'There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: Indeed, we are disassociated from you.'
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah teaches believers that while maintaining family bonds is important in Islam, it can never justify compromising one's faith or supporting disbelief and enmity toward Allah. The example of Ibrahim—described as supremely compassionate yet decisive in cutting ties when necessary—demonstrates that true wisdom lies in recognizing when compassion must yield to principle.