إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَحَلِيمٌ أَوَّٰهٌ مُّنِيبٌ 75
Translations
Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] returning [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Inna Ibrahima lahaliimun awwahun muniib
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah describes Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) with three exalted attributes: halim (forbearing/clement), awwah (frequently invoking Allah with sighs of devotion and supplication), and muniib (turning back to Allah in repentance and obedience). Ibn Kathir explains these qualities as defining characteristics of Ibrahim's righteous nature—his patience in trials, his constant remembrance of Allah, and his unwavering devotion. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that these attributes exemplify the spiritual maturity required of a khalilullah (friend of Allah), reflecting both his emotional sensitivity to divine matters and his steadfast commitment to obedience.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Hud's discussion of various prophets and their missions. Specifically, it comes after Allah recounts Ibrahim's argument with his father Azar about idolatry (11:46-74). The ayah contextualizes Ibrahim's character as he faced rejection and trials, establishing why he was chosen for leadership (Imamah) as mentioned in verse 11:73.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said regarding Ibrahim: 'No one told lies except Ibrahim in three instances' (Sahih Bukhari 3358), demonstrating Ibrahim's exceptional moral character. Additionally, the hadith in Tirmidhi describes Ibrahim as one of the five greatest messengers, reflecting his supreme status alongside the qualities mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true servitude to Allah combines both emotional sensitivity to His remembrance (awwah) with steadfast patience (halim) and consistent return to obedience (muniib). For modern believers, it exemplifies that spiritual excellence requires balancing supplication with forbearance, and that constant turning toward Allah, even in sorrow and difficulty, is the mark of the righteous.