Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Hijr

 

Theme of Surah al-Hijr

According to the arrangement of the written copy of the Quran, the Mushaf, surah al-Hijr is number fifteen. It is named so because the story of the people of al-Hijr is mentioned therein. The people of al-Hijr were the people of Prophet Saleh [peace be upon him]. They used to dwell in a rocky area between ash-Sham and al-Madinah. It is called Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia. 

Surah al-Hijr was revealed in Mecca. The main topic that the surah discusses is the evil end of the disbelievers. It tackles this topic by mentioning the rules of Allah in respect of the disbelievers throughout history, indicating to the great creation and ability of Allah, and mentioning scenes from the Day of Judgment and stories of former disbelieving people and their end, such as the people of Lot, Shuaib, and Saleh. 

In the beginning, surah al-Hijr refers to the sublime rank of the Quran, and the evil end of the disbelievers.  Allah says, interpretation of the meaning,

Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the ayat of the Book and a clear Quran. Many a time, those who disbelieve will wish that they were Muslims.

Let them eat and enjoy and be diverted by hope. Indeed, they will come to know their end.

Never a city have We destroyed, but it had a predetermined term.

No people can advance their predetermined term, nor can they delay it. [Surah al-Hijr: 1-5]

Then the surah refers to the fact that Allah, Exalted be He, has guaranteed that He will preserve the Quran from whatever alternation or distortion. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 

Surely We have revealed the Reminder and We will surely preserve it.  [Surah al-Hijr: 9] 

After that, the surah mentions some proofs, denoting the Oneness and ability of Allah. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning,

Indeed, We have made constellations in the sky and beautified it for the observers.

And We have protected it from every accursed devil.

But he who eavesdrops, then he will be chased by a visible flame.

And the earth – We have spread it, placed firm mountains therein, and caused to grow all kinds of things therein in due proportion. [Surah al-Hijr: 16-19]

Then the surah narrates the story of creating Prophet Adam [peace be upon him], that Allah commanded the angels to prostrate themselves before him, that they all obeyed His command, that Satan refused to prostrate before Adam, and that he was expelled from Paradise. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 

Indeed, We created man from dry clay, made of black and molded mud.

And the jinn We created before from scorching fire.

Mention – when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I will create a human being out of dry clay, made of black and molded mud.’

When I have formed him and breathed into him the soul that I own, fall in prostrating before him.

Thus, the angels prostrated themselves, all together.

save Iblis. He refused to be among those prostrated. 

[Surah al-Hijr 26-31]

After that, the surah mentions some of the stories of Prophet Ibrahim, Lot, Shuaib, and Saleh. 

And tell them about the guests of Ibrahim. 

When they came to him, they said, ‘Peace be upon you.’ He said, ‘Indeed, we are afraid of you.’

They said, ‘Do not be afraid. Surely, we give you good news of a knowledgeable son.’

He said, ‘Do you give me good news though old age has come upon me? So what good news you are giving me!’

They said, ‘We have given you good news of the truth. So do not be one of the despairing.’

He said, ‘No one despairs of the mercy of His Lord but the misguided.’

He said, ‘What is the matter you have come for, O messenger?’

They said, ‘We have been sent to a sinful people.

Except the family of Lot. Indeed, we will save them all, 

but his wife, we have ordained that she would surely be of the doomed. [Surah al-Hijr 51-60]

Finally, the surah mentions a consolation to Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] regarding his people’s abuse and rejection of Islam. It told him that Allah would protect him from his enemies and make him victorious. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning,

We have not created the heavens, the earth, and what is between them but in conformity with the truth. Indeed, the Hour is coming. So pardon, with a gracious pardoning. Indeed, your Lord is the all-Creator, the all-Knowing. Indeed, We have given you the seven oft-repeated ayat and the Glorious Quran. Do not look desirously at what We have given some of them to enjoy, nor grieve over them. And be tenderly humble with the believers. [Surah al-Hijr: 85-88]

Quran English Translation

Quran Tafsir ibn Kathir: Surah al-Hijr

 

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 47-52 Reward of the Wicked

Do not think that Allah will ever break His promise to His messengers. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution. [Q 14:47] 

On the day when the earth will be changed into another earth and the heavens too, and they will appear before Allah, the One, the Supreme. [Q 14:48] 

You will see the criminals on that day bound together with chains. [Q 14: 49] 

Their garments will be of pitch and their faces will be covered with the Fire. [Q 14: 50] 

Thus, Allah will recompense every soul for what it did. Indeed, Allah is swift when calling to account. [Q 14: 51] 

This is a proclamation for people that they may be warned thereby, that they may know that indeed there is only One God and that men of sound understanding may learn lessons. [Q 14:52]

Relationship with the Previous Part

         The previous part mentions [Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a day when the eyes will stare in horror.] [Q 14:42] Then this part says [Do not think that Allah will ever break His promise to His messengers. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.] [Q 14:47] 

The intended meaning is that if Allah, Exalted be He, had not established the Day of Judgment for reckoning, and taken revenge on the wrongdoers for oppressing the weak, it would mean that He broke His promise to His slaves. Sound intellects believe that it is impossible that Allah will ever break His promise. Therefore, the Day of Judgment will certainly be established.  

Tafsir

Do not think that Allah will ever break His promise to His messengers. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution. [Q 14:47] 

        O Messenger! Do not think that Allah will ever break His promise to His messengers. He will make them victorious and punish their enemies. 

      Allah, Exalted be He, told His Messenger Muhammad so to console him, strengthen his will, and confirm that His anger will befall those who denied his message.

[Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.]

        Allah, Exalted be He is All-Mighty. Nothing is impossible for Him. He will punish the wrongdoers and they cannot escape His punishment. 

       Indeed, Allah, Exalted be He, is All-Able of Retribution. He will take revenge on all those who disbelieve in His Messengers and worship other gods besides Him. 

         Allah will never break His promise to anyone. Thus, how could He break His promise to His messengers, who are the best of His creatures? It is impossible.  Indeed, Allah will fulfill His promise to His messengers and make them victorious over their enemies. 

On the day when the earth will be changed into another earth and the heavens too, and they will appear before Allah, the One, the Supreme. [Q 14:48] 

          Changing something into another thing may take two forms. First, changing its essence. Second, changing its attributes and shape.

         The scholars have two opinions on how the earth will be changed on the Day of Judgment. First, it will be the same earth, but its shape and attributes will be changed, e.g. the size of some parts will increase while the size of other parts will decrease. Second, the earth will be completely changed into another earth.  Abdul-Allah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘[On the day when the earth will be changed into another earth and the heavens too.] The earth will be changed into a pure ground like silver. No blood unlawfully is shed thereon and no sin is committed thereon [Tafsir al-Tabari].’

        After mentioning narrations about how the earth will be changed on the Day of Judgment, Imam Muhammad bin Jarir at-Tabari said, ‘The meaning is that the earth will be changed into another earth on the Day of Judgment. Similarly, the heavens will be changed into other heavens, just as Allah, Exalted be He, said. The earth may be changed into silvery earth, may be changed into fire, or bread. It may be changed into other forms. There is no authentic narration to this effect that we can accept. Thus, there is no true statement, but what the Quran said [Tafsir al-Tabari].’

          The meaning of ayah [Q 14: 48] is as follows: O man! Remember the Day of Judgment when this universe will be changed into another form. The earth and the heavens will be changed into other forms. On that day, people will come out of their graves and appear before Allah, the One, the Supreme. Allah will recompense people for what they did in the worldly life. Indeed, no one can overcome Allah. Everything and everyone will be humiliatingly subdued to Him, Exalted be He.

You will see the criminals on that day bound together with chains. [Q 14: 49] 

       This ayah describes the torment of the disbelievers will suffer on the Day of Judgment. On that day, you will see those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah, worship other gods besides Him, and disbelieve in His Messengers bound with chains. 

        Some scholars say that their hands and feet will be bound to their necks. Other scholars say that they will be bound with the devils and others say that they will be bound with one another [Zad al-Masayr fi Ilam at-Tafsir, ibn al-Jawzi].

Their garments will be of pitch and their faces will be covered with the Fire. [Q 14: 50] 

        The garments of the disbelievers will be made of pitch. Thus, its extreme heat, ugly view, and foul smell will increase their torment and make it severe. Furthermore, their faces will be cover with the Fire of Hell that will keep on burning their bodies.  The face is specifically mentioned because it is the most honored part of a man's body. 

Thus, Allah will recompense every soul for what it did. Indeed, Allah is swift when calling to account. [Q 14: 51] 

        Allah, Exalted be He, will punish the disbelievers such severe torment to recompense them for their sins that they did in the worldly life. 

       On the Day of Judgment, Allah will recompense the wrongdoers according to their evil deeds. Similarly, He will recompense the righteous according to their good deeds. 

[Indeed, Allah is swift when calling to account.]

         Allah knows what every person has done in the worldly life. Therefore, He does not need time to count people’s deeds. Allah will swiftly count their deeds and call them to account without any delay. Indeed, His knowledge is comprehensive. He will recompense every person according to his deeds.

This is a proclamation for people that they may be warned thereby, that they may know that indeed there is only One God and that men of sound understanding may learn lessons. [Q 14:52]

 [This is a proclamation for people that they may be warned thereby.]

       This Quran that Allah, Exalted be He, revealed to Messenger  Muhammad is a clear proclamation for all people to guide them to the straight path, Islam. It warns them of the torment that will befall them if they insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers.

[…that they may know that indeed there is only One God.]

        The Quran contains proofs denoting that Allah is One and that He alone owns all that on earth and the heavens.

[…and that men of sound understanding may learn lessons.]

        The Quran has admonitions whereby those endowed with sound understanding may learn lessons that will help them to attain happiness in the worldly life and the Hereafter. 

         Those who endowed with sound understanding have been specifically mentioned because they are the ones who can benefit from the guidance of the Quran.

Learned Lessons from Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 47-52

• Allah, Exalted be He, will fulfill His promise to His messengers. He will make them victorious over their enemies. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty and He will take revenge on His enemies.

• The earth and the heavens will be changed into other forms on the Day of Judgment.

• The torment of the disbelievers will be severe on the Day of Judgment. They will be bound with chains. Their garments will be made of pitch and the fire will burn their bodies and cover their faces.

• On the Day of Judgment, Allah will justly recompense people for their deeds that they did in the worldly life.

• The Quran contains admonitions, warnings, and lessons for those endowed with sound intellect. 

• Nothing distinguish man from other creatures except that he has the intellect whereby he can distinguish the right path from the path of misguidance.

• There is a relationship between the beginning and the end of this Surah. At the beginning of the surah, Allah says that the purpose of revealing the Quran is to bring people out of the darknesses of disbelief into the light of belief in Allah. At the end of the surah, Allah says that lessons and admonitions are mentioned in the Quran to guide people so that people may follow the path of guidance and belief in Allah.

Tafsir Surah Ibrahim, Tafsir Ibn Kathir

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Warning to the Wrongdoers

 

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah 42-46

Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a day when the eyes will stare in horror. [Q 14:42] 

They will hurry frantically, raising their heads, with unseeing eyes and void hearts. [Q 14: 43] 

Warn the people of the day when the torment will befall them. The wrongdoers will say, ‘O our Lord! Delay us for a little time. We shall believe in Your call and follow the messengers.’ ‘Did you not swear in the past that you would never perish?’ [Q 14:44] 

You dwelt in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves and it became clear to you how We dealt with them. And We presented examples for you. [Q 14:45] 

Indeed, they plotted their plot and Allah knew their plot. Their plot was unable even to remove the mountains from their places. [Q 14:46] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

The ayat mentioned proofs denoting the Oneness of Allah and narrated some of the story of Ibrahim. They mentioned that Ibrahim prayed to Allah to protect him from worshipping other gods besides Him, guide him to perform righteous deeds, and forgive his sins on the Day of Judgment. Then the following ayat speak about the Day of Judgment. 

Tafsir

Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a day when the eyes will stare in horror. [Q 14:42] 

The address in the ayah is directed to Messenger Muhammad and it may be directed to whoever entitled to be addressed. 

O Messenger! Do not think that Allah is unaware of the wrongdoers since He does not punish them for their sins. He, Exalted be He, gives them a respite and delays their punishment until the Day of Judgment. He precisely counts their deeds. H will certainly call them to account for all the deeds they did in the worldly life on the Day of Judgment.

[…when the eyes will stare in horror.]

On the Day of Judgment, people will suffer great fear to the extent that their eyes will stare in horror. Their eyes will not blink due to the panic and fright that they will be experiencing. 

They will hurry frantically, raising their heads, with unseeing eyes and void hearts. [Q 14: 43] 

The disbelievers will frighteningly come out of their graves. They will hurry frantically, responding to the call of Allah with humiliation, just as a captive walks hurriedly and fearfully. They will also be raising their heads towards the sky with unseeing eyes because of the great horror of the Day of Judgment. 

 […and void hearts.] The hearts of the disbelievers will be void of any feeling or emotion.  The disbelievers will be unable to understand anything because of the intense fear and astonishment they will be experiencing. 

Warn the people of the day when the torment will befall them. The wrongdoers will say, ‘O our Lord! Delay us for a little time. We shall believe in Your call and follow the messengers.’ ‘Did you not swear in the past that you would never perish?’ [Q 14:44] 

Allah, Exalted be He, commanded Messenger Muhammad to warn people of the terrors of the Day of Judgment.

[Warn the people of the day when the torment will befall them.]

O Messenger! Warn the people of the horrors of the Day of Judgment. Command them to be prepared for that day by performing righteous deeds. Verily, the torment of Allah will befall the disbelievers on that day. 

The wrongdoers will say, ‘O our Lord! Delay us for a little time. We shall believe in Your call and follow the messengers.’

The wrongdoers will say, ‘O our Lord! Make us return to the worldly life, and delay our death for a little time so that we can believe in You, follow Your messengers, and rectify our wrong ways. 

The ayah specifically mentions the torment that will befall the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment though the believers will be rewarded for their righteous deeds then because this situation speaks about warning and threatening. Therefore, it is suitable to focus on mentioning the terrors and horrors of the Day of Judgment. 

The ayah uses the plural form of the messengers because following a messenger of Allah is just as following all His messengers since their messages are one, namely, worshipping Allah alone and adhering to virtuous ethics. 

 [‘Did you not swear in the past that you would never perish?’]

This is scolding and reprimand to the disbelievers after they will enter Hell. They will be addressed, saying, ‘Did you not swear in the worldly life that you would never perish after your death and you would never be resurrected in the Hereafter for reckoning for what you did in the worldly life.’ 

You dwelt in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves and it became clear to you how We dealt with them. And We presented examples for you. [Q 14:45] 

This statement is connected with ‘Did you not swear in the past that you would never perish?’ It will be said to the wrongdoers, 

‘You dwelt in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves among the former nations in the worldly life. Those wrongdoers disbelieved in the Oneness of Allah and disobeyed His Messengers. You knew how Allah destroyed them because of their disobedience and transgression. Allah presented clear examples in the Quran for you so that you might repent, believe in Him, and do righteous deeds. Now, you ask for a delay and return to the worldly life to repent when the Day of Judgment has been established and the punishment and torment of Allah will certainly befall you.’ 

 Qatada said, ‘[You dwelt in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves.] Some people dwelt in the dwellings of the people of Noah, Aad, Thamud, and other destroyed nations. […and it became clear to you how We dealt with them. We presented examples for you.] Allah sent His messengers, revealed His Scriptures, and presented examples for you. A person who is heedless of these examples is deaf. No person loses but a loser. Thus, mindfully understand the command of Allah [Tafsir al-Tabari].’ 

Indeed, they plotted their plot and Allah knew their plot. Their plot was unable even to remove the mountains from their places. [Q 14:46] 

The wrongdoers, who disbelieved in the Oneness of Allah and His Messengers, plotted plots as best as they could to nullify the truth that the Messengers of Allah brought and establish falsehood. However, Allah, Exalted be He, is fully aware of their plots. He knows everything about them, and their deeds would be recorded. Allah will justly recompense them for their evil deeds on the Day of Judgment.

[Their plot was unable even to remove the mountains from their places.]

Allah says that failure will be the end of the wrongdoers’ plots. Their plots are very weak no matter how intelligent they may be. The wrongdoers’ plots will never be able to remove even the mountains from their places.

Some scholars say that the mountains refer to the mountains found on earth, and other scholars maintain that they refer to the Islamic law and the Quran as they are firm just like the mountains [An-Nikat wa-Alyoun, Abu al-Hasan 'Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Habib al-Mawardi].  

The disbelief of the disbelievers will not harm anyone, but themselves and the evil consequences of their disbelief will affect only them.

The intended meaning of the ayah is to belittle the plots of the disbelievers. Their plots will never be able to remove the clear proofs of Allah, as they are firm like the firm mountains. 

Learned Lessons From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 42-46

• The Day of Judgment will definitely be established. 

• Allah delays the torment of wrongdoers until the Day of Judgment for wisdom, which He knows. 

• Allah, Exalted be He, delays the punishment of the wrongdoers to give them the opportunity to repent of their sins and rectify their wrong way.

• The Day of Judgment will be very fearful and the disbelievers will be extremely frightened that their eyes will not blink.

• The wrongdoers will come out of their graves, frantically hurrying and responding to the call for gathering and reckoning. Their eyes will be transfixed because of the extreme horrors of the Day of Judgment and their hearts will be void of any expression.

• On the Day of Judgment, there will be no hope for returning to the worldly life for amending the mistakes and doing righteous deeds. 

• The wrongdoers have received many admonitions in this world; however, those who learn lessons and repent are a few. 

• Though the wrongdoers know how the punishment of the former disbelieving nations was, they dwell in their dwellings and follow their footsteps.

• No matter how clever the plots of the disbelievers are, they are weak and can never remove the clear proofs of Allah, Exalted be He, as they are firm. 

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Introduction to Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 9-12 Warning to the Disbelievers

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 35-41 The Prayers of Ibrahim

Mention when Ibrahim said, ‘O my Lord! Make this city secure and make me and my sons avoid worshipping idols.’ [Q 14: 35] 

O my Lord! Indeed, they have led many people astray. Whoever follows me, indeed, he belongs to me, and whoever disobeys me, indeed, You are Oft-Forgiving, All-Merciful. [Q 14:36]

O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House. O our Lord! I did so that they might perform the prayer. Thus, make the hearts of some people yearn for them, and provide them with kinds of fruits so that they may be thankful. [Q 14: 37] 

O our Lord! Indeed, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Allah. [Q 14: 38]  

All praise is due to Allah, who has granted me, though I am old, Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is All-Hearer of the invocation. [Q 14: 39] 

O my Lord! Make me constantly perform the prayer and some of my offspring too. O our Lord! Accept my invocation. [Q 14: 40] 

O our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and the believers when the Day of Reckoning will be established. [Q 14: 41] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentions some proofs denoting the Oneness and ability of Allah and that it is prohibited to worship other gods besides Allah. Then the following ayat narrate the story of Ibrahim. They mention that he strongly disapproved of worshipping the idols, and earnestly prayed to Allah asking Him to make him and his progeny avoid idol worship. Ibrahim’s invocation implies warning to the disbelievers of Mecca, who claimed that they followed his creed. It indicates that they should repent to Allah, imitate their father, Ibrahim, and worship Allah alone. 

Tafsir

Mention when Ibrahim said, ‘O my Lord! Make this city secure and make me and my sons avoid worshipping idols.’[Q 14: 35] 

The city refers to Mecca and the idols refer to the objects that the disbelievers used to worship besides Allah, Exalted be He.

O Messenger! Mention to your people the story of Ibrahim when he invoked His Lord, Allah. He said, ‘O my Lord! Make this city, Mecca, secure, and safe. And make me and my sons avoid worshipping idols and make us worship You sincerely.’

Ibrahim mentioned security first in his invocation because it is one of the greatest blessings. If a man loses security, he cannot think well and cannot dedicate his time to his religious and worldly affairs easily. 

A scholar was asked, ‘which is more important: security or health? He said, ‘Security is more important.’ The proof is that if a sheep’s feet broke, it would be healed after some time. Then it would comfortably graze and eat. On the other hand, if the sheep was tied in a particular place and there was a wolf near it, it would not eat until it dies. This means that the harm caused by fear is greater than the harm caused by physical pain[Tafsir al-Razi, Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi].’ 

Mujahid said, ‘[Mention when Ibrahim said, ‘O my Lord! Make this city secure and make me and my sons avoid worshipping idols.’] Allah accepted the invocation of Ibrahim. No one of his sons worshipped idols after this invocation. Moreover, Allah accepted his invocation and made Mecca secure and safe. He provided its inhabitants with sustenance. Allah made Ibrahim a role model, made some of his progeny perform the prayer, accepted his invocation, taught him how to perform the rituals of Hajj, and forgave his sins [Tafsir al-Tabari].’ 

O my Lord! Indeed, they have led many people astray. Whoever follows me, indeed, he belongs to me, and whoever disobeys me, indeed, You are Oft-forgiving, All-Merciful. [Q 14:36]

The ayah mentions why Ibrahim invoked Allah asking Him to make him and his sons avoid worshipping the idols.  

Ibrahim said, ‘O my Lord! These idols have led many people astray from the path pleasing You. They worship the idols and disbelieve in You. Whoever follows me by sincerely believing in You and avoiding belief in the idols, indeed, he follows my way and teachings. And whoever disobeys me, refuses to accept my call, and worships other gods besides You, indeed, You are Oft-Forgiving for the sins of the sinners who repent. Indeed, You are All-Merciful, and You grant Your mercy to whomever You want.’

Ibrahim said that the idols led people astray though they are inanimate because they were the cause of misguiding people. 

The ayah shows the sublime ethics that Ibrahim enjoyed when addressing and invoking Allah, Exalted be He. Ibrahim left deciding all matters to Allah. The ayah also indicates how compassionate and merciful Ibrahim was towards the sinners lest the severe torment of Allah should befall them.

O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House. O our Lord! I did so that they might perform the prayer. Thus, make the hearts of some people yearn for them, and provide them with kinds of fruits so that they may be thankful. [Q 14: 37] 

Ibrahim said this invocation when he made his son, Ishmael, and his wife, Hagar, dwell in Mecca near the sacred mosque.

[O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House.]

 O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring, i.e. Ishmael and his descended who would be born in the future, dwell in un uncultivated valley, i.e. Mecca, near Your Sacred House, which You prohibited violating its sanctity, made it a place where people live peacefully, and favored it over other places. 

Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Ibrahim brought his wife, Hagar, and his son, Ishmael, who was a baby, to a place near the Sacred House in Mecca. He left them under a tree over the area where Zamzam well located towards the highest area of the mosque. There were no people and no water in Mecca. After Ibrahim put his wife and son there and gave them a leather bag containing some dates and a small water-skin, containing some water, Ibrahim set out, returning to his hometown. Hagar followed him. Then she said, ‘O Ibrahim! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley, where there are no people or anything?’ She repeated this question, but he did not look back to see her. She said, ‘Has Allah commanded you to do so?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘Then, indeed, He will never cause us to lose.’ Then she returned. Ibrahim set out. When Ibrahim reached a place where they could not see him, he turned his face towards the Sacred House and invoked Allah this invocation. [O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House…] [English Translation of Sahih al-Bukhari]

[O our Lord! I did so that they might perform the prayer.]

Ibrahim mentioned why he made some of his offspring dwell near the Sacred House in Mecca.

He said, ‘O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in this area so that they occupy themselves with performing the prayer, and constantly obeying and remembering you.’

The prayer is specifically mentioned because of its great importance. 

[Thus, make the hearts of some people yearn for them.]

Some people refer to the believers because they go to Mecca for Hajj, Umra, and performing righteous deeds. 

Allah says that Ibrahim prayed to Him so that He would make the hearts of some people yearn for settling in the area where he left his family and performing the Hajj. Mujahid said, ‘[Thus, make the hearts of some people yearn for them.] Had Ibrahim said the hearts of the people, the Persians, and the Roman would have crowded there [Tafsir al-Tabari].’ 

[…and provide them with kinds of fruits so that they may be thankful.]

Ibrahim prayed to Allah so that He would provide his descendants with kinds of fruits found in other places to help them worship and obey Him because the area of the Sacred House was uncultivated. Moreover, they would thank Allah for His blessings. This indicates that the blessings of Allah are obtained to use them in a manner that pleases Him. 

Indeed, Allah, Exalted be He, accepted the prayer of Ibrahim. Although the land of Mecca is uncultivated, different kinds of fruits are brought there from all over the world.

O our Lord! Indeed, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Allah. [Q 14: 38]  

Ibrahim said, ‘O our Lord! You know my intention when I invoked You. I intended to attain Your pleasure by sincerely invoking You. You know all things, apparent and hidden. Nothing is hidden from You on earth or heaven. I invoke You to worship You and attain Your mercy, and bounties.’ 

All praise is due to Allah, who has granted me, though I am old, Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is All-Hearer of the invocation. [Q 14: 39] 

Ibrahim thanked Allah, Exalted be He, because He granted him offspring at old age.  He said, ‘All praise is due to Allah, who granted me offspring after I reached old age. Indeed, my Lord, Allah, hears and accepts my invocation.’ 

Allah granted Ibrahim his son, Ishmael, from his wife Hagar, and Isaac, who was younger than Ishmael, from his wife Sara.

The Quran mentions that Allah, Exalted be He, granted Ibrahim Ishmael and Isaac when he and his wife were very old. As for how old he was, the Quran has not mentioned that. There are different narrations about this issue. It was said that Ibrahim was ninety-nine years old when Ishmael was born, and one hundred and twelve years old when Isaac was born. Another narration states that Ishmael was born when Ibrahim was sixty-four, and Isaac was born when he was ninety years old. Sa’id bin Jubayr said, ‘Ibrahim did not have children until he reached one hundred and seventeen years. ‘Though I am old,’ is specifically mentioned because having children at a very old age is considered a great blessing. At such age, people despair of having children as well as having children at such age was considered a miracle for Ibrahim [Tafsir al-Razi].’ 

O my Lord! Make me constantly perform the prayer and some of my offspring too. O our Lord! Accept my invocation. [Q 14: 40] 

Ibrahim said, ‘O my Lord! Make me constantly perform the prayer with sincerity and humility, and make some of my descendants imitate me in performing it. O my Lord! Accept my invocation and worship.’

 Ibrahim said ‘some of my descendants’ because Allah informed him that some of his descendants would be disbelievers [Surah al-Baqarah: 124].

O our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and the believers when the Day of Reckoning will be established. [Q 14: 41] 

Ibrahim prayed to Allah to forgive his sins and the sins of his parents and the believers when the Day of Reckoning would be established. 

Ibrahim prayed to Allah to forgive the sins of his father before he knew that he would die as a disbeliever. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Ibrahim’s asking forgiveness for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when he certainly knew that his father was an enemy of Allah, he disowned him. Indeed, Ibrahim was an earnest invoker, very forbearing.] [Surah at-Tawbah: 114] 

Learned Lessons From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 35-41

• Security is one of the most important blessings that the believers should pray to Allah to attain because achieving happiness in this life and the Hereafter greatly depends on having it. 

• It is recommended that the believer makes supplication for himself, his parents, and his descendants.

• The supplication of Ibrahim focused on the sincere worship of Allah and the avoidance of worshipping idols.

• Many people go astray because of worshipping idols.

• It is obligatory to obey Messenger Muhammad.

• It is permissible to ask Allah for forgiveness for the disobedient believers.

• Ibrahim made his wife, Hagar, and his son, Ishmael, dwell in Mecca near the Sacred mosque to worship Allah and perform the prayer.

• It is impermissible for any person to leave his family in a place without provisions because this will lead to their destruction. Ibrahim left his family in un uncultivated land because Allah commanded him to do so.

• Allah’s knowledge is comprehensive. Nothing in the universe is hidden from Allah.

• One of the blessings of the prayer of Ibrahim is that every believer yearns to visit the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and that Allah has caused different kinds of sustenance, which come from all over the world, available in Mecca.

• The Quran mentions that Allah, Exalted be He, granted Ibrahim his sons, Ishmael and Isaac, when he and his wife were very old.

• Allah, Exalted be He, accepts the invocations of those who sincerely pray to Him.

• Performing the prayer is one of the most important acts of worship.

• It is recommended to pray to Allah for forgiveness for oneself, one’s family, and the believers. 

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir of Ibrahim Ayah 5-8