The Tawakkul of Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām)

For many years, Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) called his people to pure monotheism: that they turn away from their idols and direct their worship to Allah alone. Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) presented them with intellectual arguments and proofs, but they refused to submit to the truth.

When they could not defeat him intellectually, they resorted – as all tyrants do – to using their power and strength. They said, “Burn him up to avenge your gods, if you must act” (21:68).

His community united to kill him. They prepared a huge fire intending to burn not only Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) but the truth that he came with. The fire burned fiercely with huge sparks and immense flames. They chained Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) onto a catapult to launch him into the inferno and watch his body burn.

As they threw him into the fire, he cried,

حَسْبُنَا اللّٰهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيْلُ

Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best Protector (Wakīl).

The response of al-Wakīl was swift: “O fire! Be cool and safe for Ibrāhīm!” (21:69). Imām Ṭabarī writes, ‘And there was not a fire left on earth that was not extinguished.’

Allah (ʿazza wa jall) says, “And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers” (21:70).

What was it that allowed Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) to stand before a blazing furnace and impending death, yet still know with full certainty that he was going to be fine? It was tawakkul. A firm understanding that al-Wakīl, and none other, possesses complete control over his life. He was certain that nobody could harm him except by Allah’s permission, and that the one who placed his trust in al-Wakīl had little to worry about.

#Tawakkul #ProphetStory #Imaan

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