Ibrahim, the friend of Allah

Ibrahim lived among a people who worshipped statues, and his father worshipped them too (6:74). Ibrahim kept thinking: how could a statue that cannot see, cannot hear and cannot do anything be a god?

He showed his people that the stars, the moon and the sun cannot be gods, because they disappear. He said: "I turn my face to the One who created the heavens and the earth" (6:76-79).

With his father, he spoke very gently: "O my father, why do you worship what does not hear and does not see?" (19:42). His father became angry, but Ibrahim answered him: "Peace be upon you! I will ask my Lord to forgive you" (19:47).

The broken idols. One day, while the people were out, Ibrahim broke the statues, except the biggest one. When they came back and asked him who had done it, he replied: "Ask them, if they can speak!" For a moment, the people understood that the statues could do nothing (21:57-65).

The fire. But the leaders were angry. They lit a huge fire and threw Ibrahim into it. Then Allah said: قُلْنَا يَا نَارُ كُونِي بَرْدًا وَسَلَامًا عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ Qulnaa yaa naaru kuunii bardan wa salaaman 'alaa ibraahiim "O fire, be coolness and peace for Ibrahim!" (21:69). And the fire did him no harm.

The Kaaba. Later, Ibrahim and his son Isma'il built the Kaaba in Mecca, the house where Allah alone is worshipped. As they laid the stones, they made a dua: "Our Lord, accept this from us" (2:127): [TEXTE ARABE À INSÉRER : sourate 2:127, à partir de « رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا »]

The sacrifice. Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was to sacrifice his son. They were both ready to obey Allah. Then Allah called them and replaced the son with a great sacrifice (37:102-107). That is why we celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Allah took Ibrahim as a very close friend (khaliil) (4:125).

What I learn: Ibrahim was brave for the truth, but always gentle and respectful with his father. I can tell the truth gently, and I trust Allah.

Understanding the lesson

Explanation Ibrahim teaches us to use our intelligence. He looked, thought and asked questions: can a statue that cannot see or hear help anyone? Allah loves us to think.

He also teaches us to combine courage and gentleness. With the idols, he was brave. With his father, he was gentle and respectful, even when his father got angry. Telling the truth does not mean being unkind.

In the story of the Kaaba, Ibrahim and Isma'il work together, father and son, and ask Allah to accept their work. Even after building Allah's house, they stay humble.

In the story of the sacrifice, father and son are both ready to obey Allah, and Allah rewards them. Allah says: "You have had a beautiful example in Ibrahim" (meaning of part of 60:4).

Lessons to draw from it • I think and ask questions to understand my religion. • I tell the truth with courage, but always gently, especially with my parents. • When I do a good deed, I ask Allah to accept it, without showing off. • I like helping my family and working with them for good.

Key points to remember • The fire became "coolness and peace" for Ibrahim (21:69). • Ibrahim and Isma'il built the Kaaba (2:127); Allah took Ibrahim as a close friend (khalil) (4:125).

The main message Ibrahim, the friend of Allah, teaches us to think, to tell the truth gently and to trust Allah.