The story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his argument with the idolaters - in the Quran

The story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his argument with the idolaters is mentioned in the Quran in several verses. According to the story, Prophet Ibrahim challenged his people's worship of idols and argued that there could be only one God. He questioned the logic of worshiping statues that could neither hear nor see nor benefit their worshipers. The people rejected his arguments and threatened him with punishment, but Prophet Ibrahim remained steadfast in his faith. He destroyed the idols in the temple and challenged the people to ask their gods to punish him if they were real. Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim from harm and he continued to preach monotheism to his people. The story of Prophet Ibrahim's argument with the idolaters is a lesson in faith and the rejection of false beliefs.

The verses in the Quran describe Prophet Ibrahim, as a young man, began to question the worship of idols in his community. He realized that the idols could not be gods because they could neither hear nor see nor answer the prayers of their worshipers.

Prophet Ibrahim tried to convince his people to abandon idol worship and turn to the worship of the one true God. He reasoned with them, pointing out the flaws in their beliefs and the logical inconsistencies in their practices. However, the people refused to listen and instead threatened him with punishment.

Prophet Ibrahim was undeterred and continued to preach monotheism. He even challenged the people to ask their gods to punish him if they were real. This bold act of defiance enraged the idolaters, and they decided to throw Prophet Ibrahim into a fire. Allah saved him from the flames, and he emerged unscathed.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim's argument with the idolaters highlights the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the rejection of false beliefs. It is also a reminder of the power of faith and the protection and guidance that Allah provides to those who believe in Him.

Several verses mention the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his argument with the idolaters in the Quran. The story is referenced in multiple chapters, including Surah Al-Anbiya, Surah Al-Shu'ara, and Surah Al-Ankabut. The exact number of verses that specifically mention this story is difficult to determine since the story is often mentioned indirectly or as part of a broader narrative. However, there are at least 20 verses that directly refer to Prophet Ibrahim's argument with the idolaters in the Quran.

Here are a few examples of verses in the Quran that directly mention the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his argument with the idolaters:

"And thus did We show Ibrahim the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and that he might be of those who are certain. So when the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star; he said: Is this my Lord? So when it set, he said: I do not love the setting ones. Then when he saw the moon rising, he said: Is this my Lord? So when it set, he said: If my Lord had not guided me I should certainly be of the erring people. Then when he saw the sun rising, he said: Is this my Lord? Is this the greatest? So when it set, he said: O my people! surely I am clear of what you set up (with Allah). I have turned myself, being upright, wholly to Him Who originated the heavens and the earth, and I am not of the polytheists." (Quran 6:75-79)

"And remember Ibrahim said to his father and his people: 'What do you worship?' They said: 'We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.' He said: 'Do they hear you when you call (on them)? Or do they benefit or harm you?' They said: 'No, but we found our fathers doing so.' He said: 'Have you considered what you have been worshipping - you and your ancient forefathers? Verily they are enemies to me, save the Lord of the worlds.'" (Quran 26:70-77)

"And when Ibrahim said to his people: 'Serve Allah and be careful of (your duty to) Him; this is best for you, if you did but know. You only worship besides Allah idols, and you create a falsehood. Surely those whom you serve besides Allah do not control for you any sustenance, so seek your sustenance from Allah and serve Him and be grateful to Him; to Him you shall be brought back. And if you reject (the truth), nations before you did indeed reject (the truth), and nothing is incumbent on the messenger but a plain delivery (of the message).'" (Quran 29:16-18)

"And mention in the Book, Ibrahim. Indeed, he was a true man and a prophet. When he said to his father, "O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all? O my father, indeed there has come to me of knowledge that which has not come to you, so follow me; I will guide you to an even path. O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan has ever been, to the Most Merciful, disobedient. O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful so you would be to Satan a companion in Hellfire." [19:41-45]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said to his people, "Worship Allah and fear Him. That is best for you, if you should know. You worship not besides Him except [mere] names you have named them, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know." [Quran 12: 38-40]

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me - then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me - indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 14: 35-36]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." [Allah] said, "Have you not believed?" He said, "Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied." [Allah] said, "Take four birds and commit them to yourself. Then [after slaughtering them] put on each hill a portion of them; then call them - they will come [flying] to you in haste. And know that Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." [Quran 2: 260]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said to his people, "Indeed, I am free from what you worship except for He who created me; for indeed, He will guide me." [Quran 43: 26-27]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing." [Quran 2: 127]

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Ibrahim said to his father Azar, "Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error." [Quran 6:74]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols." [Quran 14:35]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication." [Quran 14:40]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, "Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people." [Quran 2:124]

"Indeed, Ibrahim was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not among those who associate others with Allah." [Quran 16:120]

"And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Ibrahim. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper." [Quran 22:78]

"And who would be averse to the religion of Ibrahim except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous." [Quran 2:130]

"And when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols." [Quran 14:35]

"Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth; and he was not among those who associate with Allah." [Quran 16:123]

"Say, [O believers], "We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqub and the Descendants and what was given to Musa and Isa and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." [Quran 2:136]

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, "Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people." [Ibrahim] said, "And of my descendants?" [Allah] said, "My covenant does not include the wrongdoers."" [Quran 2:124]

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Ibrahim said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship, except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me."" [Quran 43:26-27]

"And when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make this city [Makkah] a secure sanctuary and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day." [Quran 2:126]

"And We charged Ibrahim and Ismail, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."" [Quran 2:125]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." [Allah] said, "Have you not believed?" He said, "Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied." [Allah] said, "Take four birds and commit them to yourself. Then [after slaughtering them] put on each hill a portion of them; then call them - they will come [flying] to you in haste. And know that Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise."" [Quran 2:260]

"And when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established."" [Quran 14:40-41]

"And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing."" [Quran 2:127]

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Ibrahim was thrown into the fire; and it was said [to him], "O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim."" [Quran 21:69]

In summary, the theme of monotheism versus idolatry and the struggle between truth and falsehood is a recurring theme throughout the Quran, and the story of Prophet Ibrahim serves as an example of someone who remained steadfast in his belief in the One true God despite facing opposition from the idolaters of his time.