The story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the destruction of the idols - in the Quran

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the destruction of the idols is mentioned in several chapters of the Quran, including Surah Al-Anbiya and Surah Al-Ankabut. The following is a summary of the story as it appears in the Quran:

Prophet Ibrahim was raised in a household of idol-worshippers. However, he was a monotheist and rejected the idea of worshipping idols. He began to question his people's beliefs and asked them how they could worship idols, which were incapable of doing anything for them.

One day, when the people of his city were preparing to celebrate a festival and had gone away, Ibrahim entered the temple where the idols were kept and destroyed them all except the biggest one. He left the axe in the hand of the biggest idol, as if it had destroyed the other idols. When the people returned and saw the destruction, they were furious and demanded to know who had done it.

Ibrahim suggested that they ask the biggest idol, which still remained intact, what had happened. The people realized the absurdity of their beliefs and realized that the idols were incapable of doing anything. They became angry with Ibrahim and demanded that he be punished.

However, Allah protected Ibrahim and saved him from their punishment. The people eventually realized the truth of Ibrahim's message and many of them turned to monotheism.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim and the destruction of the idols emphasizes the importance of monotheism and the futility of idol worship. It also highlights the bravery and determination of Prophet Ibrahim in spreading the message of monotheism, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the destruction of the idols is mentioned in several verses of the Quran, but the exact number of verses that mention this story may vary depending on the interpretation of scholars and researchers.

According to some sources, the story of Ibrahim and the destruction of the idols is mentioned in at least five different chapters of the Quran: Al-Anbiya (21:51-71), Al-Ankabut (29:16-17), Al-Shuara (26:69-82), As-Saffat (37:83-98), and Al-Baqarah (2:258). However, it is worth noting that the story is not always mentioned in its entirety in every verse, and some verses may only allude to certain aspects of the story.

In general, the story of Prophet Ibrahim is a recurring theme in the Quran, and his unwavering faith in God and his willingness to submit to His will are emphasized as examples for believers to follow.

Chapter 21, Verses 51-71 of the Quran:

"Indeed, We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were well acquainted with him. When he said to his father and his people, “What are these images to whose worship you are devoted?” They said, “We found our fathers worshipping them.” He said, “Indeed, you and your fathers have been in manifest error.” They said, “Have you brought us the truth, or are you of those who jest?” He said, “Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them, and I am of those who bear witness to that. And, by Allah, I shall devise a plan against your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.”

So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it. They said, “Who has done this to our gods? Surely it must be a wicked person.” They said, “We heard a young man talking against them, who is called Ibrahim (Abraham).” They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify.”

They said, “Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)?” He said, “Rather, this biggest of them did it. Ask them, if they can speak.” So they turned to themselves and said, “Indeed, you are the wrongdoers.” Then they were confounded with shame and said, “You know well that these (idols) do not speak.”

He said, “Do you then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither benefit nor harm you? Fie upon you and upon what you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?” They said, “Burn him and avenge your gods, if you are to do anything.” We said, “O fire! Be coolness and safety for Ibrahim (Abraham).” And they sought to harm him, but We made them the greatest losers.

And We rescued him and Lot (from the land) to the land which We have blessed for all people. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and, as an additional gift, (a grandson), Jacob, and We made righteous men of every one (of them). And We made them leaders, guiding (people) by Our command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers and to practise regular charity, and they constantly served Us (and Us only)."

The story of Prophet Ibrahim and the destruction of the idols tells how he challenged the idol worship of his father and his people and urged them to worship Allah alone. When they refused to listen, he plotted to destroy the idols in secret. He left only the largest one intact, to make it clear that it was powerless and that only Allah should be worshipped. When his people discovered the idols were destroyed, they accused Ibrahim, who challenged them to ask the largest idol what had happened. They realized the absurdity of their beliefs and were ashamed. They sought to harm Ibrahim, but Allah protected him from their harm. The story emphasizes the importance of rejecting false gods and worshipping only Allah.