Ibrahim's determination aih alaihissallam in preaching tawheed to his father

The most important element in the process of purifying the soul is by upholding tauhidullah, making it the main pillar so that it influences other elements in the soul. If someone's monotheism is good, then other elements are good. And vice versa, if someone's monotheism is bad, it will also be very influential in every step of his life. And we hope that Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, will always give His guidance and guidance.

In studying the life journey of Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam, we will get himself as a very firm and persistent person in upholding the great right of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, namely tawhid. This can be seen in several moments, including:

1. Da'wah of Tawheed to His Father ‘Alaihissallan Patiently and Full of Compassion.

Al-Hafihz Ibn Katsiir Rahimahullah said, "The inhabitants of the land of Harran were idolaters and idols. All the inhabitants of the earth are infidels except Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam, his wife, and his nephew, the Prophet Luth‘ alaihissallam. Ibrahim aih alaihissallam was chosen to be the servant of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala who abolished the kesyirikan and eliminated misguided falsehoods. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has bestowed on him perseverance since his childhood. He was appointed as an Apostle, and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala chose him as the lover of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in the next period.

The beginning of the tauhid da'wah which he aih alaihissallam tegakkan, was directed to his father, because he was an idol worshiper and the most entitled to be given advice (Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, juz 1, p: 326).


Shaykh as-Sa`di rahimahullah said, "Ibrahim aih alaihissallam was the best of the prophets after the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu‘ alaihi wa sallam, ... who had Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala made prophethood to his descendants. And the scriptures were revealed to them. He has invited mankind to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, be patient with the torment that he has (on his missionary journey), he invites people who are close (with him) and people who are far away, he is serious in preaching to his father however the way ... "(Tafsir as-Sa`di, p: 443.)

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said,

َ َ َ َ ِ َ َ َ ِ ِ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ وَلَا يُبْصِرُ وَلَا يُغْنِي عَنْكَ شَيْئًا

"Remember when he said to his father; "O my father, why do you worship something that does not hear, does not see and cannot help you at all?". (Surah Maryam: 42).

Look, how did Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam preach monotheism to his father with a very gentle expression and good words to explain the evil in the act of shirk he did ?! (Tafsir as-Sa`di, p. 444). His father's rejection of da'wah did not dampen his enthusiasm and affection towards his father by still asking for forgiveness, even though the request for forgiveness was not justified by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Mentioned in His word,

وما كان استغفار إبراهيم لأبيه إلا عن موعدة وعدها إياه فلما تبين له أنه عدو لله تبرأ منه إن إبراهيم لأواه حليم

"And the request for forgiveness from Abraham (to Allah) for his father was nothing but because of a promise that had been made to his father. So when it was clear to Ibrahim that his father was an enemy of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, then Ibrahim was released from him. Indeed, Ibrahim is a very gentle person, a heartbroken person. "(Surat at-Tawbah: 114).

In another attempt, Ibrahim had a dialogue with his father:

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ آزَرَ أَصْنَامًا آلِهَةً ۖ إِنِّي أَرَاكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ

"And (remember) when Abraham said to his father, Azar. ‘Are you worthy to make idols gods? Indeed, I see you and your people in a real error. "(Surat al-An'am: 74).

Syaikh as-Sa'di said, "And remember (against) the story of Ibrahim 'alaihissallam when Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala praised and glorified him when he preached invites to monotheism and prohibited from doing shirk." (Tafsir as-Sa`di, p. : 224).

Thus, the struggle for tawhid da'wah delivered by Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam to his people. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala makes it as part of the verses of the Koran which will always be read and studied carefully.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said,

وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاتَّقُوهُ ۖ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

"And (remember) Abraham, when he said to his people:" Worship Allah and fear Him, which is better for you, if you Know. "(Surah Al-Ankabut: 16).



Ibn Kathir rahimahullah said in interpreting this verse: "Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala reported about His servants, Apostles and His beloved, namely Ibrahim 'alaihissallam the imam of the hunafa', that he 'alaihissallam preached invites his people to worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala solely and there is no ally for Him, blessing Him in piety, pleading for sustenance only to Him, and pressing Him in thankfulness. "(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Juz 3, p. 536).

The determination of tawhid da'wah which was championed by Prophet Ibrahim Ibrahim alaihissallam was also embodied in the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala surat al-Anbiya` verses 51-56. And in a number of verses it is stated, that tawheed preaching to the father and his people is carried out simultaneously, as mentioned in the as-Syu'ara letter verse 69, and ash-Shaffat verse 84.

2. Prophet Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam Firm And Steadfast in Facing Trials and Torture.

This attitude is reflected in his story ‘alaihissallam when preaching invites people to bertauhid and mengesakan Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, but most reject it with utter contempt. The fortitude of the Prophet Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam is an example for every dai in inviting people to the path that is blessed by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. The story of the fortitude of the Prophet Ibrahim Ibrahim alaihissallam enshrined in the Qur'an through His words. Although his people were strong enough to burn him, but Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam remained steadfast and surrendered all matters to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. As the word of Allah Ta'ala,

قَالَ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مَا تَنْحِتُونَ. وَاللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمْ وَمَا تَعْمَلُونَ. قَالُوا ابْنُوا لَهُ بُنْيَانًا فَأَلْقُوهُ فِي الْجَحِيمِ. فَأَرَادُوا بِهِ كَيْدًا فَجَعَلْنَاهُمُ الْأَسْفَلِينَ

Ibrahim said: "Do you worship the sculptures that you carved? Even though Allah created you and what you did. They said: "Establish a building for (burning) Abraham; then throw him into the blazing fire". They want to deceive him, so We make them contemptible. (Surah Ash-Shaffat: 95-98).

As-Suddi rahimahullah said: "They held him in a house. They collect firewood, even a woman who is sick with bernadzar by saying "really if Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has given me healing, then I will gather firewood to burn Ibrahim". After the firewood is collected soaring, they begin to burn each end of the edge of the pile, so that if a bird flies above it, it will surely burn. They came to Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam then carried him to the top of the high pile of firewood. Another history says, he was put in the end of Manjaniq.

Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam raised his head to the sky, then the sky, earth, mountains and angels said: "O, Rabb! Indeed, Abraham will be burned because (fighting for your rights)

Prophet Ibrahim said, "Yes, Allah, You are the One in the heavens, and I am alone on this earth. No one worships you on this earth besides me. Enough for me You are the best Helper. "(Fathul-Bari, Juz 6, p. 483).

They then threw Prophet Ibrahim 'alaihissallam into a pile of high firewood, then called (by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala): "O fire, be cold and safe for Ibrahim." (Tabari commentary, Juz 9, p. 43).

Ibn Abbas and Abu al-Aliyah, both said: "If Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala did not say 'and survived for Ibrahim,' surely the fire will destroy Ibrahim 'alaihissallam coldly." (Tabari commentary, Juz 9, p. : 43).

3. Confident of the Greatness of God Allah Almighty

When Prophet Ibrahim was placed at the end of Manjaniq, he was shackled with his hands behind. Then his people threw Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam into the fire, and he also said: "Sufficient is Allah za Azza wa Jalla for us, and He is the best Helper".

As narrated by Imam Bukhari from the Companion of Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu ‘anhuma, he said:

حَسْبُنَا اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيْلُ

(Allah is sufficient za Azza wa Jalla for us and He is the best helper) "Prophet Ibrahim‘ alaihissallam said when he was thrown into the fire (Shahih Bukhari and Fathul-Bari, Juz 8, p. 288, no. 4563).



Thus, Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam was very confident in the greatness, help and protection of Allah za Azza wa Jalla, because he was fighting for the rights of Allah za Azza wa Jalla the greatest, namely tauhid in worshiping Him Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

The command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is Above All

1. The story of migrating with Hajar and Ismail (Sahih Bukhari and Fathul-Bari, Juz 6, p. 478, no. 3364).

When Ishmael was just born and in the descent of his mother (Hajar), Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam took both of them to Baitullah on the dauhah (a shady tree) on the zam-zam. At that time, there was no one in Makkah, and there was also no water source.

Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam left jirab, which is a bag used to store food. The bag contains dates for both. Also leaving the siqa (water container) containing drinking water. Then Prophet Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam turned and left. Hajar followed him while saying: "O, Ibrahim! Where are you going to leave us in this quiet, uninhabited valley? "Hajar repeated the question many times, but Ibrahim did not turn his head, nor ignored him. Then Hajar asked: "Has Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala ordered you this?"

Ibrahim replied, "Yes."

Hearing the answer, Hajar said: "If so, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will not leave us". Then Hajar returned to his original place. As for Ibrahim, he continued to leave them, so he arrived at a place where he could no longer see his wife and child. Abraham also turned his face toward the House while raising his hands and praying: Our Lord, I have placed a portion of my descendants in a valley that has no plants near the house of You (the Temple) that is honored, our Rabb (that is) so they set up prayers, so make the hearts of some people tend to them and give them blessings from fruits, hopefully they will be grateful. [QS. Ibrahim verse 37).

2. The Story of Ismail's Slaughter.

Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam prayed: "O my Rabb, grant me the righteous child," then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gave him good news with the presence of a noble child again patient. And when the child began to grow up trying to be with Ibrahim, Ibrahim said to him: "O my son, in fact I saw in a dream that I killed you. So think about what you think? "

Isma'il replied: "O my father, do what Allah commands Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to you; God willing, you will find myself including those who are patient ".

When both of them have surrendered and Ibrahim laid his son on his temple, (see the patience of both). After that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala called him: "O Ibrahim, really you have justified the dream. Verily, thus We give back to those who do good. This is truly a real test. And we redeemed the child with a great sacrifice. We capture it for Abraham (good praise) among those who came later. (I.e) 'Welfare bestowed on Ibrahim'. Thus Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala replies to those who do good. Indeed, he is a servant of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala who is a believer. This story is explained in the Qur'an in Surat ash-Shaffat verses 99-111.

In Tafsir al-Qurthubi, Juz 18, things: 69 and Tafsir al-Baghawi, Juz 4, p. 33, Ibn Abbas said:

Ibrahim and Isma'il ... both were obedient, submitting obedient to Allah's commands Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Remember, meditate on the story ... when both of them will carry out Allah's commands Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, sincerely and steadfastly the child said:

يَا أَبَتِ اشْدُدْ رِبَاطِيْ حَتَّى لاَ أَضْطَرِبَ ...

"O my father, tighten my ties so that I no longer move."

وَاكْفُفْ عَنِّي ثِيَابَكَ حَتَّى لاَ يَنْتَضِحَ عَلَيْهَا مِنْ دَمِّيْ شَيْءٌ فَيَنْقُصَ أَجْرِيْ وَتَرَاهُ أُمِّيْ فَتَحْزَنُ ...

"O my father, roll up your clothes so that my blood does not pollute your clothes, it will reduce my weight, and (if later) the mother sees the bloodstain, surely she will be sad."

وَيَا أَبَتِ اسْتَحِدَّ شَفْرَتَكَ وَأَسْرِعْ مَرَّ السِّكِّيْنِ عَلَى حَلْقِيْ لِيَكُوْنَ أَهْوَنُ عَلَيَّ فَإِنَّ الْمَوْتَ شَدِيْدٌ ...

"And sharpen Daddy's knife and accelerate the knife's movement on my neck so that it feels lighter to me because really death is very awesome."


وَإِذَا أَتَيْتَ أُمِّيْ فَاقْرَأْ عَلَيْهَا السَّلاَمَ مِنِّيْ ... وَإِنْ رَأَيْتَ أَنْ تَرُدَّ قَمِيْصِيْ عَلَى أُمِّيْ فَافْعَلْ ...

"O Father, if you have returned, then give my greetings (love) to my mother, and if my shirt is my father's view, it is good to take it home, then do it."

فَقَالَ لَهُ إِبْرَاهِيْمُ: نِعْمَ الْعَوْنُ أَنْتَ يَا بُنَيَّ عَلَى أَمْرِ اللهِ تَعَالَى ...

(At that time, with great emotion) Ibrahim said: "O my son, really you are a child who is very helpful in carrying out the commands of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala".

In Sahih Qashashil-Anbiya Ibn Kathir rahimahullah said, "This is a test of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for His beloved (ie Ibrahim‘ alaihissallam) to slaughter his noble son and was only born after he was old. (This test took place) after Allah ordered him to leave Hajar when Ismail was still breastfeeding in a arid place, quiet without plants (which the fruit ate), without water and without occupants. He obeyed the commands of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, leaving his wife and young son with high conviction and trust in Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. So Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gave them convenience, a way out, and an abundance of sustenance from unexpected directions. After all the exams were surpassed, God tested again with His command to slaughter his own son, namely Ismail aih alaihissallam. And without hesitation, Ibrahim welcomed Allah's command Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and immediately obeyed. He aih alaihissallam delivered the test of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in advance to his son, so that Ismail's heart would be roomy and able to accept it, so that the test did not have to be carried out in a forced and painful manner. Subhan Allah…

3. The command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to Ibrahim for Berkhitan.

When Ibrahim aih alaihissallam had reached the age of dusk (eighty years old), he was tested by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala with a number of commands, including his circumcision. As the hadith of Abi Hurairah radhiyallahu ‘anhu, he said: The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu‘ alaihi wa sallam said:

اخْتَتَنَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام وَهُوَ ابْنُ ثَمَانِينَ سَنَةً

"Ibrahim aih alaihissallam circumcised at the age of eighty years." (Shahih Bukhari and Fathul-Bari (Juz 6, p. 468, no. 3356)).

He aih alaihissallam berkhitan with a large knife (such as an ax). Although it felt very hard for him aih alaihissallam, but it never made him feel doubtful about all the goodness of Allah's commands Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Even in a narration, Ali bin Rabah radhiyallahu ‘anhu states that:" He (Ibrahim Ibrahim alaihissallam) was ordered to circumcise, then he did it with qadum. So Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala revealed ‘You were in a hurry before We determined the tools'. He said: ‘O Rabb, I really don't like having to postpone Your command '." (Sahih Bukhari and Fathul-Bari, Juz 6, p. 472)

4. Command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to Build the Ka`bah.

وإذ بوأنا لإبراهيم مكان البيت أن لا تشرك بي شيئا وطهر بيتي للطائفين والقائمين والركع السجود وأذن في الناس بالحج يأتوك رجالا وعلى كل ضامر يأتين من كل فج عميق

"And (remember), when We gave a place to Abraham at the place of Baitullah (by saying):" Do not associate anything with Me and purify this My house for those who disbelieve, and those who worship and the people who bow 'and bow down. And cried out to men to do the pilgrimage, surely they would come to you on foot, and ride thin camels that came from all directions far away, "(Surat al-Hajj: 26-27).

In Sahih Bukhari it is stated, that Ibrahim aih alaihissallam said: "O my son, indeed Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala ordered me something".

Ismail aih alaihissallam replied: "Do the command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to you".

Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam asked:" Do you (will) help me? "

Ismail aih alaihissallam replied: "Yes, I will help you".



Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam said again:" Surely Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has ordered me to build here a house ". (Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam signaled land that was a little high compared to what was around him). That's when both of them build foundations. And Ismail aih alaihissallam brought to his father the stones and Ibrahim aih alaihissallam composed them. So, when it started high, he took the stone and placed it so Ibrahim ‘alaihissallam could rise above it. Thus, both of them did, and they said:

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

"Our Lord accepts us (our deeds), verily You are the Hearing, the Knower." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 127).

From the presentation of the stories above, many important and valuable lessons can be learned, including:

Prophet Ibrahim aih alaihissallam was a servant of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and His Messenger Subhanahu wa Ta'ala who was very obedient to Him Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, so Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala made him a beloved servant.
The main pillar of tazkiyyatun-nufus efforts is in matters of tawhid. And preaching calls to tauhid is the mandate borne by the prophets, and at the same time becomes a role model for every dai.
Patience in preaching monotheism and steadfastness in the face of tests on that path, must be carried out in accordance with the method exemplified by the apostles aih alaihissallam.
Convinced of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is one of the keys to success in navigating life.
The command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is the most important thing above all. Sincerity in carrying out all the commands of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is happiness. So we should make every effort to implement it accompanied by prayers asking for taufik and the ease of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
All examples of goodness exist in the Apostles alaihissallam which must always be a model for us in every way. Wallahul Musta`an ..