The Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) was called “The Friend of Allah”.
He was referred in the Glorious Qur’an as “Hanif”. In the classical Arabic, the
word “Hanaf” was used for physical disability. Later, the Arabs started using
it to mean deviant, which represent not following the majority at a particular time.
Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) opened his eyes in an environment of Polytheism when everyone
worshipping idols. He did not follow blindly but deviated from the prevalent
trend. Hence, the word “Hanif” was derived from the root word “Hanaf”.
The word “Hanif “was
used 12 times in the Glorious Qur’an. In these Ayahs, the meaning of “Hanif” represent,
the deviation from false hood and inclined towards truth.
“They say, ‘Be Jews
or Christians (so) you will be guided.’ Say, ‘Rather, (we follow) the religion
of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth, and he was not of the polytheists.”
(Al-Baqarah Ayah 135)
“Say, Allah has told
the truth. So, follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth; and he
was not of the polytheists. (Ale- Imran Ayah 95)
“And who is better in
religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a good doer of good
and follows the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth? And Allah took
Ibrahim as intimate friend.” (Al-Nisa Ayah 125)
“Indeed, I have
turned my face towards He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining
towards truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.” (Al-An’am
Ayah 79)
“Say, Indeed, my Lord
has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Ibrahim, inkling
towards the truth. And he was not among those who associate others with Allah.”
(Al-An’am Ayah 161)
“And (commanded), ‘Direct
your face towards the religion, inclining towards the truth, and never be of
those who associate others with Allah.” (Al-Younus Ayah 105)
“Then We revealed to
you, (O Muhammad), to follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards the
truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah” (Al- Nahal Ayah
123)
In Ziayrat-e-Waritha”,
we recite “Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Ibrahim the intimate friend of
Allah.”
Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) was a monotheist. His entire life was
focused on preserving and protecting the Unity of Allah. He continued his
struggle against the polytheists. The opposing forces tried to punish him by
throwing him in a mammoth fire. As his nature was to help others but seek help
from the Creator only, while flying to the fire, he did not accept help from Jibril
saying Allah knows my status and He will help. Imam Husayn inherited the peace
and tranquility in difficulties from Prophet Ibrahim. Although, Imam Husayn
(a.s.) was an infallible Imam appointed by Allah through his parents and the
Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), but it may be linked with the Glorious Qur’an Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 124, “When
His Lord tested Ibrahim and he satisfied the test, He said, “I am appointing
you as the leader (Imam) of mankind.” Ibrahim asked, “Will this leadership
(Imamate) also continue through my descendants?” The Lord replied, “The unjust
do not have the right to exercise My authority.”
Similarly, Imam Husayn (a.s.) inherited the “Great Sacrifice”
from Prophet Ibrahim as stated in Surah
al-Sa’ffat Ayahs 102 to 108, “When they both agreed, and Ibrahim laid down his
son on the side of his face (for slaughtering), We called to him, Ibrahim! You
have fulfilled what you were commanded to do in your dream. Thus, We reward the
righteous ones. It was certainly an open trial. We ransomed his son with a
great sacrifice and perpetuated his praise in later generations.”
In fact, The Master of
Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his son Ali al-Akbar surpassed the Prophets
Ibrahim and Ismail as Imam witnessed the martyrdom of son Ali al-Akbar while
Ibrahim blindfolded his eyes preparing to slaughter Ismail. And, Ismail
submitting to his father’s dream said that he will be among the patients as one
exercises patience in the wake of any calamity, while Ali al-Akbar on way to
Karbala, when Imam Husayn (a.s.) said, “Inna Lillahe wa Inna Elaihe Ra’jeoon”,
Ali al-Akbar inquired if they were on the Right Path, when Imam Husayn
confirmed then Ali al-Akbar said, “then we are not worried whether death takes us, or we fall on death!” Please
refer my article “The Great Sacrifice” on this blog.
Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by
Muhammad Sarwar, WIKIPEDIA, Story of the Holy Ka’ba and its people by
S.M.R.Shabbar
No comments:
Post a Comment