The story of Prophet Abraham’s call to his father Azar is one of the prominent Quranic accounts illustrating the manner in which prophets called people to worship Allah alone.
Abraham began with his own father, addressing him with kindness and respect while explaining why worshiping idols was false. He pointed out that idols could neither hear nor see, nor provide benefit or protection.
The story also demonstrates Abraham’s firmness in monotheism and his patience despite his father’s rejection and threats.
How Did Abraham Call His Father to Faith?
Azar was involved in making the idols worshiped by his people. Abraham rejected their worship and recognized that such idols had no power to benefit or harm either themselves or those who worshiped them.
Abraham began by speaking directly to his father and explaining the weakness of idol worship.
He said, as mentioned in Surah Maryam:
“O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear, does not see, and cannot benefit you in anything?”
Abraham drew attention to a fundamental point: an object of worship cannot reasonably be something incapable of hearing, seeing or providing any benefit.
Abraham Used Gentle Dialogue With His Father
One of the clearest features of Abraham’s approach was the respectful way in which he addressed his father. He repeatedly used the expression “O my father” when speaking to him.
He said:
“O my father, knowledge has come to me that has not come to you, so follow me; I will guide you to an even path.”
Although Abraham was calling his father to abandon what he considered false worship, he did not insult him. Instead, he presented what Allah had given him of knowledge and invited his father toward the straight path.
Warning Against Following Satan
Abraham continued his advice by saying:
“O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed, Satan has ever been disobedient to the Most Merciful.”
He then explained his concern about the consequences of continuing on that path:
“O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful, so you would become to Satan a companion.”
His call therefore combined clarification of falsehood, an invitation toward truth and a warning about the consequences of rejecting guidance.
How Did Azar Respond to Abraham?
Azar did not accept his son’s invitation. Instead, he responded with a threat, saying:
“Are you rejecting my gods, O Abraham? If you do not desist, I will surely stone you, so leave me for a long time.”
Despite the severity of this response, Abraham did not answer with an insult or threat of his own. Instead, he said:
“Peace be upon you.”
He then added:
“I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me.”
Abraham subsequently declared his separation from his people and from what they worshiped besides Allah, while continuing to turn to his Lord in prayer.
Abraham’s Position Toward His Father
Abraham sought forgiveness for his father in fulfillment of a promise he had made to him. However, when it became clear to him that his father remained an enemy of Allah, Abraham disassociated himself from him.
The Quran states:
“And Abraham’s asking forgiveness for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed, Abraham was compassionate and forbearing.”
This passage shows that Abraham’s position changed after it became clear that his father remained committed to disbelief and opposition to Allah.
Lessons From Abraham’s Call to His Father
The story contains important lessons about calling others to faith. One of its central messages is that sincere religious advice should be accompanied by wisdom, clear reasoning and respectful speech.
The story also demonstrates the importance of beginning with those closest to a person when offering sincere advice, while maintaining respect even during disagreement.
At the same time, the story shows that guidance ultimately belongs to Allah. A person can offer advice and present the truth, but cannot force another person to accept it.
What Did Abraham Say About the Idols?
Abraham explained to his father that the idols could not hear the prayers of those who worshiped them, could not see their circumstances and could not provide them with any benefit.
He said:
“O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear, does not see, and cannot benefit you in anything?”
This argument was part of Abraham’s broader call toward the worship of Allah alone and away from worshiping powerless objects.
Who was Abraham’s father?
The Quran mentions the name Azar in the context of Abraham’s father. Genealogical traditions have also mentioned the name Terah.
How did Abraham call his father to monotheism?
He used respectful dialogue, explained the weakness of idol worship and warned his father about following Satan.
How did Azar respond to Abraham?
He rejected Abraham’s call and threatened him with stoning if he did not stop.
How did Abraham respond to his father’s threat?
He responded peacefully, saying, “Peace be upon you,” and did not answer the threat with aggression.
When did Abraham disassociate himself from his father?
He disassociated himself from him when it became clear that his father was an enemy of Allah and remained committed to disbelief.
