Allah says in Surah Al-An’am:
“And when Abraham said to his father, Azar, ‘Do you take idols as gods? Indeed, I see you and your people in clear error.’” [Al-An’am: 74]
The verses present an important part of Prophet Abraham’s call to monotheism and his position toward the idol worship practiced by his father and his people.
Abraham addressed his father with advice and evidence. He asked: “Do you take idols as gods?” He then explained that he saw his father and his people in “clear error”, meaning that their path of worship was plainly misguided.
Was Abraham’s Father Named Azar or Tarah?
The interpretation presented in the source discusses different reports concerning the name of Abraham’s father. Some reports identify him as Tarah, while other opinions suggest that Azar was the name of an idol or that it was a title.
However, the interpretation gives preference to the name Azar, because Allah explicitly mentions him by that name in the Quran:
“And when Abraham said to his father, Azar…”
The discussion also notes that reports mentioning another name do not necessarily contradict the Quranic designation, since a person may have more than one name or one name may be a title. The central point is that Allah referred to him as Azar in the Quran.
How Did Abraham Call His Father to Monotheism?
Abraham did not merely reject idol worship. He explained why such worship was false. Allah says:
“O my father, why do you worship that which neither hears nor sees nor benefits you at all? 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.” [Maryam: 42-43]
He also said:
“O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed, Satan has ever been disobedient to the Most Merciful.” [Maryam: 44]
These verses demonstrate that Abraham’s approach involved explanation, advice, and respectful speech, repeatedly addressing his father as “O my father.”
What Happened When Azar Rejected Abraham’s Call?
Abraham continued advising his father, but Azar rejected his call and threatened him.
Allah says:
“He said, ‘Are you rejecting my gods, O Abraham? If you do not desist, I will surely stone you, so leave me for a long time.’” [Maryam: 46]
Despite this response, Abraham answered:
“Peace be upon you. I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me. And I will distance myself from you and whatever you invoke besides Allah.” [Maryam: 47-48]
Later, when it became clear to Abraham that his father was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated himself from him and ceased seeking forgiveness for him.
Allah says:
“But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated himself from him.” [Al-Tawbah: 114]
What Does “The Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth” Mean?
Allah says:
“And thus We showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he would be among those who are certain.” [Al-An’am: 75]
The interpretation explains this as showing Abraham the signs in the creation of the heavens and earth that point to Allah’s oneness, sovereignty, and creative power.
Reflecting upon creation reveals that these created things cannot be gods worthy of worship. They are signs of the Creator rather than objects deserving worship themselves.
Abraham, the Star, the Moon, and the Sun
After being shown signs of Allah’s creation, Abraham observed the celestial bodies that his people associated with worship.
Allah says:
“So when the night covered him, he saw a star. He said, ‘This is my lord.’ But when it set, he said, ‘I do not like those that set.’” [Al-An’am: 76]
Then he saw the moon rising and said:
“This is my lord.” But when it set, he said that if his Lord did not guide him, he would become among those who were astray. [Al-An’am: 77]
Then he saw the sun rising and said:
“This is my lord; this is greater.” But when it set, he declared:
“O my people, indeed I am free of whatever you associate with Allah.” [Al-An’am: 78]
He then proclaimed:
“Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.” [Al-An’am: 79]
The passage demonstrates that things subject to setting, change, and disappearance cannot be the true object of worship.
What Does “So That He Would Be Among Those Who Are Certain” Mean?
The statement “so that he would be among those who are certain” connects Abraham’s observation of creation with certainty in faith.
The interpretation mentions two possible explanations: that the conjunction may be understood in a particular grammatical sense, or that it retains its normal meaning, indicating that Allah showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and earth so that he would possess knowledge and certainty.
Abraham’s Position on Seeking Forgiveness for His Father
Abraham initially promised to seek forgiveness for his father and continued doing so until it became clear that his father had died upon disbelief.
Allah says:
“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.” [Al-Tawbah: 114]
Thus, the interpretation explains that Abraham’s seeking forgiveness occurred before the matter became clear to him. Once it was established that his father was an enemy of Allah, Abraham disassociated himself from him.
Key Lessons from the Story of Abraham and Azar
The verses contain several important lessons. They emphasize that worship belongs exclusively to Allah and that reflection on the heavens and earth can lead a person to recognize divine power and oneness.
The story also demonstrates Abraham’s care in advising his father through evidence and respectful speech, while firmly rejecting idolatry.
The passage further highlights that created things subject to change and disappearance cannot possess the qualities of a true deity, and that reflection upon Allah’s signs strengthens certainty.
What was the name of Abraham’s father?
The Quran refers to him as Azar in Surah Al-An’am. Other reports mention another name, but the interpretation presented here gives priority to the Quranic designation.
What did Abraham say to his father Azar?
He said: “Do you take idols as gods? Indeed, I see you and your people in clear error.”
What does the kingdom of the heavens and earth mean?
It refers to the signs of Allah’s power, creation, and oneness manifested throughout the heavens and earth.
Why did Abraham say about the star, moon, and sun, “This is my lord”?
The passage presents these statements within Abraham’s argument against the worship of celestial bodies, showing that what sets and changes cannot be the true object of worship.
When did Abraham stop seeking forgiveness for his father?
He stopped after it became clear to him that his father was an enemy of Allah, as stated in Surah Al-Tawbah.
