The Father of Ibrahim - Qazwini

It is often claimed by other schools of thought that the following verse in the Holy Quran is proof that the ancestral lineage of the Prophet (s) consisted of polytheists, such as Azar, the ‘father’ of Ibrahim (as): “And Ibrahim asking forgiveness for his father was only owing to a promise that he made to him; but when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he declared himself to be clear of him; most surely Ibrahim was very tender-hearted and forbearing.” (9:114) However, it is important to note the phrase used to describe Azar. The word ‘ab’ is used in Arabic, but this can denote several meanings which does not necessarily indicate a ‘waled’ (biological father). The word ‘ab’ can mean uncle. For example, in the Holy Quran in Surah Baqarah, Ismail (a) son of Ibrahim (a) and the uncle of Yaqoub (a) is referred to as his ‘ab.’ (2:133) This establishes the usage of the word ‘ab’ as a term used to define a role of another who is not a biological father. The biological father of Ibrahim (a) who passed away when Ibrahim (a) was of a young age is known as Tarokh, the brother of Azar. He is mentioned by Sunni historians. For example, Ibn Katheer states Ibrahim was born when Tarokh was 75 years old (al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, vil. 1, p. 139). In Surah Ibrahim, when Ibrahim (a) is of old age, he makes a dua to Allah swt saying, “Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established” (14:41). The term ‘waled’ is only used to refer to your biological father. Since it was prohibited for Ibrahim (a) to make istighfar for Azar as he was a mushrik, why would he later make istighfar for his parents and this would be accepted by God? This proves his biological parents were believers.#Hawza #Seminary #Alhujjah #islam #shia #Qazwini