Grade 4 History Book (PDF) - Shia Multimedia

worshipping, they brought him to court and asked him if he had broken the idols. Prophet
Ibrahim (a) simply pointed to the big idol that was still standing, and said, “It must have been
the big idol. Why don’t you ask him about it instead?” Now the people knew the idol could not
speak and so they felt quite embarrassed.
Seizing the opportunity to explain how useless the idols were Prophet Ibrahim (a)
continued, “Shame on you for worshipping pieces of wood and stone that don’t know anything
and can neither benefit nor harm you.” However, instead of listening to Prophet Ibrahim (a),
the people started shouting, “Burn him alive! Burn him alive!”
Namrud decided to burn him down to the stake. For the next few days, people got
busy gathering up firewood. Soon there was a big pile of wood, and it was lit to make a huge
bonfire. The flames leapt high into the sky and the heat was so intense that no one could go
near it. So Prophet Ibrahim (a) had to be thrown in by a catapult.
When Prophet Ibrahim (a) was falling into the fire, Angel Jibrail asked him whether he
needed any help to which the Prophet replied, ‘Let Allah do what is to be done.’ So, as the
chosen friend of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim (a) put his trust in Allah. By the miracle of Allah, the
fire became cool and harmless for Prophet Ibrahim (a). Namrud and his people watched in
amazement as Prophet Ibrahim (a) sat calmly and comfortably in the middle of the fire.
They said “Burn him to ashes if you want to help your gods.” We (Allah) said, “O Fire,
be cold and peaceful for Ibrahim.” Surae Anbiya, 21: 68,69
Sources: 1) Commentary of Al-Qur’an by Mir Ahmad ‘Ali; 2) Tareekh Notes from London and Vancouver.
46 Grade 4 History