Surah Ibrāhīm "إبراهيم" (Prophet Abraham) is the 14th Surah (chapter) of the Qur'an with 52 āyāt (verses), part of Juzʼ 13 of Al Qur'an. The Surah is a powerful and deeply reflective Surah named after Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام (Abraham), one of the greatest prophets and spiritual fathers of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. This Surah addresses major themes like faith, gratitude, divine guidance, prophetic mission, arrogance of disbelievers, and the Day of Judgment. The Surah focuses on spiritual awakening, the importance of gratitude, and the legacy of monotheism through Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام.
We have already published detailed exegesis of the Surah which can be accessed from link given below:
Herein under we only share in skeleton form the major thrust of the surah and main subjects discussed therein, followed by links to some of the selected ayat / verses from this surah for information of our readers.
Core Subjects of Surah Ibrahim
- The Purpose of Revelation
- “This is a Book We have revealed to you so that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light...” (14:1)
- The Qur’an is not just information—it's transformation.
- It's a call from darkness (kufr, ignorance) to light (faith, guidance).
- The Mission of Prophets
- Prophets are sent to every nation with a clear message: "Worship Allah and avoid false gods..." (14:10)
- The Surah reminds that rejecting the messengers led past nations to destruction.
- The Arrogance of Disbelievers
- The Surah frequently quotes how disbelievers mocked prophets: “You are only humans like us.”
- They rejected the divine message based on pride and worldly status.
- The Parable of the Good Word (Faith)
- As in verse 24: “A good word is like a good tree...”
- Faith is shown as something that grows, benefits others, and connects to the heavens.
- Scenes from the Day of Judgment: Vivid images are given of:
- People blaming each other
- Regret of the arrogant and their followers
- The inability of worldly power to save anyone
- Prophet Ibrahim's Dua (Supplication):
- One of the most touching parts of the Surah is Ibrahim’s heartfelt prayer: “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) secure... keep me and my children away from idol worship...” (14:35)
- He asks for:
- Protection from shirk (idolatry)
- Sustenance and peace for his descendants
- Acceptance of his deeds
- Forgiveness for himself, his parents, and the believers
- It shows his deep humility, concern for future generations, and total dependence on Allah.
- Warning and Hope for Humanity
- The surah concludes with a universal message: “This (Qur’an) is a message for humanity... Let them take warning and know that He is One God...” (14:52)
- It addresses all people, not just Muslims.
Key Lessons from Surah Ibrahim
- Gratitude vs. Ingratitude: “If you are grateful, I will increase you. If you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe.” (14:7) – Gratitude is a pathway to blessings.
- Prophetic Legacy: True leadership is spiritual, not just political. Ibrahim's role is honored not for empire, but for faith.
- Consequences of Rejection: Those who deny guidance bring ruin on themselves and their people.
- Faith Is Fruitful: A sincere believer benefits themselves and others – like a strong, rooted tree.
- Human Responsibility: We are free to choose – but we will be accountable for our choices.
Why It Matters Today
In the present times, darkness (materialism, idolatry of ego, blind consumerism) is not unlike ancient ignorance. It thus calls for:
- To reflect to be be grateful, and follow true guidance is still urgent.
- To reflect on true leadership, parenting, and legacy as reflected in Ibrahim’s character and prophetic role.
Summary:
Section Focus
Verses 1–5 The Qur’an as light and guidance
Verses 6–20 Past prophets and the fate of disbelievers
Verses 21–27 Day of Judgment, good and bad words
Verses 28–34 Gratitude vs. Ingratitude
Verses 35–41 Prophet Ibrahim’s dua
Verses 42–52 Warning of Allah’s justice and a universal message
We now share some of the verses from Surah Al-A'raf which have already been published covering some important messages:
- Allah Proclaims: If you give thanks, I will certainly grant you more - verse 7
- Beware, followers of the Satan, of the day when Satan will abandon you -verse 22
- The Day when Satan will declare his True Colours - verse 22
- Satan will say "I called you to my way and you responded to me. So, do not blame me but blame yourselves." - verse 22
- The Divine Command to establish Prayer and Charity - verse 31
- Establishment of Prayer and Giving Out Charity - verse 31
- Do not think Allah is heedless of the evil deeds of the evil-doers - verse 42
- Prophet Ibrahim’s dua: My Lord! Enable me and my offspring to establish Prayer - verse 50
In time we will continue to add more selected verses from Surah 14. Ibrāhīm "إبراهيم" for information of our readers.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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