Episode 3

Episode 3: Breaking the Idols

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Indeed, We gave Ibrahim right guidance from before, and We were aware of him (21:51). When he said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are so devoted?" They said, "We found our fathers worshipping them." He said, "Indeed, you and your fathers are in clear error" (21:52-54). Ibrahim then resolved, "By Allah, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned away and gone" (21:57). So he broke them to pieces, except the largest of them, that they might return to it [and ask] (21:58). When his people returned and saw it, they said, "Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers." Some said, "We heard a young man mention them; he is called Ibrahim" (21:59-60). So they brought him and asked, "Did you do this to our gods, O Ibrahim?" He answered, "Rather, this — the largest of them — did it; so ask them, if they can speak" (21:62-63). So they returned to their own consciences and said [within themselves], "Indeed, it is you who are the wrongdoers." Then they hung their heads [and said], "You already know that these do not speak" (21:64-65). Reflection: Ibrahim broke the idols not for violence but to force his people to think. When they admitted "these idols cannot speak," they themselves were proving the helplessness of what they worshipped.

Episode 4: The Fire That Became Cool and Safe