The Dialogue Between Prophet Ibrahim and the Idol Worshipper

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Quran presents the story of Prophet Ibrahim as a lesson for humanity, particularly regarding the importance of preaching in a rational, consistent, and ethical manner. In Surah Maryam verses 41 to 48, Allah SWT narrates the dialogue between one of the most important prophets and a figure referred to as his father. Islamic scholars state that this father is named Azar, although some also refer to him as Tarih.

Professor from International Islamic University Malaysia, Spahic Omer explains that the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s dialogue with his father is not only mentioned in Surah Maryam but also in several other places in the Quran. For example, Surah Al-An’am verse 74, Surah At-Taubah verse 114, and Surah Al-Mumtahanah verse four.

According to Spahic Omer, when engaging in dialogue with Azar, Prophet Ibrahim did not immediately use threats or rely solely on divine doctrine. The prophet, known as Khalilullah (friend of Allah), used logic and common sense because he understood his father’s lack of faith in Allah, the Creator of all things.

“Prophet Ibrahim knew that nothing is more reasonable and consistent than truth, while at the same time, nothing is more illogical and inconsistent than falsehood,” said Spahic Omer, quoted from About Islam on Saturday (16/5/2026).

In essence, revelation and reason never contradict each other. Instead, they complement each other in guiding humans towards a true and meaningful life.

He believes that Prophet Ibrahim tried to awaken his father’s awareness with simple but fundamental questions: how can people worship idols that cannot hear, see, or provide any benefit?

In the dialogue, Ibrahim also appeared not only as a prophet but also as a son who cares for his father. He invited his father to abandon blindly following traditions and stay away from misleading deceptions.

“Ibrahim wanted his father to be free and able to make choices that are free and reasonable,” he said.

However, this advice was not accepted. According to Spahic Omer, Prophet Ibrahim’s father was blinded by the arrogance of paganism and the worship of material power. As a result, he continued to exchange truth for falsehood, and rationality for emotion and desire.

This condition made his intelligence “paralysed” so that he could no longer see the truth clearly.