Surah Al-Anbiyaa (21) — Ayah 63

The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.

63. 1. Thus, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was brought before the public assembly and was asked, and Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) replied that this act was done by the biggest idol; if these (broken idols) can speak, then just ask them. He said this either for his own purpose or so that they may know that one who cannot speak nor has the ability to be aware of anything cannot be a deity. Nor can the term "ilah" be authentically applied to it. In an authentic hadith, this statement of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) "بل فعلہ کبیرھم" is described with the word "kadhb" (lie), that Ibrahim (peace be upon him) told three lies: two for the sake of Allah: one being (I am sick), and the second is this one, and the third is calling his wife Sarah his sister (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Anbiya, Bab Watakhadhallahu Ibrahima Khalila). Some contemporary commentators, considering this authentic hadith to be against the Quran, have denied it and called insisting on its authenticity exaggeration and blind following of narration, but their opinion is not correct. Certainly, in terms of reality, these cannot be called lies, but in terms of outward appearance, they also cannot be excluded from being called "kadhb." However, this "kadhb" is not punishable by Allah because it was said for Allah's sake, whereas no sinful act can be done for Allah, and this is only possible if, despite being outwardly "kadhb," it is not actually "kadhb." Just as for Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), the words "عصی" and "غوی" are used, although in the Quran itself, his act of eating from the tree is also described as a result of forgetfulness and weakness of will, which clearly means that an act can have two aspects: from one aspect, it is commendable, and from another, it has an apparent flaw. The statement of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is outwardly "kadhb" in the sense that it was contrary to the event; he himself broke the idols but attributed it to the biggest idol. But since his purpose was indirectness and establishing monotheism, in reality, we will call it a method of completing the argument and a way of proving and expressing the foolishness of the polytheists, rather than a lie. Moreover, the context in which these "kadhbat" are mentioned in the hadith is also worth considering, and that is to refrain from interceding before Allah on the Day of Judgment because three slips occurred from him in the world, whereas they are not slips, i.e., in reality and purpose, they are not lies, but due to the greatness and majesty of Allah, he will be so fearful that these things, due to their resemblance to lies, will seem blameworthy. Thus, the purpose of the hadith is by no means to prove Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) a liar, but rather to express the state that will overcome him on the Day of Resurrection due to the fear of Allah.

Abraham replied, "No, rather this biggest one did it. So ask them (the broken idols), if they can speak!"

[55] Thus, Prophet Ibrahimؑ was brought before all the people in the open, and the first question asked of him was related to the confession of guilt. Because until the crime of the accused is proven, the question of punishment does not arise. Prophet Ibrahimؑ was asked: Was it you who broke our helpers? In response to this question, Prophet Ibrahimؑ said that the circumstantial evidence indicates that all this mischief was done by the big idol, the one who has the axe hanging on his shoulder. It is possible that after you left, the big god became angry with the smaller gods and destroyed them. And the real solution to this question is that you should ask these oppressed and broken helpers themselves as to who has committed this injustice against them, and rest assured that if they can speak, they will surely give you the answer to this question.