Short Answer: Prophet Ibrahim wanted to show his people the helplessness of their idols. So he broke down the idols and left one. When his people knew and asked him, he told them that he didn’t do it, but the biggest idol is the one who destroyed the smaller ones. Of course idols don’t move, can’t protect themselves and don’t have any real powers. So the people realized that these idols can’t help themselves, can’t move or speak, and they didn’t even defend themselves when Ibrahim destroyed them.So, how can people worship what doesn’t harm/benefit and can’t even defend itself? Think, reflect and read the Quran.
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Walaykum Asalam waRahmat Allah Dearest Sister,
Sensitive, understanding & compassionate dawah
The first advice is to please not make this a confrontation, but rather start by showing the beauty and glad tidings of Islam, and how it brings major blessings, and unmatched generosity to people in this life and the next.
Also understand that it’s not easy for someone to change their belief that is deeply rooted in their culture. However, Allah created us all with the seed of pure belief in Him inside us.
Islam (submission to The One Creator) is not a foreign belief or foreign idea. It’s the message of all Prophets from the beginning of time. It is inside all people; we just need to rekindle this belief.
So remind people of Their One & Only Creator, their heart will melt in love and awe of Him if they listen with sincerity and objectivity.
It’s very difficult not to love Our One Creator Allah, Al-Jameel (The Most Beautiful, The Source of all Beauty), As-Salam (The Impeccable Flawless One), Al Qawy (The All-Powerful), Al Muheet (The All-Encompassing), Al-Qahar (The Overwhelming Subduer Who is Never Overcome)…
All Attributes of Perfection belong to Him.
Everything in the heavens and the earth is within His Grip, how can we not fall in love with that?
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.
He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Quran 59: 22 -24)
And He is near to every single person on earth every single second. Any person anywhere who thinks about Him, or talks to Him, will find Him near, listening, and responding…
So, give glad-tidings.
Even if someone didn’t have the correct belief of the One God all their lives, once they understand and accept the Truth, ALL their past sins will be forgiven and replaced with rewards and they’ll have a clear slate and an eternity of peace and generosity ahead of them, with the Will and Mercy of Allah.
This is major mercy to all of us. We are not confused, divided or struggling among many Gods. We are subject to One Perfect Deity in control of everything at all times.
“Or have men taken for themselves gods from the earth who resurrect [the dead]?
Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.
He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.
Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], “Produce your proof. This [Qur’an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away.” (Quran 21: 21 – 24)
Powerful Evidence in the Quran
The most important thing to do as well is deliver the Quran and establish its authenticity.
The Quran is the ultimate proof and protected message from the Creator to all mankind. We are not left to assumptions, traditions, or man-made disagreements. We have powerful clear cut proof in the Quran.
You can check the following resources to help establish this point.
What is the Quran and can we simply ignore it?
How to Know the Quran is authentic
How to Introduce Quran to Non-Muslims
Prophet Ibrahim & the Use of Reason
Among the excellent logical ways for people to consider is the examples given by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) highlighted in the Quran.
Prophet Ibrahim used reason to allow his people to reflect.
For example:
“Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord [merely] because Allah had given him kingship? When Abraham said, “My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,” he said, “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said, “Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.” So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (Quran 2: 258)
So we need to think:
Is the idol worshipped able to bring the sun from the West if asked to do so?
Did the idol create us all?
Is the idol providing all people on earth/all creations with their sustenance?
Is the idol listening and witnessing everything at all times?
Which idol is more powerful? What happens when they fight?
Is it better to have only One God in control of everything at all times, or be subject to many gods with many needs/whims/desires?
What is the ultimate proof of the belief in those idols?
In another incident (Quran 21: 51- 69), Prophet Ibrahim wanted to show his people the helplessness of their idols. So he broke down the idols and left one. When his people knew and asked him, he told them that he didn’t do it, but the biggest idol is the one who destroyed the smaller ones. Of course idols don’t move, can’t protect themselves and don’t have any real powers. So the people realized that these idols can’t help themselves, can’t move or speak, and they didn’t even defend themselves when Ibrahim destroyed them.
So, how can people worship what doesn’t harm/benefit and can’t even defend itself?
Think, reflect and read the Quran.
If we directly speak to The One God who is nearer to us than our own consciousness, He will surely guide us to the complete peace in this life and the next. So, speak to Him directly.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
Why Did the Prophet Break Idols in The Kaabah?
