(Ambiyaa [‘alaihimus salaam] Series – Nabi Ebrahim [‘alaihis salaam] #03)
After Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) broke the idols, the people were very angry and decided to punish him for disgracing their gods. They discussed different types of punishments and eventually decided to throw him in a huge fire so he could burn to death.
Everyone then began gathering wood. The people gathered every type of wood they could find from every possible place. This continued for more than a month.
A huge structure was built and all the wood was placed in it. Thereafter a huge fire was lit. The fire was so huge that no one had seen a fire like this before.
Huge flames and sparks came out from this fire. The fire was so huge and fierce that if a bird flew above the fire, it would immediately burn to death.
The fire was so hot that no one could go close to the fire. They could not throw Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) in the fire. Therefore, they built a catapult. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was placed into the catapult. Thereafter, his hands and feet were tied. All this while Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was remembering Allah Ta‘ala and making du‘aa.
After Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was properly tied, he was thrown in the fire. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) at that time said, “Hasbiyallahu wa ni’mal wakeel (Allah is sufficient for me and He is the Best One to take care of my affairs)”.
Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) came to Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) and asked him if he needed help. Likewise, the angels in charge of the rains, the clouds, the winds, etc. also offered their assistance to extinguish the fire. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) told them that Allah Ta‘ala was sufficient for him.
Allah Ta‘ala commanded the fire to become cool and comfortable for Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam). The hot fire became cool, and did not burn Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) at all. It also became very comfortable for him and it was not too cold. Rather it became like a garden for Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam).
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) remained in the fire for 40 to 50 days. He used to say that those were the most peaceful and comfortable days of his life.
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was only 16 years old when he was thrown into the fire.