Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
From all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was honoured with the title “Khaleelullah” – the special friend of Allah Ta’ala. In regard to how Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) received this title of honour, Allaamah Ibnu Katheer (rahimahullah) reports the following incident:
It was the blessed habit of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) that he would always bring people home as his guests to share his meals with him. On one occasion, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) went out, looking for someone to bring home as his guest. However, he was unable to find anyone to share his meal with him, and thus returned home.
On arriving at his home, he found that a man had entered in his absence and was standing inside. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked him, “O servant of Allah! Why have you entered my home without permission?” The man replied, “I was granted permission to enter by the One who is the true owner of your home (i.e. I was given permission by Allah Ta’ala).”
Hearing this, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked the man, “Who are you?” He responded, “I am the Angel of Death. My Rabb has sent me to one of His servants to give him the glad tidings that Allah Ta’ala has chosen him to be His ‘Khaleel’ (special friend).”
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked, “Who is this special person? By Allah, if you inform me of his identity, I will ensure that I go to him – even if he lives in the most distant of lands. I will then remain with him until death separates us.” The Angel of Death then said, “You are that special servant.”
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was overcome by joy and asked, “Am I really that special person?” When the Angel confirmed that he was, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) enquired, “Why did Allah Ta’ala make me His Khaleel?” The Angel answered, “The reason is that you always give to people, and you never ask people for anything.” (Tafseer Ibnu Katheer 2/375)
When we study this incident, then we find that the aspect in the life of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) which was beloved to Allah Ta’ala is that he had a heart of compassion and sympathy. He always wished to share with others and assist them without expecting anything from them in return.
The Fire Worshipper Embracing Islam at the Hands of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam)
It is mentioned that on one occasion, a fire worshipper came to Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) and asked for food. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) said to him, “If you accept Islam, I will feed you.” Hearing this, the fire worshipper turned and went away.
Allah Ta’ala then sent wahi to Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) saying, “O Ebrahim! You do not want to feed him because he is not a Muslim and has not accepted Islam. However, we have been feeding him for seventy years, despite him being a disbeliever. Why did you not feed him for at least one night?”
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) immediately went to look for the fire worshipper, called him back and fed him. The fire worshipper thereafter asked Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam), “What is the reason that you changed your mind and decided to feed me?”
Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) replied, “Allah Ta’ala has commanded me to feed you,” and Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) also informed the fire worshipper of the wahi that he had received and what Allah Ta’ala had told him.
On hearing the words of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam), the fire worshipper was deeply affected and asked, “Is this the immense kindness which Allah Ta’ala has for me?”
He then said, “Please present Islam to me so that I may embrace it.” Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) then presented Islam to him, after which he brought imaan in Allah Ta’ala. (Ihyaau Uloomid Deen 4/154)
