‘Our forefathers used to do it’ — Is That Really Evidence?

Ibrahim (peace be upon him) asked just one question. In reply not a single proof came — only the habit of the forefathers.

How the Question Came

The people of the tribe bow down before the idols, ask them for things, and weep. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) asked — what are these statues before which you remain prostrate like this?

Shaykh Bali says he was waiting — for at least one piece of evidence to come, one proof that these things can benefit or cause harm.

Not one came. Only one reply came — ‘We found our forefathers worshipping them.’ This was their entire evidence: blind following.

They held their forefathers in such high regard that they would not tolerate a single word said against a father or grandfather — they would even fight if necessary.

The Shaykh's Explanation

The reply came straight — You and your forefathers are all in clear misguidance.

Shaykh Bali says that after this they opened a way for him to take back his words — ‘Are you telling the truth, or are you joking?’ But Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood firm: rather, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them.

After this he decided in his heart — when everyone left the city for the festival, he would break the idols. The whole event is described in detail in Surah Al-Anbiya.

Evidence — The Method of Dawah

ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ ۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. (Surah An-Nahl 16:125 — Saheeh International)Copy

Shaykh Bali points out — Ibrahim (peace be upon him) began with a question, not with insults. That very question forced them to admit their lack of evidence.

What to Do

1. Look for the evidence for the amal you are doing — ‘everyone does it’ is no evidence.
2. Let there be love for your forefathers, but worship is for Allah alone.
3. When trying to convince someone, ask questions and show respect — no one turns back because they were insulted.
4. Once you know the truth, do not step back; do not place people's anger above Allah's pleasure.

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Source: Based on the talk of Shaykh Wahid Abdus Salam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center