According to Rahyafte(the missionaries and converts website):Everyone who is born enters the family as the first society around him/her. The relationships among the family members and the responsibilities they assume have great effects on the formation of one’s character and how he/she interacts with the society.
One of the first things that comes to view in Prophet Abraham’s (AS) educational style is his special attention to family. The Holy Quran portrays two parts of Prophet Abraham’s (AS) life, each of which has educational significance.
In the first part, Abraham is a child who sees his uncle, Azar, in deviation. He graciously urges his uncle to abandon the deviated path.
In the second part, Abraham is a father who offers pieces of advice to his sons and prays for their good ending in life.
1- Abraham as a child
In this part, Abraham urges his uncle against worshipping idols and following satan. His uncle replies: “Do you shrink away from my gods, Abraham? Surely, if you do not cease I will stone you, so leave me for awhile.” (Verse 46 of Surah Maryam)
Instead of getting angry or quarreling with his uncle, Abraham says: “‘Peace be on you,’ he (Abraham) said, ‘I shall call upon my Lord to forgive you, for to me He has been gracious.’” (Verse 47 of Surah Maryam)
Thus, in the face of threat of violence, Abraham pledged to pray for divine forgiveness for his uncle.
2- Abraham as a father
As a father, Abraham attached great importance to the fate of his children in two aspects:
A: Praying for their good ending in life.
If we look at Abraham’s prayers mentioned in the Quran, we see they are about seek good for others, including for his children. This is an educational lesson for us to pray God to give blessings to our children, too.
“Lord, make me and my offspring steadfast in prayer and accept our worship.” (Verse 40 of Surah Ibrahim)
B: Recommendations to children in last moments of life.
The Quran mentions what Abraham (AS) told his children in the last moments of his life in order to stress that people are responsible not only for their children’s present-day life but also for their future. When one dies, he should not be worried only about his children’s worldly life but should also care about their spiritual life.
“Abraham charged his children with this, and so did Jacob, saying: ‘My sons, Allah has chosen for you the religion. Do not die except being submissive (Muslims).’” (Verse 132 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
iqna
