THOUSANDS of years ago a boy questioned his father about the idols he would make. The town he grew up in adhered to the religion of their ancestors. However, this young boy thought differently. He reasoned and wondered why they worshipped idols? How could the idols benefit them? Could the idols even defend themselves if they were attacked? More importantly, is it not true that it was God who created the heavens and the earth and everything that exits? Then why do humans worship what they make with their own hands? Furthermore, who will these people call upon if they happen to be in the midst of a storm while at sea? Will they not turn to the heavens and call upon the One God, who is unseen and who hears every call? His father and his people, could not answer him so they shrugged him off. Since no one paid heed to the boy's words, he decided to put his words into a dramatic scene, as a picture is worth a thousand words. He found an opportunity on the day when everyone was away celebrating a festival. When the people returned they found all the idols broken except for the biggest one. An axe was leaning against it. What could this mean? They did not get the picture. The young lad was their prime suspect. On confrontation, he said that the big idol must have done it and it must be questioned. At that moment they understood the message and realized their plight. “The idol does not speak. And how could a lifeless idol break other idols,” they protested. “Then,” asked the boy, “Why do you worship these lifeless idols?” The point was driven home in a dramatic fashion. The boy grew up to be Ibrahim (Abraham), the Prophet and Messenger of Allah calling people to worship Allah alone, the Creator of everything that exists. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is also revered by Judaism and Christianity. __
