And [mention, Oh Muhammad], when Ibrahim – Comprehensive Interpretation

When the Jews were in doubt about the issue of the Qiblah, the Noble Qur’an returned to the story of Prophet Ibrahim u and how Allah U tested him. Tests can be through negative things or through good and blessed things. Allah says:

﴾وَنَبلوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالخَيرِ فِتنَةً﴿

“and We will test you with good and bad by way of test,” [Surah Al-Anbiya’: 35].

To be elected by Allah U happens after a test, hence, you might be tested by Allah U to purify you and choose you and raise your station.

﴾وَإِذْ ابْتَلَى ﴿ “was tried by his Lord” that is to put him through a test.

His testing is to purify and elect him. Hence, the election occurs through the test and after the trial.

﴾وَإِبراهيمَ الَّذي وَفّىٰ﴿

“and of Ibrahim, who fulfilled [the commandments]” [Surah An-Najm: 37].

(124) - “And [mention, Oh Muhammad], when Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.’ [Ibrahim] said, ‘And of my descendants?’ [Allah] said, ‘My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.’”