Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (10 Dhuʻl-Hijjah 1447 AH)
Question: What are the “words” with which Allah tested Abraham, and he fulfilled them, in His saying: “And when Abraham was tested by his Lord with words, and he completed them, He said: ‘Indeed I will make you an imam for the people.’” [Al-Baqarah:124]?
Answer (and Allah is the Granter of success): The “words” Abraham fulfilled were severe obligations and great trials—such as being tested with the command to sacrifice his son Ishmael, being tested with his people throwing him into the fire, being tested with debating and arguing with his people, and other tremendous and difficult responsibilities. Abraham (peace be upon him) fulfilled these, doing what Allah wanted and was pleased with.
It has also been said that they are five matters of the head and five of the rest of the body: trimming the moustache, letting the beard grow, rinsing the mouth, sniffing water into the nose, cutting the nails, shaving the pubic hair, plucking the armpit hair, and so on.
But I believe that this is not correct, because what they mentioned is not severe, nor does it constitute a great trial. It is far-fetched that such things would be the reason for selecting him for leadership, and the like.
Source: Min Thimār al-ʿIlm wa al-Ḥikmah vol.3