The story of Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam
The Quran teaches us that Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam was thrown into a fire by Nimrood and his people because they refused to accept the truth. They built a huge furnace and intended to throw him therein. Historical narrations mention that firewood was collected for a period of one month and the fire was then lit and kindled for seven days. The fire became so huge that birds flying overhead would fall into it and perish due to the flames. The people themselves could not even go close to the fire due to it’s intensity. They were about to give up their plan but Shaitaan then gave them the idea of catapulting Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam into the fire. As he was about to be thrown in, Jibraeel Alaihis Salaam came to ask him if he needed any help but he replied : “I need help, but not from you. Allah is sufficient for me.”
Allah Ta’ala mentions : “We (Allah) said : ‘O Fire! Be cool and peaceful for Ibraheem.’ “(Surah Ambiyaa, Verse 69)
By the command of Allah Ta’ala, Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam was not harmed by the fire. The strings that tied him were burnt, but he was not harmed in the least. In fact, Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam later remarked : “I never experienced such peace and comfort in my entire life as those seven days which I spent in the fire.” (Ma’ariful Quraan)
The story of Abu Muslim Khawlaani Rahimahullah
A similar amazing incident occurred to a pious person by the name of Abu Muslim Khawlaani Rahimahullah during the early history of Islam. It was during the time when Aswad Anasi, the false prophet, claimed prophethood in Yemen. Once he called Abu Muslim Khawlaani and asked him : â€œDo you believe that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is a prophet of Allah?â€
Abu Muslim replied in the affirmative.
Aswad Anasi then asked : â€œDo you believe that I am a prophet of Allah?â€
Abu Muslim Khawlaani replied in the negative. Aswad Anasi then ordered that a huge fire be lit and that he should be thrown into it. This was accordingly done, but by the mercy of Allah Ta’ala, the fire did not harm Abu Muslim Khawlaani Rahimahullah.
People then advised Aswad Anasi : â€œIf you leave Abu Muslim Khawlaani to live here he will cause more trouble.â€
Abu Muslim Khawlaani was, therefore, forced to leave Yemen. He set off for Madinah. This was the time shortly after the demise of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu was the khaliph. When Abu Muslim reached Masjidun Nabawi, he tied his conveyance and began performing Salaah close to a pillar in the Masjid of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was present and saw him in the masjid. He asked Abu Muslim : â€œWhere are you from?â€
Abu Muslim replied : â€œFrom Yemen.â€
Umar continued : â€œWhat is the story of that companion of ours who was thrown into a fire by that enemy of Allah (Aswad Anasi) but he was not harmed?â€
Abu Muslim replied : â€œThat was a person by the name of Abdullah Ibn Thawb.â€
But Umar asked: â€œIs that not your name?â€
â€œYes,â€ replied Abu Muslim.
Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was so taken aback that he kissed Abu Muslim on his forehead and then took him to meet Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu. Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu then remarked : â€œAll praise be to Allah Who gave me the chance to to see a person from the Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam who had an ordeal similar to Ibraaheem Alaihis Salaam.” (Hilyatul Awliyaa)
1. Allah protects those who obey Him.
2. Allah Ta’ala is in complete control of all conditions. He can remove the quality of fire to burn if He so wishes.