Surah al-`Ankabut (The Spider ) 29 : 25

Explanatory Note

Thereafter, Abraham despairs of those who saw the great miracle with their own eyes for they will never believe in God’s oneness. He tells them, in plain terms, the truth of their situation before abandoning them. Abraham tells them that they worshipped idols without actually being convinced that such worship was right. They only did this out of courtesy for one another so that they could be together. Even though they may be aware of the truth, people generally follow what their friends worship only to keep their friendship. Thus friendship is given priority over the truth and true faith. This happens in communities that do not take religion seriously. To them, avoiding disagreement with a friend is more important than religion. They do not realize that it is faith that must be taken very seriously, and that there can be no complacency or compromise in matters of faith.

The sūrah then shows them their position in the life to come. They are surprised that such friendships on the Day of Judgement are nothing more than mutual hostility. Where once they thought others important, now they curse each other: “But, then, on Resurrection Day, you shall disown one another and curse one another.” On that day masters will disown their servants, friends will denounce friends, mutual accusations will fly about, and every erring person will accuse others of leading him astray. Yet none of all this will be of any avail when the suffering engulfs them all: “And your abode shall be the fire, and you will have none to support you.” They wanted to burn Abraham in the fire, but God saved him. Now when they are in the fire of hell, they will find none to save or protect them.