Surah as-Saffat (Those Lined Up) 37 : 89

Explanatory Note

It is said that Abraham’s people were in the midst of a special festive occasion, which might have been their new year’s day, when they went out to spend the day in gardens and parks. They started, however, by placing fruit in front of their deities for blessing. When they returned, having had their fun, they took their blessed food. Abraham, who had despaired of ever receiving a reasonable response from them, realized that they had gone too far astray, and had made up his mind with regard to his next move. Indeed, he waited until the day when they were sure to be away from their temples. He was so fed up with their error that it pained his heart. Therefore, when he was invited to join them, he looked at the sky and said: ‘I am sick, I cannot join in your festivity. If I come with you, I may spoil your occasion.’

He was simply expressing his distress at their practices, so that they would leave him alone. What he said was true; it was no lie. Distress can leave real feelings of illness. Since the people were busy preparing for their celebration, they did not stop to examine his claims. Rather. they left him alone and went away. This was the chance Abraham had waited for.