Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

This paper offers an extended commentary on Qur’an 6:76–79, the passage recounting the Prophet Abraham’s symbolic search for God through the observation of a star, the moon, and the sun. We explore the psychological, philosophical, and theological significance of Abraham’s journey from a tentative, less mature grasp of monotheism to an enlightened and unwavering monotheistic faith. Drawing on classical exegesis (tafsīr) — including al-Ṭabarī, Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, and Ibn Kathīr — we provide a close reading of each verse, noting how early scholars understood Abraham’s words and tactics. Insights from contemporary scholars such as Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Muhammad Asad, Mohammed Arkoun, and Tarif Khalidi are integrated to show how modern perspectives resonate with or reinterpret this story. In addition, we discuss the stages of spiritual development reflected in the text, the role of doubt and sensory experience in the pursuit of certainty, and the implications for understanding tawḥīd (the oneness of God) in degrees of realization. An epilogue considers the enduring lessons of this passage for modern believers, suggesting that Abraham’s quest serves as a timeless model for the individual spiritual journey to God.

Introduction

Surah 6 (“Al-An‘ām,” The Cattle) of the Qur’an includes a vivid account of Abraham’s confrontation with his people’s celestial worship and his discovery of the one true God. Verses 75–79 set the scene: God had granted Abraham a visionary insight into the “realms of the heavens and the earth” so that he might attain firm certainty of faith tulayhah.wordpress.com. Against that backdrop, verses 76–79 narrate how Abraham, upon observing a star, the moon, and the sun in succession, pronounces “This is my Lord” only to reject each one when it fades. He then declares his dissociation from all forms of idolatry and turns wholeheartedly to the Creator of the heavens and earth. This dramatic narrative has long invited interpretation on multiple levels – as a record of Abraham’s da‘wah (prophetic preaching strategy), as an allegory of the soul’s journey from confusion to certainty, and as a rational argument against assigning divinity to any finite being. In the following sections, we examine each verse closely through the lens of classical tafsīr, then delve into the psychological maturation, philosophical reflections, and theological lessons contained in the passage. We aim to blend scholarly depth with accessible insight, showing how this ancient story speaks to the inner development of faith and understanding in every era.

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