Prophet Abraham’s Debate Style
Abraham (AS) lived at a time when idolatry had spread but he had no beliefs in idols and used every opportunity to show that they had no power. One method he used was holding debates and dialogues. He had many debates with his stepfather, who was an idolater.
After he destroyed idols, he held a debate with Nimrod, the ruler of the time. He also had debates with those who worshipped the sun, the moon and stars.
Abraham (AS) used effective ways in his debates. For example, he used rational questions to draw the attention of disbelievers and idolaters to the weaknesses and flaws in their beliefs and actions. He told his stepfather: “Father, I have received the knowledge which has not been given to you. Follow me; I shall guide you to the right path.” (Surah Maryam, Verse 43)
He also asked questions to make idolaters doubt their beliefs and then made them face their mistakes: “He said to his father and to his nation: ‘What do you worship?’ They replied: ‘We worship idols and continue cleaving to them.’ ‘Do they hear you when you call on them?’ He asked. ‘Can they benefit you or harm you?’ They replied: ‘No, but we found our fathers doing so.’” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, Verses 70-74)
In his debates, Abraham (AS) used comparisons, deductions, reasoning and other ways to convince people. One of his most beautiful debates was the one with those worshipping stars. He first introduced himself as a star-worshipper but then challenged the belief and reached the conclusion that only God, the Almighty, is worthy of being worshipped. “When Abraham saw the rising moon, he said, ‘This is my lord.’ But when it faded away, he said, ‘If my Lord does not guide me I shall certainly go astray.’ Then, when he saw the rising sun, he said, ‘This is my Lord for it is greater (than the others).’ But when this too faded away, (Abraham) said, ‘My people, I disavow whatever you consider equal to God.’” (Surah Al-An’am, Verses 77-78)
In his debates, Abraham (AS) would offer his views courageously without any fear about threats and dangers but made his points calmly and peacefully and this enhanced the effectiveness of his words.
