۞ We had earlier given Abraham true direction, for We knew him well. 51 when he said to his father and his people, 'What are these statues unto which you are cleaving?' 52 They said:"We found our fathers worshipping them." 53 He said: Verily ye and your fathers were in plain error. 54 They said: "Are you expressing your true ideas before us or are you jesting?" 55 He said: "In fact it was your Lord, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them; and I bear witness to this. 56 Abraham said to himself, "By God! I will devise a plan against their idols when they are away." 57 So he smashed them up to pieces with the exception of the biggest, so that they may turn to it. 58 They said: Who has done this to our gods? Most surely he is one of the unjust. 59 They said: We heard a youth make mention of them, who is called Abraham. 60 [The others] said: "Then bring him before the peoples eyes, so that they might bear witness [against him]!" 61 They said: art thou the one who hath wrought this unto our gods, O Ibrahim? 62 [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!" 63 So they returned one to another, and they said, 'Surely it is you who are the evildoers.' 64 With their heads cast down they said, "Abraham, you know that idols do not speak. How then can you ask such a question?" 65 He said: 'Would you then worship that, instead of Allah, which can neither help nor harm you? 66 Fie on you and those you worship besides God! Will you not understand?" 67 They said: burn him, and succour your gods, if ye will be doing. 68 But We said, "Fire! Be cool and a means of safety for Abraham." 69 They had sought to do him harm, but We frustrated them. 70 for We saved him and Lot, [his brother's son, by guiding them] to the land which We have blessed for all times to come. 71 And We gave him Isaac and Jacob in superfluity, and every one made We righteous 72 and made them leaders who would guide [others] in accordance with Our behest: for We inspired them [with a will] to do good works, and to be constant in prayer, and to dispense charity: and Us [alone] did they worship. 73 We bestowed upon Lot sound judgement and knowledge, and We delivered him from the city that was immersed in foul deeds. They were indeed a wicked people, exceedingly disobedient. 74 And We admitted him to Our Mercy: for he was one of the Righteous. 75