Harmony of the Verses

Regarding the connection of this verse with the previous one, it was mentioned that verse 124 begins a set of verses that depict the practical conduct of Abraham (a.s.) and the legacy of his prophethood. This verse refers to one of the monotheistic manifestations of that conduct and the signs of Abraham’s journey on the path of servitude and duty: “And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security” (wa idh jaʿalnā l-bayt mathābatan li-n-nās wa amnan).

It then alludes to the station of Abraham’s footsteps and commands prayer at this station. Thereafter, the verse refers to the special covenant that was made with Abraham and his son Ishmael concerning the purification of the House.

In this verse, by reminding people of the great blessing of the House of God, its role as a sanctuary and refuge for all people, as well as the significance of Abraham’s station and his actions—whether his invitation to Ḥajj or his sacrifice in raising the foundations of the Kaʿba—it also alludes to the Jews, Christians, and polytheists who revere this great historical figure but have deviated from his monotheistic path. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to the Prophet (s.a.w.) that his call to monotheism and the removal of manifestations of polytheism are rooted in the monotheistic tradition of Abraham.

Because the virtues mentioned in the verse, each highlighting the greatness of Abraham (a.s.), do not follow one another in a chronological order, they are recounted without sequential conjunctions like “then” (fa) and “thereafter” (th__umma).