Coherence of Verses

In the previous verses, part of the life story of Abraham as well as some of his actions and prayers were recounted. The Qur’an continues those verses by stating: Believing in Abraham is a requirement of rational judgment, and for a wise person, there is no choice but to accept his monotheistic faith, which was continued through the Seal of Prophethood. Likewise, not accepting it is considered pure foolishness and folly.

The verse then discusses the chosen status of Abraham in this world and his righteousness and worthiness in the hereafter, each of which, in its own right, serves as rational evidence for those who accept and proof of foolishness for those who reject.

In the next two verses, the reason for this chosen status and worthiness is introduced as the spirit of absolute submission and obedience of Abraham. This obedience and submission was both possessed by him: “When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit,’ he said, ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds’” and was also enjoined by him and Jacob_—to whom Jews and Christians claim lineage—_upon their children: “And Abraham enjoined upon his sons and [so did] Jacob.” Examining these existential characteristics is also sufficient evidence for the growth of the believer and the foolishness of the denier.