"We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his rectitude of conduct and well were We acquainted with him.

Behold! he said to his father and his people "What are these images to which ye are (so assiduously) devoted?"

They said "We found our father worshipping them."

He said "Indeed ye have been in manifest error-ye and your fathers."

They said "Have you brought us the Truth or are you one of those who jest?"

He said "Nay your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth He Who created them (from nothing): and I am a witness to this (truth).

And by Allah I have a plan for your idols after ye go away and turn your backs"...

So he broke them to pieces (all) but the biggest of them that they might turn (and address themselves) to it.

They said "Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!"

They said "We heard a youth talk of them: he is called Abraham."

They said "Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may bear witness:"

They said "Art thou the one that did this with our gods O Abraham?"

He said: "Nay this was done by this is their is their biggest one! Ask them if they can speak intelligently!"

So they turned to themselves and said "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!"

Then were they confounded with shame: (they said) "Thou knowest full well that these (idols) do not speak!"

(Abraham) said "Do ye then worship besides Allah things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? "Fie upon you and upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! have ye no sense?"...

They said "Burn him and protect your gods if ye do (anything at all)!"

We said "O fire! be thou cool and (a means of)) safety for Abraham!"

Then they sought a stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most!

But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lut (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations.

And We bestowed on him Isaac and as an additional gift (a grandson) Jacob and We made righteous men of every one (of them).

And We made them leaders guiding (men) by Our Command and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds to establish regular prayers and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).

(Qur'an: Translation of the meaning, 21:51-73)

Prophet Abraham and His son Ishmael build the House of Allah Almighty

Remember We made the house a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma`il that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round or use it as a retreat or bow or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).

And remember Abraham said: "My Lord make this a City of Peace and feed its people with fruits such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea) and such as reject faith for a while will I grant them their pleasure but will soon drive them to the torment of fire an evil destination (indeed)!"

And remember Abraham and Isma`il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): "Our Lord! accept (this service) from us for thou art the All-Hearing the All-Knowing.

"Our Lord! make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful.

"Our Lord! send amongst them an Apostle of their own who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom and sanctify them; for Thou art the Exalted in Might the Wise."

(Qur'an: Translation of the meaning, 2:124-132)