The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 52
CH. 19 MARYAM nor sees, nor can avail thee aught?2186 has been admitted by fair-minded Christian writers themselves. 2186. Important Words: ✓ (father) which originally was ✓ means, a father; a grandfather; an ancestor; PT. 16 as to the name of Abraham's father. The fact that Eusebius followed neither Genesis (11:26) nor (Luke 3:34) indicates that he had very strong reasons to differ from these two well-known sources. The two names, Athar of Eusebius and Azar means, the woman's husband. ☺ in of the Quran closely resemble each reality is (my father). According to Arabic usage S has been converted into (Lane & Aqrab). ت ابو المرأة. a paternal uncle Commentary: The point whether Abraham's other. The Quranic version is therefore much more reliable and akin to reality than that of the Bible. See also 6:75. The attributes "All-Hearing" and (ab) whose name at another place in "All-Seeing" are among the most the Quran (6:75) has been given as Azar was his father, uncle or grandfather, is much in dispute. In 2:134 Ishmael who was Jacob's uncle has been spoken of as his ✓ (ab). Whether Azar was Abraham's father or uncle does not possess much significance. From a study of all relevant historical facts, however, we are inclined to the view that Azar was Abraham's father, though according to some Talmudic traditions Abraham's father had died while he was young and he was left an orphan. important Divine attributes. It is our conviction that God sees us when we are in trouble and hears our prayers when we pray to Him which is really at the root of our belief in God. If once we cease to believe in these two attributes, we cease to believe in God. But these two attributes are here further complemented by a third—the attribute which means, One Who has no need of others and is Self- Sufficient but Whose help others need and upon Whom they are dependent. If God is not and cannot come to our help when we need it, then His In Genesis (11:26) Abraham's attributes "All-Seeing" and "All- father's name has been given as Terah Hearing" are of no use. Abraham has while Luke (3:34) gives it as Thara. indeed adduced a most convincing The Talmud agrees with Luke and and unassailable argument against says that his name was Thara. It also idol-worship, viz. if the idols do gives his name as Zarah. Eusebius, neither see when their votaries are in the father of ecclesiastical history, trouble, nor hear their prayers when however, gives Athar as the name of they call on them, nor do they come the great Patriarch's father (Sale). to their help when they need it, then This shows that even among the Jews what sense or purpose there is in there existed no unanimity of views | worshipping such useless things? 1966