The evidence that the promise came from Abraham, and that he sought forgiveness while his father remained a polytheist, is Allah’s saying: “There has certainly been for you an excellent example in Abraham,” up to His saying, “except for Abraham’s saying to his father, ‘I shall surely seek forgiveness for you.’” (al-Mumtahanah 4) Thus, He explicitly states that Abraham is not to be taken as an example in this seeking of forgiveness. He only sought forgiveness for him while he was a polytheist because of the promise, hoping that he would accept Islam.

“When it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allah”—that is, because he died upon disbelief—“he disassociated himself from him.” It was also said: when it became clear to him in the Hereafter that he was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him [that is, he will disassociate himself from him]. (1) This is indicated by what was related to us:

Abd al-Wahid al-Mulayhi informed us; Ahmad ibn Abd Allah al-Nu'aymi informed us; Muhammad ibn Yusuf informed us; Muhammad ibn Isma'il narrated to us; Isma'il ibn Abd Allah narrated to us; my brother Abd al-Hamid narrated to me, from Ibn Abi Dhi'b, from Sa'id al-Maqburi, from Abu Hurayrah, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“On the Day of Resurrection, Abraham will meet his father Azar, whose face will be darkened and covered with dust. Abraham will say to him, ‘Did I not tell you not to disobey me?’ His father will reply, ‘Today I will not disobey you.’ Abraham will then say, ‘My Lord, You promised me that You would not disgrace me on the Day when they are resurrected. What disgrace could be greater than that of my father, who is farthest removed?’ Allah, Exalted is He, will say, ‘I have forbidden Paradise to the disbelievers.’ Then it will be said, ‘O Abraham, what is beneath your feet?’ He will look and behold, his father will have become a blood-smeared hyena. It will be seized by its legs and cast into the Fire.” (3)

In another narration: “On that Day, he will disassociate himself from him.”

Regarding His saying, “Indeed, Abraham was most tender-hearted and forbearing,” they differed concerning the meaning of awwāh. It is mentioned in the hadith: “An awwāh is one who is humble and earnestly supplicates.” (4)

Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud said: “An awwāh is one who frequently supplicates.”

Ibn Abbas said: “He is the believing, oft-repentant one.”

Al-Hasan and Qatadah said: “An awwāh is one who is compassionate towards Allah’s servants.”

Mujahid said: “An awwāh is one who possesses certainty.”

Ikrimah said: “In the Ethiopian language, it means one who is certain.”

Ka'b al-Ahbar said: “He is one who frequently sighs. Abraham, peace be upon him, would often say, ‘Ah, the Fire!—before an ‘ah’ will no longer avail.’”

It was also said: he is one who sighs over his sins.