Having prayed for the Sacred Precinct to be secure, he prayed that he and his sons be kept safe, saying, “Keep me and my sons from worshipping idols.” That is, keep me and them far removed from worshipping them or having anything to do with them. He then explained why he feared for himself and his sons: so many people had been tempted and afflicted by worshipping them. He said:

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(36) “My Lord, they have indeed caused many people to go astray.”

That is, they went astray because of them. “So whoever follows me”—in the monotheism and sincere devotion to Allah, Lord of all worlds, that I have brought—“is truly of me,” because of his complete agreement with me. Whoever loves a people and follows them becomes one of them.

“But whoever disobeys me, then surely You are All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” This reflects the compassion of Abraham, Allah’s close friend, peace be upon him: he prayed that Allah grant forgiveness and mercy to those who disobeyed. Yet Allah, Majestic and Exalted, is more merciful to His servants than he was, and He punishes none but those who defiantly rebel against Him.