When people entered their temple, they saw something that struck them all with astonishment!
Some of the people who had not heard what Abraham had said against their idols, were amazed to see that scenery! So they exclaimed:ِ ``Who may have done this sort of grave wrong to our gods?''
The others who had heard what Abraham said about their idols, asserted:ِ ``We did hear a youth, whose name is Abraham, speaking against our gods.''
Then a formal council of the people was held, and Abraham was arraigned.
No one was ever heard to have said anything against the idols except Abraham. Therefore they bore witness that he had threatened to plan a plot against their idols! The community was entirely agitated. There was a very great enthusiasm and excitement among all. In the sight of a group of them, the greatest of crimes had been done, that a venturous bold youth had shaken the basis and the foundation of their creed. Their first question was:ِ
``O, ABRAHAM! Did you do this with our gods?''
But Abraham seemed to be wonderfully indifferent, and with utmost coolness! in an ironic language he said to the furious people:ِ
``Why are you asking me!? You had better asked your gods. Perhaps the biggest of them in whose hand is the axe, has been angry with the smaller, and has smashed them all in a quarrel!''
Thus Abraham tried to open the eyes of his people, and to teach them some truth of their falsehood.
The boy's irony touched them to the quick. Some of them became thoughtful. They referred to their inner conscience and then they hung their heads in shame.
Soon after, a group of the people who had material interests and social advantages on account of the idols, took the lead, and said:ِ
``You well know that these idols do not speak!''
This was precisely what Abraham was waiting for, and thus he began his reasonable attack:ِ
``Do you then worship something which can neither hurt you nor profit! Fie upon you and upon what you worship apart from Allah.''
