In the term “fasur-hunna” some linguists and commentators said that the word “Fasur” has been derived from the word “Sur” and it means to cut into pieces. Ibrahim was duty bound to slaughter the birds and cut them to pieces before mixing them.
Other linguists have taken it to mean “to incline” and this is why some so called enlightened commentators insists that Hazrat Ibrahim did not cut them to pieces but he was responsible to make them familiar with him and then keep them on some hilltop. He was then to call them and then regard this event as resurrection or recall to life. Bringing the dead back to life is as easy for God as calling them back. (1)
These people have forgotten that initially Hazrat Ibrahim had expressed the desire to see the resurrection and God showed the acceptance of his prayer by asking him to all that he did so that his heart would rest at peace. If the issue was only that he could train the birds to heed his call and return to him then his desire to see the resurrection would not be fulfilled and his heart would not rest in peace because this order of God would have no compatibility with his desire. Had a person answered such a request with such a command then it would be considered wrong and more so if the answer was given by God.
Secondly the Qura’n said “parts” while here they take them as whole birds.
Thirdly, the historical background of this verse and the various traditions do not support this interpretation. The truth here is that Hazrat Ibrahim caught three birds, slaughtered them, cut them to pieces and mixed their meat then divided the whole and put them on different hilltops.(2)
The meaning of the verse does not change whether we take the term “Fasur Hunna” to mean “cutting to piece” or “Recalling to oneself.” because the verse describes the origination of death.
As we have already stated the problem with those who are adamant on their interpretation is that they are not ready to accept extra ordinary events because it does not suit those materialists. This is why the wander into such barren fields though the existence of miracles and extra ordinary events
does explain most religions. There are many extra ordinary events even in this material world about which the modern day scholars have no explanation. (Think)
Fourthly, what types of bird were they? It is well known that they were pigeons, fowl, peacock, and crow. Each one has its own different nature. Sometimes the human actions are compared with theirs. The peacock is known for vanity, the pigeon is famous for wasteful actions and betting, the fowl expresses extra-ordinary sexual feelings, the crow expresses great desires.
There are various other interpretations in different commentaries and some have taken it to be the Hoopoe, owl, eagle, and vulture. (1)
It is certain that the nature of the birds does not affect the main issue and it is enough to say that they were birds of different kinds so that it can be symbolized to represent the relics or dust of different human beings.
The traditions tell us that there were two hilltops and it seems that this event took place when Hazrat Ibrahim returned to Syria because there are no hill tops in the land of Babel.
1. This interpretation is attributed to a person called Abu Muslim. The author of Al Minar has taken it from him and is adamant in defending this idea.
2. To see more on this tradition see Tafsir Nurus Saqlain vol. 1 page 275 to 282 and Tafsir Durre Manshur vol. vol.1 page 335.
