[21].Al-Anbiya' [The Prophets]: Ayat 62-64

Ayat 62. They said: "Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)?"

Ayat 63. [Ibrahim PBUH (Abraham)] said: "Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!"

Ayat 64. So they turned to themselves and said: "Verily, you are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

[Tafseer] They asked him the formal question. There was no mystery about it. He had already openly threatened to do something to the idols, and people who had heard his threats were there. He now continues his ironic taunt to the idol worshippers. 'You ask me! Why don't you ask the idols? Doesn't it look as if this big fellow has smashed the smaller ones in a quarrel?' If they do not ask the idols, they confess that the idols have not intelligence enough to answer! This argument is developed in verses 64-67. Note that while the false worshipper laughed at his earnestness, he pays them back with a grim practical joke, which at the same time advances the cause of Truth. Abraham's (PBUH) biting irony cut them to the quick. What could they say? They turned to each other. Some among them thought he had the best of the argument. They were not keen on idolatry, and they told their fellows that it was useless arguing with Abraham (PBUH). They all hung their heads in shame. But presently they thought they would face out Abraham (PBUH), and take his words literally. They said, "You know quite well that idols do not speak!" This was precisely what Abraham (PBUH) wanted them to say, and he delivered his final blow!    

Hazrat Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Fight the polytheists with your wealth, lives and tongues.'' 

[Abu Dawud Hadith # 2504] 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Anbiya' Ayat 62."you the one who has done this to our gods" This Hadith mentions three categories of Jihad, namely Jihad with wealth, Jihad with one's life and Jihad by speech. One should make Jihad as is warranted by the situation one is confronted with. That is, where a Muslim is required to sacrifice his life, he must sacrifice his life; where he is required to sacrifice his wealth, he should spend wealth; and where he is required to make Jihad by means of his speech, he should do it by speech. One should not hesitate to spend for the sake of Allah what is required by the situation.