Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124)

وَاِذِ ابۡتَلٰٓى اِبۡرٰهٖمَ رَبُّهٗ بِكَلِمٰتٍ فَاَتَمَّهُنَّ ؕ قَالَ اِنِّىۡ جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ اِمَامًا ؕ قَالَ وَمِنۡ ذُرِّيَّتِىۡ ؕ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهۡدِى الظّٰلِمِيۡنَ‏ ۝

Wa-ithi ibtala ibraheemarabbuhu bikalimatin faatammahunna qala innee jaAAilukalinnasi imaman qala wamin thurriyyateeqala la yanalu AAahdee aththalimeen

And mention, O Muḥammad, when Abraham was tried by his Lord with words i.e., commands and he fulfilled them. Allāh said, "Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people." Abraham said, "And of my descendants?" Allāh said, "My covenant does not include the wrongdoers."

Tadabbur (Reflection)

Theme of the Ayat

The Trial of Abraham: Earning leadership through testing and perfection.

The Insight

This recounts how the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested by his Lord through various commands. After he perfected them, he was appointed a leader (*Imam*) for humanity. Leadership is earned through trials. Do not seek influence without undergoing personal moral and spiritual tests. True authority comes from proving sincerity and perfection in obedience.