Are the Prophets—especially Abraham, peace be upon him—exempted from the verse: {He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned} (21:23), such that it is permissible for them to ask questions? And what is the meaning of Ibn Abbas's statement that the verse: {Do you not believe? [Abraham] said, "Yes, but to satisfy my heart"} (2:260) is more hopeful to him than the verse: {Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves..."} (39:53)?

Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) question, "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead," is not an accountability in the sense of "He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned." Rather, it is a request for an increase in knowledge and certainty. Asking Allah is permissible for prophets and people in general to increase faith and for supplication.

Regarding Ibn Abbas's statement that this verse is the "most hopeful verse," it is because it contains an assertion of intimacy with Allah. It was also said that it is because faith is sufficient and does not require further inquiry. And it was said that it is because Allah was pleased with Ibrahim's saying "Yes!" in response to the whispers of Satan that afflict souls. It was also narrated from him that the most hopeful verse is, "And indeed, your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind despite their wrongdoing."