Ibrahim Rasulullah Alaihi Salam (дубль) ? (Quranic) b. estimated 1997 d. estimated 1822
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| Lineage | Ibrahim |
| Sex | Male |
| Full name (at birth) | Ibrahim Rasulullah Alaihi Salam (дубль) ? |
| Other last names | Quranic |
| Other given names | The Prophet No. 6 |
| Wiki-page | wikipedia:ru:Ибрахим |
Events
estimated 1822 death: Hebron
estimated 1997 birth: Iraq
Notes
более ранняя страница - Abraham (People of the Holy Scriptures, b. estimated -2125 d. about -1450)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_views_on_Abraham https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ибрахим
Hilal Achmar Link
He is Ibrahim (Abraham) son of: Tarih, Nasoor, Sarough, and his descent goes to Sam, son of Noah, as stated in the Torah. However, the Holy Koran had mentioned that his father’s name was “Azar”. There has been a debate about this issue.
Genealogists differed about whether Azar was really the father of Ibrahim or not. One opinion suggested that Azar was not the father of Ibrahim because Allah (s.w.t.) says in his Holy Koran that Ibrahim refrained from asking forgiveness for his father whose name appeared as “Azar” in the Koran, and that he has disavowed him after discovering that he is an enemy of Allah. Others are of the opinion that Azar was the grandfather of Ibrahim (on his mother’s side), which suggests that his grandfather was an unbeliever. Moreover, historical sources differed about the birthplace of prophet Ibrahim. Some historians mentioned that he was born in a village near Damascus named “Barzah” in the Qassiyoon Mountain. Others suggest, he was born in Babel, Iraq, and the reason why his birthplace was said to be born in Barzah was because he had prayed there after he came to help his nephew Lut.
Ibrahim was born after his father reached seventy-five years of age; he was the eldest son of Azar. As he became a youth, Ibrahim got married to Sarah, who was barren. He then migrated with his father and his wife to the holy land and settled in Har’ran, a village near Al-Sham whose people used to worship idols.
The circumstances that Ibrahim (a.s.) lived in:
A – Idolatry:
The environment that Ibrahim was born in did not differ from the one that Noah lived in with respect to idolatry, which was then prevalent in Babel so that every city, rather every province, had its own deity and all the deities were joined to one big deity.
In such an environment and circumstances, Allah (s.w.t.) bestowed upon Ibrahim and gave him conscious awareness and gave him the belief in one God Who is dominating the whole universe {And certainly We gave to Ibrahim his rectitude before, and We knew him fully well.}(Al-Anbiya: 51). So Ibrahim was resolved to guide his people and to dismantle nulls and voids and the superstitions that they believed in from their grandfathers. He went to them with advice, asking them about their gods {When he said to his father and his people: What are these images to whose worship you cleave?} (Al-Anbiya: 52).
Ibrahim wanted to liberate his people from idolatry by showing them the path of consciousness and guidance and that what they are doing is delusion and against human natural disposition which is based on monotheism, and that idolatry is false and misleading, and because Allah Who created everything is alone the healer and the One who gives life and takes it away; He is the Provider, the Forgiving {Who created me, then He has shown me the way: And He Who gives me to eat and gives me to drink: And when I am sick, then He restores me to health. And He Who will cause me to die, then give me life; And Who, I hope, will forgive me my mistakes on the day of judgment.}(Al-Shuara: 78-82).
B - Ibrahim warns his father:
Ibrahim started his call by talking with the closest to him. So he started with his father who was on top of the idol worshippers. He even used to carve and sell idols. It was hard for Ibrahim to see his father doing this, so he urged him to stop while warning him of the consequences of his disbelief in Allah. So with kindness and tenderness as well as with a language of disapproval, Ibrahim approached his purpose and addressed his father {O my father! why do you worship what neither hears nor sees, nor does it avail you in the least:}(Maryam: 42). In return, Ibrahim did not describe himself as a well-informed scholar, but all what he has is a knowledge he acquired from Allah. So, he was hopeful that his fathers would follow him - so as to guide him to a straight path-, and not to follow Satan who is the enemy who leads to aberration and eventually to torment {O my father! truly the knowledge has come to me which has not come to you, therefore follow me, I will guide you on a right path: O my father! serve not the Shaitan, surely the Shaitan is disobedient to the Beneficent Allah: O my father! surely I fear that a punishment from the Beneficent Allah should afflict you so that you should be a friend of the Shaitan.}(Maryam: 43-45).
But the father did not listen to his son’s advices but rather scorned him saying {Do you dislike my gods, O Ibrahim?}(Maryam: 46). He also threatened to stone him if he does not desist from doing so. But Ibrahim despite this harsh treatment faced his father with magnanimity and peaceful acceptance {He said: Peace be on you}(Maryam: 47). He also promised him to ask Allah forgiveness for him, and if his mission would harm him then Ibrahim would be ready to isolate himself from him and his people and the idols they used to worship. Facing his father’s stubbornness and insistence to worship idols, Ibrahim decided to disavow himself from his father {surely He is ever Affectionate to me:}(Maryam: 47).
C - Ibrahim breaks the idols:
After he faced his father’s renunciation for his mission and after he realized that his father was an enemy of Allah, Ibrahim decided to pursue his mission. So, he went to the idols themselves with an intention to destroy them so as to establish the evidence to his people that these idols would neither harm nor avail them.
Ibrahim waited for an opportunity to carry out his objective. It was a holiday in their traditions, and his father tried to take him out with him to participate in the ceremony perhaps this would bring in happiness to him. So Ibrahim accepted his father’s invitation. But as he went out, he came up with an excuse to be left behind. So, he looked at the stars and told his father that he was going to have the plague. The people got scared of him and left him alone. He then went to where the idols were with food and drinks in front of them (as people claimed they eat and drink).
When he reached the temple, Ibrahim went to the idols, saying with mockery {What! do you not eat?}(As-Saaffat: 91). And since these idols were speechless they did not reply, then he heaped them up with an ax and turned them into small pieces and left the chief idol with the ax in his hand and then left the temple.
People’s reaction of the idols’ destruction:
When the people returned and saw what happened to their idols, they asked themselves about who would the perpetrator be. Some of them indicated that there was a youth named Ibrahim who used to fault the idols and mock at them. The news about the destruction of the idols reached the rulers and Ibrahim was brought forward and asked {Have you done this to our gods, O Ibrahim?}(Al-Anbiya: 62). But Ibrahim, being wise and tactful was able to deny his relation to the incident, and referred them to the chief idol who got angry of the others and destroyed them (He said: Surely (some doer) has done it; the chief of them is this, therefore ask them, if they can speak.)
Ibrahim’s words had great influence on the people. They started blaming one another for accusing Ibrahim as they realized that these idols could not speak. But soon they were wide-awake and shameful of their ignorance; how can they ask speechless idols.
After realizing that they were in trouble, the people tried to minimize the effects of their defeat. Thus, they stopped arguing and disputing and resorted to power and issued a death sentence (by burning) on Ibrahim. But Allah’s will was stronger than their intrigues. By His command and will the fire that the people kindled turned into {a comfort and peace to Ibrahim;}(Al-Anbiya: 69)
The continuation of the mission; the proof of Allah’s oneness:
Despite the use of force against him ,Ibrahim never lost a chance to argue with his people using all kinds of means to abolish the worshipping of planets, the sun, and the moon. For this he employed a very precise and subjective method so as not to degrade their idols and stultify their beliefs because if he does so they will antagonize him. And for his words to have the ability to penetrate their hearts {And thus did We show Ibrahim the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and that he might be of those who are sure. So when the night over-shadowed him, he saw a star; said he: Is this my Lord? So when it set, he said: I do not love the setting ones. Then when he saw the moon rising, he said: Is this my Lord? So when it set, he said: If my Lord had not guided me I should certainly be of the erring people. Then when he saw the sun rising, he said: Is this my Lord? Is this the greatest? So when it set, he said: O my people! surely I am clear of what you set up (with Allah). Surely I have turned myself, being upright, wholly to Him Who originated the heavens and the earth, and I am not of the polytheists. }(Al-Anaam: 75-79).
Ibrahim kept pace with his people and addressed them according to their minds and perceptions so as to nullify their beliefs. He then turned to prove Allah’s divinity with the exclusion of all other creatures. This was the conceitedness of that king (Nimrod) who claimed divinity. After he asked to meet Ibrahim there had been a dialogue endowed with profound significance that also revealed the extensiveness of Ibrahim’s awareness and perception. So the king asked him about his god {My Lord is He who gives life and causes to die}(Al-Baqara: 258). The king found himself in an embarrassing situation {he said: I give life and cause death}(Al-Baqara: 258), I take two men who deserve death so I kill one and by this I am causing death and pardon the other and by that I am giving life. But Ibrahim replied with firmness and confidence {Ibrahim said: So surely Allah causes the sun to rise from the east, then make it rise from the west; thus he who disbelieved was confounded; and Allah does not guide aright the unjust people.} (Al-Baqara: 258).
After successfully wining this debate with the conceited king whereas Ibrahim has proven that divine might is infinite, he asked Allah to show him how He gives life to the dead. This issue did not lessen Ibrahim’s faith but was to restore his heart to confidence {And when Ibrahim said: My Lord! show me how Thou givest life to the dead, He said: What! and do you not believe? He said: Yes, but that my heart may be at ease. He said: Then take four of the birds, then train them to follow you, then place on every mountain a part of them, then call them, they will come to you flying; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.} (Al-Baqara: 260).
Ibrahim’s marriage to Sarah and his migration to Egypt:
Ibrahim had settled for some time in Hirran where got married to his cousin Sarah. And because of his people’s renunciation of his mission, with the exception of Lut, which widened the gap between him and his people, Ibrahim decided to migrate {I am fleeing to my Lord, surely He is the Mighty, the Wise.}(Al-Ankaboot: 26).
Ibrahim headed towards Al-Sham known then as the Kanaan Land where he stayed there for s short time. He was then forced along with some people to leave Al-Sham due to severe distress that afflicted him. So he moved to Egypt that returned from to Palestine along with his wife Sarah and a female slave called Hajar.
Ibrahim’s marriage to Hajar:
Sarah was a barren old woman and Ibrahim wanted to have a son. So, he called Allah to bestow upon him a pious son and Sarah felt what was in his mind. She asked him to marry his female slave Hajar, perhaps Allah would endow him with a son. In deed Ibrahim got married to Hajar and was blessed with a son whom he named Ismail (Ishmael).
Hajar started to brag about her having a child something which evoked jealousy in Sarah’s soul who could not withstand Hajar’s behavior. So she asked Ibrahim to take her away .
Ibrahim fulfilled Sarah’s wish, which was also supported by the divine auspices which revealed to him to take Hajar and Ismail to Mecca. So, he walked with them until he was ordered to stop in an empty space away from inhabited areas in the place where the Kaaba will be built. Then he decided to return to Egypt and leave Hajar along with Ismail there, where there was no water and food. But Hajar followed him and tried several times to win over his sympathy, but he went on his way back. Hajar finally realized that Allah (swt) has ordered Ibrahim to leave her there and was contented.
Ibrahim went back and his heart was broken but he yielded to his God while supplicating these words {O our Lord! surely I have settled a part of my offspring in a valley unproductive of fruit near Thy Sacred House, our Lord! that they may keep up prayer; therefore make the hearts of some people yearn towards them and provide them with fruits; haply they may be grateful: O our Lord! Surely Thou knowest what we hide and what we make public, and nothing in the earth nor any thing in heaven is hidden from Allah:}(Ibrahim: 37-38).
Hajar used all the food and water that Ibrahim left with them and thirst started to creep into them. Thirst writhed Ismail, so Hajar rushed to look for water in this barren land.
She climbed an elevated place known as “As-Safa” but she couldn’t find a trace of water. Weary, she descended it as thirst started to wear them out. She then climbed another elevated place called “al-Marwa” and also could not find any water. So she went back and forth from As-Safa to al-Marwa seven times. She then stopped and rushed to her son as she saw the birds hovering over him. She rushed to where her son was, and she saw the water gushing out so she scooped up the water and gave her son to drink and drank herself.
It happened that there was a group of people from the Borhom tribe passing-by who saw the birds and wandered why they were hovering over that place. Because this usually does not happen unless there is water and they know before hand that water is not available in that area. Thus, they sent one of them to find out what is happening there, and he rushed back to bring the good news to them. And then the people went to Hajar and asked her to accept their presence near by her provided that water remains hers. Hajar welcomed them, and they settled there until Ismail grew up and got married to a woman and learned Arabic from her.
Ismail consent to his father’s request:
Ibrahim did not forget his son, but kept visiting him from time to time. Once Ibrahim dreamed that Allah was commanding him to slaughter Ismail, and Ibrahim decided to carry out this divine command. So, he put forth this to his son to test his faith. Ismail agreed and told him to do whatever he is commanded to do and that he will be loyal and content.
As they both surrendered to Allah’s fate and divine decree, Ibrahim began to slaughter him from his nape but the knife did not cut. Miraculously, Allah (swt) redeemed him with a great slaughtering (ram), and so Ibrahim passed Allah’s test with flying colors .
Ibrahim stayed away from his son for a long time, then he went back to him when he was commissioned to carry out one of the greatest tasks in the history of mankind , that is when Allah (s.w.t.) commanded him along with Ismail to build the Kaaba. So they started building the Kaaba, Ibrahim building and Ismail passing to him the blocks. They wanted to have a burrow at the corner, so Gabriel suggested to him the Black Stone. As they were building they were supplicating to Allah {And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House: Our Lord! accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing:}(Al-Baqara: 127) until they completed building the Kaaba’s walls.
After finishing building the Kaaba Allah favored him with his care and commanded him and Ismail to purify the place for the visitors and Ibrahim called on Allah (s.w.t.) to make Mecca a safe place full of good and subsistence {And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and a (place of) security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim. And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion and those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves. And when Ibrahim said: My Lord, make it a secure town and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the last day. He said: And whoever disbelieves, I will grant him enjoyment for a short while, then I will drive him to the chastisement of the fire; and it is an evil destination. And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House: Our Lord! accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing: } (Al-Baqara: 125-127).
Ibrahim was distinguished with certain characteristics that are rarely found in prophets since he is the grandfather of the prophets particularly the great prophet Mohammed (p.). Allah took him up as a servant before making him a prophet and coupled his prophecy with trueness so he was known to be very truthful {And mention Ibrahim in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet.} (Maryam: 41). And truthfulness was made to be one of the foundations that prophecy rests on. Allah then took him up as an apostle to communicate his God’s mission. Then he took him up as a friend {and Allah took Ibrahim as a friend.} (Maryam: 41), then as an Imam {And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust, said He.} (Maryam: 41). Indeed, with all these exalted and noble characteristics Ibrahim has turned into a nation in itself who held all the virtues and who has devoted himself to the worship of Allah {Lo! Abraham was a nation obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the idolaters;} (An-Nahl: 120). http://english.bayynat.org.lb/messengers/pibrahim.htm
Born Mesopotamia Honored in Judaism Christianity Islam Baha'i Faith Druzism Influenced Many Jews, Christians and Muslims
Abraham (Arabic: إبراهيم ʾIbrāhīm, pronounced [ʔibraːˈhiːm]) is recognized in Islam as a prophet and apostle[1] of God and patriarch of many peoples.[2] In Muslim belief, Abraham fulfilled all the commandments and trials which God tried him with over his lifetime. As a result of his unwavering faith in God, Abraham was promised by God to be a leader to all the nations of the world.[3] Abraham, in Muslim belief, embodies the type of the perfect Muslim and the Qur'an mentions Abraham as a model for mankind.[4] In this sense, Abraham has been described as representing "primordial man in universal surrender to the Divine Reality before its fragmentation into religions separated from each other by differences in form".[5] The Islamic holy day Eid al-Adha is celebrated in memory of the bravery of Abraham and Muslims perform the pilgrimage to pay homage to the Kaaba which Abraham had set up and reformed.[6]
Muslims believe that Abraham became the leader of the righteous in his time and it was through him that the people of both Arabia and Israel came. Abraham, in the belief of Islam, was instrumental in cleansing the world of idolatry at the time. Paganism was cleared out by Abraham in both Arabia and Canaan. He spiritually purified both places as well as physically sanctifying the houses of worship. Abraham and Ishmael further established the rites of pilgrimage,[7] or Hajj, which are still followed by Muslims today. Muslims maintain that Abraham further asked God to bless both the lines of his progeny, of Ishmael and Isaac, and to keep all of his descendants in the protection of God.
Family
Muslims maintain that Abraham's father was Azar, who is known in the Hebrew Bible as Terah. Commentators and scholars believed that Abraham himself had many children, but Ishmael and Isaac were the only two who became prophets. Abraham's two wives are believed to have been Sarah and Hagar, the latter of whom was originally Sarah's handmaiden.[8] Abraham's nephew is said to have been the prophet Lot, who was one of the other people who migrated with Abraham out of their community. Abraham himself is said to have been of semitic lineage, being a descendant of Noah through his son Shem.[9]
Abraham was appointed by God to eliminate all idolatry at the time, and to convey the pure message of Islam to the people. God granted Abraham wisdom in his childhood and Abraham remained in a high spiritual position till the day of his death.
Although the Qur'an makes no mention of the birth of Abraham, as it does of Moses, the earliest incident involving Abraham is his preaching to his father, Azar, who in Judeo-Christian tradition is known as Terah. As a father, Azar required his son's most sincere advice. Abraham, after receiving his first revelations from God, invited his father to the way of Islam. Abraham explained to him the faults in idolatry,[10] and why he was wrong to worship objects which could neither hear nor see.[11] Abraham told his father that he had indeed received revelations from God, knowledge which his father did not possess,[12] and told him that belief in God would grant him immense rewards in both this life and the hereafter. Abraham concluded his preaching by warning Azar of the grave punishment he would face if he did not mend his ways.[13] When Abraham offered his father the guidance and advice of God, he rejected it, and threatened to stone him to death.[14] Abraham prayed for his father[15] to be forgiven by God, and although he continued to seek forgiveness,it was only because of a promise that he had made earlier to him. When it became clear that Azar's unrelenting hatred towards pure monotheism would never be fought, Abraham dissociated himself from him.[16]
The Qur'an makes it clear that the people of Abraham were idolaters. When Abraham had become older, he decided to finally teach his community a lesson. He told his people that he had a plan for their idols, whilst they would be gone away.[17] The Qur'an goes on to narrate that Abraham subsequently broke the idols, all except the largest, which he kept intact.[18] When the people returned, they began questioning each other over the wreckage, until some of the people remembered that the youth, Abraham, had spoken of the idols earlier.[19] When Abraham arrived, the people immediately began to question him, asking him whether he had anything to do with the broken idols. Abraham then, in a clever taunt, asked the people as to why they don't ask the largest of the idols, which, they believed, could indeed hear and speak.[20] The people of Abraham were then confounded with shame, and admitted that the idols were incapable of anything.[21] Although Abraham's people admitted their fault, they are said to have ignored Abraham's warning and instead retaliated by throwing him into a fire and exclaiming "protect your gods".[22] Although the natural nature of fire is one of intense heat, God commanded the flame to be cool and peaceful for Abraham.[23] Abraham, as a result, remained unhurt both physically and spiritually, having survived the fire of persecution. The people continued to taunt and persecute him, but to no result, as the Qur'an says that it was they "that lost most".[24]
After the idol wrecking incident, Abraham had an argument with an unjust ruler, who claimed lordship for himself.[25] Abraham, guided by God, showed the King the falsehood of his argument, but he continued to disbelieve and refused to accept Abraham's message. Abraham then left his people for good, with his believing nephew Lot and his righteous wife Sarah, and all were directed towards the blessed land.[26] As Sarah was barren, Abraham took her Egyptian handmaiden, Hagar, as a second wife. Hagar, as a result, bore Ishmael, who was Abraham's first son. Lot had also subsequently been made a prophet by God, but he was ordered to leave Abraham's household and was sent to the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, to preach against the sins of the people there.
When Abraham's son reached the age of young youth, Abraham was given the command to sacrifice his son.[27] This was a tremendous trial for the patriarch as his only son was being asked to be offered to God. When Abraham, however, told his son about his revelation, his son readily accepted his father's order.[28] This clearly showed Abraham that his son was as devoted to God as he was. Then, when Abraham lay his son down, upon his forehead,[29] and was about to sacrifice him and offer him up, a voice called out to him, telling him that he had fulfilled the vision[30] and had passed the test of God successfully. Abraham was than rewarded with a momentous sacrifice,[31] which is usually believed to have been a ram, goat or sheep. One thing of note is that the name of the son is not given in the Qur'an, but most accept that it was Ishmael because the following passages discuss the birth of Isaac.
As Ishmael had gone to Arabia, where he grew up to become a prophet and the patriarch of the Arab people, Abraham was concerned over who would continue his legacy here in the blessed land of Canaan. God sent Abraham and Sarah glad tidings of the birth of a second son, who too would be a righteous prophet like Ishmael.[32] Angels, who had been sent to the people of Lot, first came to Abraham's household. Abraham, not knowing that they were angels, prepared for them a fat, roasted calf,[33] but - to his shock - they refused to eat. The angels, however, told Abraham to fear not and told him that they had been sent to the people of his nephew.[34] They further told him about the good news of the birth of a son as well as the birth of a grandson, whose name would be Jacob.[35] Sarah clasped her head, and exclaimed - in her amusement, joy and surprise - as to how she should have a son, being old like her husband.[36] The angels told them that, for God, all things are easy.[37] One thing to note is that the Qur'anic account of the annunciation of Isaac's birth differs sharply from the Biblical narrative, which states that two angels as well as God all came in human form to Abraham's household.
Abraham, in his later years, was commanded by God to set up the holy house of prayer in Mecca, with his first son Ishmael, which became known as the Kaaba.[38][39] God made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael,[40] that they should sanctify the Kaaba, as a holy place of worship, where all people in the future could retreat to prostrate themselves to God. Abraham then prayed for Mecca, saying "My Lord, make this a city of Peace...".[41] God answered, saying that the believers would be rewarded but all evil men would be punished.[42] Abraham then spent the last years of his life teaching his sons as well as his grandson Jacob. Muslim tradition records that Abraham lived with Isaac but frequently visited Ishmael in Arabia. Abraham died peacefully in old age, with God leaving Abraham's legacy as an example for the generations to come.
Miracles
Abraham encountered several miracles of God during his lifetime. The Qur'an records a few main miracles, although different interpretations have been attributed to the passages. Some of the miracles recorded in the Qur'an are:
Abraham was shown the kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth.[43] Abraham and the miracle of the birds.[44] Abraham was thrown into a fire, which became "cool" and "peaceful" for him.[45]
The first passage has been interpreted both literally, allegorically and otherwise. Although some commentators feel that this passage referred to a physical miracle, where Abraham was physically shown the entire kingdom of Heaven,[46] others have felt that it refers to the spiritual understanding of Abraham; these latter scholars maintain that the Chaldeans were skilled in the observance of the stars, but Abraham, who lived amongst them, saw beyond the physical world and into a higher spiritual realm. The second passage has one mainstream interpretation amongst the Qur'an commentators, that Abraham took four birds and cut them up, placing pieces of each on nearby hills; when he called out to them, each piece joined and four birds flew back to Abraham.[47] This miracle, as told by the Qur'anic passage, was a demonstration by God to show Abraham how God gave life to the dead. As the physical cutting of the birds is not implied in the passage, some commentators have offered alternative interpretations, but all maintain that the miracle was for the same demonstrative purpose to show Abraham the power God has to raise the dead to life.[48] The third passage has also been interpreted both literally and metaphorically, or in some cases both. Commentators state that the 'fire' refers to main aspects. They maintained that, firstly, the fire referred to the physical flame, from which Abraham was saved unharmed. The commentators further stated that, secondly, the fire referred to the 'fire of persecution', from which Abraham was saved, as he left his people after this with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lot.[49]
Personality and Wisdom Main article: Terah
Abraham's personality and character is one of the most in-depth in the whole Qur'an, and Abraham is specifically mentioned as being a kind and compassionate man.[50] Abraham's father is understood by all Muslims to have been a wicked, ignorant and idolatrous man who ignored all of his son's advice. The relationship between Abraham and his father, who in the Qur'an is named Azar, is central to Abraham's story as Muslims understand it to establish a large part of Abraham's personality. The Qur'an mentions that Abraham's father threatened to stone his son to death if he did not cease in preaching to the people.[51] Despite this, the Qur'an states that Abraham in his later years prayed to God to forgive the sins of all his descendants and his parents. Muslims have frequently cited Abraham's character as an example of how kind one must be towards people, and especially one's own parents. A similar example of Abraham's compassionate nature is demonstrated when Abraham began to pray for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah after hearing of God's plan for them. Although God told Abraham that His plan was the final word, and therefore Abraham's prayers would be of no effect, the Qur'an nonetheless reinforces Abraham's kind nature through this particular event.[52]
The Qur'an discusses a certain conversation between a an unrighteous ruler and Abraham. Although identification for the unnamed king has been recognized as being least important in the narrative, many historical sources suggest that it was Nimrod,[53] the king who had ordered the building of the Tower of Babel. According to the narrative, the king became extremely arrogant due to his wealth and power, to the point that he made the claim that he possessed the power of Creation. Claiming divinity for himself, the king quarreled with Abraham but the Qur'an describes that he only deepened in confusion. According to the Qur'an, Abraham told the king that it is God who makes the sun rise and set everyday, which rendered the king confounded. This event has been noted as particularly important because, in the Muslim perspective, it almost foreshadowed the prophetic careers of future prophets, most significantly the career of Moses. Abraham's quarrel with the king has been interpreted by some to be a precursor to Moses's preaching to Pharaoh. Just as the ruler who argued against Abraham claimed divinity for himself, so did the Pharaoh of the Exodus, who refused to hear the call of Moses and perished in the Red Sea. In this particular incident, scholars have further commented on Abraham's wisdom in employing "rational, wise and target-oriented" speech, as opposed to pointless arguments.[54]
Abraham, in the eyes of many Muslims, also symbolized the highest moral values essential to any person. The Qur'an details the account of the angels coming to Abraham to tell him of the birth of Isaac. It says that, as soon as Abraham saw the messengers, he brought to them a "roasted calf without delay".[55] This action has been interpreted by all the scholars as exemplary; many scholars have commentated upon this one action, saying that it symbolizes Abraham's exceedingly high moral level and thus is a model for how men should act in a similar situation. This incident has only further heightened the "compassionate" character of Abraham in Muslim theology.[56]
Friend of God
Abraham is given the title Khalil-Allah in Islam, which means Friend of God. The Qur'an says:
Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to God and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Abraham, a man of pure natural belief? God took Abraham as an intimate friend.[57]
This particular title of Abraham is so famous in Muslim culture and tradition that, in the areas in and around Mecca, Abraham is often referred to solely as The Friend.[58] This title of Friend of God is not exclusive to Islamic theology. Although the other religious traditions do not stress upon it, Abraham is called a Friend of God in the Hebrew Bible[59] as well as in the New Testament.[60]
One of Abraham's most important features in Islamic theology is his role as the constructor of the Kaaba. Although tradition recounts that Adam constructed the original Kaaba, which was demolished by the Great Flood at the time of Noah, Abraham is believed to have rebuilt it in its original form. The Qur'an, in the Muslim perspective, merely confirms or reinforces the laws of pilgrimage. The rites were instituted by Abraham and for all Muslims, as they perform the pilgrimage, the event is a way to return to the perfection of Abraham's faith.[61] Just as Medina is referred to as the "City of the Prophet [Muhammad]" or simply the "City of Muhammad", Mecca is frequently cited as the "City of Abraham", because Abraham's reformation of the purified monotheistic faith took place purely in Mecca.[62](See Insert Photo)
Scrolls of Abraham
The Qur'an refers to certain Scrolls of Abraham, which have alternatively been translated as Books of Abraham. All Muslim scholars have generally agreed upon that no scrolls of Abraham survive till today, and therefore this is a reference to a lost body of scripture.[63] The Scrolls of Abraham are understood by Muslims to refer to certain revelations Abraham received, which he would have then transmitted to writing. The exact contents of the revelation are not described in the Qur'an, and considerable debate went amongst the early Qur'anic scholars as to possible identification. Some scholars suggested it to be a reference to Sefer Yetzirah, as Jewish tradition generally ascribed it's authorship to Abraham. Other scholars, however, wrote of a certain Testament of Abraham, which they explained was available at the time of Muhammad.[64] The Qur'an says: And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation). The Books of Abraham and Moses.[65]
Significance as Patriarch Main articles: Ishmael and Isaac
Abraham is also extremely important as a leader of Islam and as a patriarch of the Islamic faith. Muslims recognize Abraham as the ancestor through whom many other prophets and saints came, including Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. The Qur'an lists, in the sixth chapter, some of the greatest figures to have through Abraham's progeny:
That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! Thy Lord is Wise, Aware. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob; each of them We guided; and Noah did We guide aforetime; and of his seed (We guided) David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good. And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Elijah. Each one (of them) was of the righteous. And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot. Each one (of them) did We prefer above (Our) creatures, With some of their forefathers and their offspring and their brethren; and We chose them and guided them unto a straight path. —Qur'an, sura 6 (Al-Anam), ayat 83-87[66]
Abraham's narrative in the Qur'an indirectly refers to his role as one of the great Patriarchs. The Qur'an says that God made Abraham a "leader for the people" (II: 124) and his narrative records him praying for his offspring (XIV: 35). The Qur'an further states that Abraham's descendants were given the "Book and the Wisdom" (IV: 54), and this fact is reinforced in a verse which states that Abraham's family was one of those in which the gift of prophecy was established as a generic trait (XIX: 58). The Qur'an emphasizes upon Abraham's significance as it states that Abraham's family, Noah, Adam and the family of Amram were the four selected by God above all the worlds (III: 33). As a result of his significance as a patriarch, Abraham is sometimes given the misleading title Father of the Prophets, which contradicts the teachings of the Qur'an, which establishes that many prophets, such as Noah, lived before Abraham. Of Abraham's immediate sons, the Qur'an repeatedly establishes the gifts God bestowed upon them. Ishmael is regarded as being "among the best of chosen men" (XXXVIII: 48) and one of the men who was "favoured above all the worlds" (VI: 86). In addition, Ishmael is described as being "true to his promise and was an apostle and a prophet" (XIX: 54). Likewise, the Qur'an says of Isaac that he was "among the best of chosen men" (XXXVIII: 47) and was a "prophet, one of the righteous" (XXXVII: 112) and further describes him as of "true strength and inner sight" (XXXVIII: 45).
Prayers
The Qur'an mentions several personal prayers of Abraham, each of which have been interpreted to be exemplary for Muslims who strive to get closer to God. Abraham himself spoke extremely highly of prayer and titled God as the "Hearer of Prayer"[67] and repeatedly prayed to God for wisdom and guidance. The following are some of Abraham's key prayers narrated in the Qur'an.
My Lord, give me right judgment and unite me with the righteous.[68] [My Lord,] make me highly esteemed among the later peoples.[69] And make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Delight. Forgive my father - he was one of the misguided, and do not disgrace me on the Day they are raised up. The Day when neither wealth nor sons will be of any use - except to those who come to God with sound and flawless hearts.[70] Our Lord, do not make us a target for those who do not believe, and forgive us. Our Lord, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.[71] My Lord, bestow on me a right-acting child.[72]
Commemoration
Abraham is commemorated by all Muslims. As is the case with every prophet and apostle, it is Islamic custom to say "Peace be upon him" after saying Abraham's name. Abraham's unique position as the constructor of the Kaaba as well as the establisher of the pilgrimage rites is indirectly commemorated when Muslims perform the pilgrimage, or Hajj, in Mecca. Muslims sacrifice a domestic animal on Eid ul-Adha, which is done in part to remember Abraham's bravery during his trial of the near-sacrifice of his son. Muslims further mention Abraham in their canonical prayer everyday, in which they ask God to bless Muhammad's family as He blessed Abraham's family.
Burial place
Muslims believe that Abraham was buried, along with his wife Sarah, at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Known to Muslims as the Sanctuary of Abraham it is also thought to be the burial site of Isaac, his wife Rebecca and Jacob and his wife Leah.
Verses in the Qur'an
Abraham's attributes: 2:124, 11:75–123, 16:120 Abraham's religion: 2:130, 4:125, 6:83–84, 6:161, 9:114, 11:74, 12:6, 16:120, 19:41, 19:47, 21:51, 26:83–85, 29:27, 37:84, 37:88, 37:104, 37:109–111, 37:113, 38:45–47, 43:28, 53:37, 57:26, 60:4 God tried Abraham: 2:124, 37:102 Abraham's preaching: 2:130–231, 2:135–136, 2:140, 3:67–68, 3:84, 3:95, 4:125, 4:163, 6:74, 6:76–81, 6:83, 6:161, 14:35–37, 14:40, 21:52, 21:54, 21:56–57, 21:67, 22:26, 22:78, 26:69–73, 26:75, 26:78–80, 26:87, 29:16–17, 29:25, 37:83, 37:85–87,37:89, 37:91, 37:92, 37:93, 37:94–96, 43:26–28, 60:4 Development of the Kaaba: 2:127 Abraham's pilgrimage: 2:128, 22:27 Abraham as God's friend: 4:125 Punishment to Abraham's people: 9:70 Moving to Syam: 21:71, 29:26 Abraham, Hagar, and Ismael: 14:37, 37:101 Dreaming of resurrecting a dead body: 2:260 Arguing with Nimrod: 2:258 Abraham and his father Abraham preached to his father: 6:74, 19:42–45, 21:52, 26:70, 37:85, 43:26 His father's idolatry: 6:74, 26:71 Abraham asked forgiveness for his father: 14:41, 19:47, 60:4 Arguing with the people: 21:62–63, 21:65–66 Abraham moved away from the people: 19:48–49, 29:26, 37:99, 43:26, 60:4 Abraham's warnings for the idols: 21:57–58, 21:60, 37:93 Thrown into the fire: 21:68, 29:24, 37:97 Saved from the fire: 21:69–70, 29:24, 37:98 Good news about Isaac and Jacob (Yaqub): 6:84, 11:69, 11:71–72, 14:39, 15:53, 15:54–55, 21:72, 29:27, 37:112, 51:28–30 Dreaming of his son's sacrifice: 37:102–103
Prophets in the Qur'an آدم إدريس نوح هود صالح إبراهيم لوط إسماعيل,
إسحاق يعقوب يوسف أيوب شُعيب موسى هارون ذو الكفل داود
سليمان إلياس إليسع يونس زكريا يحيى عيسى مُحمد
Sources
From grandparents to grandchildren
