Introduction to Divine Prophets: Abraham
The three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are attributed to Abraham and are called the Abrahamic faiths.
Abraham was the second Ulul Azm prophet after Noah (AS). He is the forefather of the Arabs through his son Ismail (AS) and the forefather of the Bani Isra'il through his other son Is’haq (Isaac).
Prophets of monotheistic faiths are descendants of Abraham (AS). (Surah Al-Anaam: Verses 84-86) That is why he is referred to as Abu Al-Anbya (father of prophets.
His mother was named Amaliya, or Youna or Awsha. He was born between the years of 2000 and 1990 BC. Most researchers believe he was born in Susa, Babylon or the Land of Harran.
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Abraham (AS) was the founder of the Kaaba and many traditions that have been maintained in monotheistic faiths. The 14th chapter in the Quran is named after him and in 25 chapters there are references to his words and deeds.
In Surah Mayram, there is a mention of a discussion between Abraham and his father. In Verse 74 of Surah Al-Anaam, God says he opposed his father’s idolatry and invited him to the right path, but that his father, Azar, refused and threatened him. After much discussion, Azar pledged to believe in God and Abraham promised to ask God for his forgiveness if he believes. However, Azar did not fulfil his pledge and Abraham turned away from him.
Verses 76-79 of Surah Al-Anaam talk about how he reached pure monotheism after paying attention to the moon, the sun and the stars.
According to Verse 260 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Abraham asked God to show him how He brings the dead back to life.
There are two other major events in his life. One is his debates with Nemrud, the ruler of the time. Nemrud finally threw him into fire but God turned the fire into a garden of flowers. (Verse 258 of Surah Al-Baqarah; Verses 68-69 of Surah Al-Anbya); Verse 24 of Surah Al-Ankabut; Verses 97-98 of Surah Saffat)
The other is God ordering him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS) and he embarks on fulfilling the demand but at the last moment, God sends a ram to be sacrificed instead and Abraham successfully passes the divine test.
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Abraham (AS) and his religion have been called Haneef (upright, true believer). The Holy Quran underlines the great and deep spiritual connection between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his religion and Prophet Abraham (AS). (Verse 68 of Surah Al Imran and Verse 78 of Surah Hajj)
Abraham (AS) has always been revered by followers of monotheistic religions.
He is said to have lived between 170 and 200 years. His grave is in a place in Palestine known today as Al-Khalil.
Translated by Seyed Hossein Beheshti Shakib
