The Story of Ibrahim (Abraham) (Peace Be Upon Him): The Father of the Prophets and Leader of the Hanifs (Monotheists)

Chronological Order: The Era of Fatherhood and Faith and the Great Prophets

Ibrahim Ismail Ishaq
Yaqub Yusuf Ayyub
Father of the Prophets and Friend of the Merciful

Ibrahim Al-Khalil (The Friend of God) is the Father of the Prophets, and his personality represents a central pillar of the call to Monotheism (Tawhid).

Ibrahim (PBUH) is one of the Ulu Al-'Azm Min Ar-Rusul (Prophets of Strong Will), and his story is full of great trials in which he proved his sincerity and devotion to God alone.


Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH): Leadership, Sacrifice, and Monotheism

Summary of the Major Trials

Key Information

  • People: The People of Babylon and their king Nimrod
  • Father: Azar (the idol maker)
  • Sons: Isma'il and Ishaq
  • Title: The Friend of God (Khalilullah), Father of the Prophets

Characteristics and Signs

  • Salvation from the Fire
  • Breaking the Idols (Shattering Polytheism)
  • Raising the Foundations of the House (The Ka'bah)
  • Witnessing the Resurrection of the Dead
  • Command to Slaughter his Son (The Greatest Trial)

Story Details: The Abrahamic Logic and the Destruction of Polytheism

The story of Ibrahim began with his father Azar and his people, who worshipped idols and stars. Ibrahim used argument and logic to call them to Monotheism, challenging the worship of the moon, sun, and stars. When his people left for a celebration, Ibrahim destroyed all the idols except the largest one to establish his argument against them. When they returned, they asked him, and he pointed to the large idol. They replied that idols do not speak, so he cornered them with his proof and rebuked them.

Salvation from the Fire and the Trial of the Sacrifice

His people punished him by throwing him into the fire, but God commanded the fire to be ﴾بَرۡدٗا وَسَلَٰمًا عَلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمََ﴿ (coolness and safety upon Ibrahim), so he emerged safely. After that, he migrated to the Blessed Land. The greatest trial came when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Ibrahim and his son obeyed, and just before execution, God ransomed him with a great sacrifice, confirming their sincerity.

Building the Ka'bah and Establishing the Religion

His major mission was the building of the Sacred House (The Ka'bah) with his son Isma'il, and he prayed to God to make the place secure and a focus of attention for all people. Thus, Ibrahim established the Religion of Monotheism which is the foundation of Islam.

Key Quranic References:

  • Surah Al-Anbiya: Verses 51-70 (Breaking the idols and salvation from the fire)
  • Surah As-Saffat: Verses 99-113 (The story of the sacrifice)
  • Surah Al-Baqarah: Verses 124-129 (The trial and the building of the Ka'bah)

Lessons and Morals Learned:

  • The Logic of Monotheism: Using reason and contemplation of the universe to reach the Creator.
  • The Power of Certainty (Yaqin): Ibrahim's absolute trust in God during great trials (the fire and the sacrifice).
  • Establishing the Nation: Praying for righteous progeny and building the foundations of the religion for future generations.

The Pivotal Verse:

﴾Waithi ibtala ibraheema rabbuhu bikalimatin faatammahunna qala innee jaAAiluka linnasi imaman qala wamin thurriyyatee qala la yanalu AAahdee aththalimeen﴿ (Al-Baqarah: 124)

Key to the Story: Leadership and Submission

The story of Ibrahim is a school of Absolute Submission to God's command, even under the most difficult circumstances. The building of the Ka'bah is a commemoration of his effort in establishing the Center of Monotheism for all worlds.

﴾Ma kana ibraheemu yahoodiyyan wala nasraniyyan walakin kana haneefan musliman wama kana mina almushrikeen﴿ (Ali 'Imran: 67)
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