Story of Prophet Ibrahim in Islam: Stories about and examples from the lives of the Prophets of Allah are unquestionably helpful to us today. Therefore, it would be quite beneficial for us to learn about the many wisdoms of their lives. In this article, we will discuss the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) in the Quran.
Title of “KHALILULLAH”
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.), who is referred to as Abraham in the Hebrew Bible, was given the honorific title “KHALILULLAH,” which translates to “the friend of Allah.” Ibrahim (A.S.) is revered by all three of the major revealed religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and is the ancestor of many notable Prophets.
One of the 25 prophets named in the Quran is Ibrahim (A.S.). He is also one of the five Ulul’azm (Arch-Prophets) prophets, who are known for having written books and divine religious regulations. Noah (Nuh (A.S.), Abraham (Ibrahim (A.S.)), Moses (Musa (A.S.)), Jesus (Esa (A.S.)), and Prophet Muhammad are the five prophets of Allah (S.A.W.).
In the Quran, Ibrahim (A.S.) is referred to by name 69 times.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)’s Age
There are various Muslim scholars’ narrations about the age of Ibrahim (A.S.). Some claim that Ibrahim (A.S.) lived for 169 years, some claim that he spent 175 years on earth, while still others assert that he was 195 years old. All accounts, however, imply that Ibrahim (A.S.) lived for longer than 150 years on earth.
Story of Prophet Ibrahim
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) is one of struggle, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah. Ibrahim (A.S.) is a prophet who is put to the test by Allah; in spite of enormous hardships, Ibrahim (A.S.) was portrayed as a servant who kept his word and consistently displayed a respectable demeanor. Allah declares in the Qur’an:
“And of Ibrahim (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (what Allah ordered him to do or convey)” (Surah An-Najam: 53:37)
Early Life of Prophet Ibrahim A.S.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was the son of Aazar ibn Nahur, ibn Sarough, ibn Raghu, ibn Phaligh, ibn Aher, ibn Shalih, ibn Arfghshand, ibn Sam, and ibn Nuh (A.S.). The story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) begins in Babylon. Ibrahim (A.S.) was born in Ur of the Chaldea, often known as Babylonia or Babylon, an ancient city (currently located in Iraq). His father was a well-known idol sculptor and the family in which he was born practiced idolatry. Ibrahim (A.S.) used to witness his father carve these idols out of wood or stone when he was a little child. At that time, some people worshipped statues made of stone or wood, while others revered the sun, moon, planets, stars, and monarchs. Ibrahim (A.S.) was given spiritual insight by Allah, as well as wisdom from the beginning. Allah says in Al-Quran:
“Indeed We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his (portion of) guidance, and We Were Well Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah etc)” (Surah Anbiya: 21:51)
Ibrahim (A.S.) discovered when he was a young child that his father carved weird statues. When he inquired about his father’s creations one day, his father informed him that these were the gods’ sculptures. Astonished, Ibrahim (A.S.) immediately rejected the notion.
He played with these statues as a child by lying on their backs as adults do on donkeys and mules. His father once saw him riding a statue known as Mardukh. His father was furious at the time and told him not to mess with the statue ever again. “My father, what is this statue?” enquired Ibrahim (A.S.). ” It has ears that are larger than ours”. “It is Mardukh, god of gods, my son, and the two great ears as a symbol of great intelligence.” his father retorted. Prophet Ibrahim A.S. laughed at this. At that time he was 7 years old.
IBRAHIM’S (A.S.) Dislike for Statues and Idols
Ibrahim (A.S.) observed that the statues, which his father had crafted, were immobile and unable to talk or rise from the ground if they were turned over. How do people think these sculptures can be both harmful and beneficial to them? The people of Ibrahim (A.S.) possessed a sizable temple filled with idols. The center of the temple housed the biggest statues. When he was a young boy, Ibrahim (A.S.) would accompany his father to the temple, but he abhorred all these wooden and stone idols. When his people visited the house of worship, they showed respect to those statues and submissions, which shocked him. They even sobbed and pleaded for various things, acting as if the sculptures were aware of their complaints. He initially found such a sight amusing, but as time went on, he started to get upset. The fact that his father wanted him to become a priest when he grew up only made matters worse. He only desired that Ibrahim (A.S.) show reverence for the statues; but, Ibrahim (A.S.) never stopped expressing his anger and contempt for them.
Ibrahim (A.S.) visited the temple with his father one day. A feast was being held in front of statues, and in the midst of the celebration, a priest gave a speech outlining the importance of the idol gods. The priest pleaded with the statue to care for and feed his people. Ibrahim’s (A.S.) voice suddenly shattered the stillness, saying to the priest, “Oh priest, he will never hear you, do you suppose that it has heard you?” People began trying to locate the source of the voice. It was identified as Ibrahim’s (A.S.) voice. The priest then started to exhibit his fear and rage. Ibrahim’s (A.S.) father attempted to diffuse the situation abruptly by explaining that his son was ill and could not understand what he was saying.
They both then emerged from the temple. Ibrahim (A.S.)’s father helped him to his bed and made an effort to get him to sleep. He didn’t want to go to sleep, though. Ibrahim (A.S.) got out of bed, went outside, and headed for a mountain. He made his way through the pitch-black night alone until he stopped at a cave, where he sat with his back against the cave’s wall.
Ibrahim (A.S.) discovers Allah:
Ibrahim (A.S.) took some time to observe the sky from the cave, where the view was clear. He was gazing at celestial bodies that some people on earth worshipped, such as planets and stars. His tender heart was wracked with excruciating suffering. He wondered why men would worship these celestial bodies when they had been made to worship and follow their Creator. He thought about what was beyond the moon, stars, and planets (i.e. Allah). Ibrahim (A.S.) returned to his home and enquired of both his father and the people who worshipped these celestial bodies. As Allah relates the words of Ibrahim (A.S.) in the Qur’an:
“And (remember) when Abraham said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as aliha (gods)? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error.” Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of heavens and the earth that he be one of those who have Faith with certainty. When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said: “This is my lord.” But when it set, he said: “I like not those that set.” [Surah Al-Anaam (6: 74 to 76)]
And when he saw the moon rising, he said:
“This is my lord.” But when it set, he said, “Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray.” And when he saw the sun rising, he said, “This is my lord; this is greater.” But when it set, he said, “O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah. Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.” [Surah Al-Anaam (6: 77 to 79)]
And his people argued with him. He said:
“Do you argue with me concerning Allah while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him [and will not be harmed] unless my Lord should will something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; then will you not remember? And how should I fear what you associate while you do not fear that you have associated with Allah that for which He has not sent down to you any authority? So which of the two parties has more right to security, if you should know? They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided. And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.” [Surah Al-Anaam (6: 80 to 83)]
Ibrahim (A.S.) made it clear to his followers throughout the discussion that these heavenly bodies are not gods and cannot be worshipped alongside Allah. These bodies are in fact made of objects that were fashioned, handled, controlled, and made to serve. They occasionally come and then vanish, losing their presence in our world. But nothing can escape Allah’s attention, since He is aware of everything. Without beginning or end, he is always present. There is just one god, and that is Allah. Allah declares in the Qur’an:
“And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.” (Surah Fussilat: 41:37)
Ibrahim (A.S.) made every effort to instill in his people a sense of unity and exclusivity of Allah and His worship. He addressed his father and his nation as follows:
“What are these statues to which you are devoted?” They said, “We found our fathers worshippers of them.” He said, “You were certainly, you and your fathers, in manifest error.” They said: “Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?” He said, “[No], rather, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth who created them, and I, to that, am of those who testify.” [Surah Fussilat (41:52 to 56)]
Ibrahim (A.S.)’S Discussions with his Father
The truth was revealed thanks to Ibrahim’s (A.S.) logic, which also sparked a conflict between him and his people. His father and his uncle, who raised him, were among those who opposed him most and were upset by his attitude. “O Ibrahim, you have betrayed me and have been disrespectful to me,” the father said to his son. According to the Qur’an, Ibrahim (A.S.) responded:
When he said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all? O my father, indeed there has come to me of knowledge that which has not come to you, so follow me, I will show you a straight path. O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed, Satan has ever been, to the Most Merciful, disobedient. O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful so you would be to Satan a companion [in Hellfire].” [Surah Maryam (19: 42 to 45)]
The father of Ibrahim (A.S.) quickly sprang up and lashed out at his son Ibrahim (A.S.). As stated in the Qur’an:
He (the father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.” (Surah Maryam 19:46)
The ayat above makes it apparent that Ibrahim’s (A.S.) father threatened to kill him with a rock if he continued to preach, adding that this would be a suitable punishment for everyone who opposed his god. Leave my home now! I’m done wanting to see you. Get away!
Ibrahim (A.S.) did not treat his father disrespectfully or make him feel inferior because he was a wise son and a noble Prophet. He engaged his father in conversation utilizing the prophet’s moral principles. When he heard his father’s scathing remarks and murderous threat, he softly said
“May peace be upon you, I will ask forgiveness for my Lord, surely He is very good to me, and I will distance myself from you and from what you worship besides Allah, and I will pray to my Lord, hopefully I will not be disappointed with pray to my Lord.” [Surah Maryam (19:47 and 48)]
Ibrahim (A.S.) left his father’s house After this discussion
The Idols are broken by Ibrahim (A.S.)
Once more, Ibrahim (A.S.) made an effort to persuade his people by extolling the virtues of Allah—His might, wisdom, and unity—as well as the beauty of His creations. But the populace refused to let up and clung tenaciously to idolatry. Ibrahim (A.S.) made the decision to address their lack of belief, but he stayed quiet about it. He was aware that there would be a huge celebration on the opposite bank of the river, to which everyone would be invited. Ibrahim (A.S.) waited until everyone had left the city before making a cautious exit and making his way to the temple.
Due to the priests’ attendance at the celebration outside of the city, both the streets leading to and within the temple were deserted. Ibrahim (A.S.) arrived there with an axe in hand. He observed the food being offered to the gods as well as the statues of them made of wood and stone. Ibrahim (A.S.) asked all the statues around him:
“Will you not eat of the offering before you? “What is the matter with you that you do not speak?” [Surah As-Saffat: (37:92 and 93)]
As soon as the axe in his hand was raised, Ibrahim (A.S.) started slaying the false gods that people were worshiping. Aside from the largest one, Ibrahim (A.S.) destroyed all of them. This statue had demolished the other statues, so he hanged the axe from its shoulder. He felt at ease after slaying the false gods. He got out of the temple. He had carried out his promise to demonstrate to his people how silly it was for them to worship anything other than Allah.
Ibrahim (A.S.) is questioned by Idolaters:
When the people arrived back at the temple, they were horrified to discover their gods broken into bits and laying all over the place. They begin to wonder who is to blame for all of this. Finally, they understood that the person who was calling them to worship Allah was Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). As stated in the Qur’an:
They said, “Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers.” They said, ” We heard a young man talking against them who is called Abraham.” They said, “Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify.”
They demanded Ibrahim’s (A.S.) attendance right now. They questioned Ibrahim (A.S.) as he approached them:
They said: “Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Abraham?”
With a smile, Ibrahim (A.S.) replied, “On the shoulder of the greatest deity,” who was holding the axe.
Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “Actually the big statue has done it, then ask the idols, if they can speak.”
The people said: “Who should we ask?” Ibrahim (A.S.) replied: “Ask your god.” Then they say: “Do you not know that they are not talking?” Ibrahim (A.S.) replied: “Why do you worship something that cannot speak, something that cannot afford the benefits, and something that can not harm you, do not you want to think for a moment where your minds are, and your gods have been destroyed while the greatest god stand up and just look at it. These gods are not able to avoid the destruction of themselves, then how they can bring good to you. You do not want to think for a moment. The axe is on the shoulder of the greatest god but strangely he cannot tell what happened. He cannot speak, hear, move, see, benefit, and does not harm, he’s just a stone, then why do people worship stones?”
Surah Al-Anbiya (verses 59–67) of the Qur’an contains Allah’s account of the incident.
They were able to be silenced by Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) rational reasoning. However, they were too proud to acknowledge their stupidity. All they could do was punish Ibrahim by abusing their position of power, as tyrants often do. While they plotted their retaliation, they kept him in chains.
The Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) age when he demolished his people’s idols is not mentioned in the Quran. It is said that the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) demolished the idols while still a child. (The same is clear from Surah Al-Anbiya: 21:60, where they claimed to have overheard a young man named Ibrahim speaking against them.)
Allah saves Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) from the Fire
People who worship idols do not want anyone to worship something else. In an effort to burn Ibrahim (A.S.) alive, they made the decision to throw him into the largest fire they could construct. All of the unbelievers were given orders to gather firewood as an act of worship for their respective gods. They gathered the firewood for a few days. They excavated a large hole, put firewood inside of it, and lit it on fire. They brought a catapult, and they plan to launch Ibrahim (A.S.) into the flames with it. Ibrahim (A.S.) was strapped to the catapult with ropes around his hands and feet. When it was ready, the fire’s flames were ascending to the sky. Due to the large crowds, the people retreated from the pit. Then the Chief priest gave orders to throw Ibrahim (A.S.) into the fire.
“O Abraham do you wish for anything?” questioned the angel Gabriel (A.S.) as he approached Ibrahim (A.S.). “Nothing from you,” said Ibrahim (A.S.). Abraham was launched into the fire once the catapult was fired. But he entered the fire like one descends steps in a cool garden. Although the flames were still present, they did not burn Ibrahim (A.S.), as directed by Allah:
“O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” (Surah Al-Anbiya: 21:69)
Until it became cold and saved Ibrahim, the fire was in the control of Allah (A.S.). Only the ties that bind Ibrahim were incinerated in the fire (A.S.). He appeared to be sitting in the center of a garden because of how calm he was in the midst of the flames. He worshipped and exalted Allah. His heart is filled exclusively with love for Allah, the Beloved. Ibrahim’s (A.S.) heart wasn’t weighed down by worry, regret, or remorse. His heart was filled exclusively with love for Allah. The fire was silent and chilly. In fact, people who love Allah won’t experience fear.
The people, the chiefs, and the priests stood back and watched the fire, which was searing their faces and almost suffocating them. The skeptics believed it would never go out because it burned for such a long period. When it finally burned out, they were astonished to see Ibrahim (A.S.) emerging from the pit unharmed by the flames. Their faces were darkened by the smoke, but Ibrahim (A.S.)’s face was illuminated by Allah’s mercy and brightness. For Ibrahim (A.S.), the blazing fire had cooled and had just scorched the ropes holding him. He emerged from the fire as he was leaving a garden. The skeptics shouted in surprise as they felt defeated by Ibrahim (A.S.). Allah says in Al-Quran:
“And they intended for him harm, but We made them the greatest losers.” (Surah Al-Anbiya: 21:70)
The oppressors were embarrassed by this miracle, but their rage remained unquenched. However, following this incident, many people accepted Ibrahim’s (A.S.) message of the Oneness of Allah, even though they concealed their faith out of concern for their safety or the lives of the ruling class or populace.
Ibrahim (A.S.) confronts King Namrud (who called himself God)
Ibrahim (A.S.) had developed a compelling argument against idolaters. There was nothing left for him to do but use logic to disprove the authority figures who called themselves gods.
The Quran describes a specific exchange between Ibrahim (A.S.) and an unjust monarch. Although the monarch or ruler’s name is not mentioned in the Quran’s transmission, numerous historical sources contend that it was Nimrod or Namrud
Due to his wealth and power, Nimrod developed a severe form of haughtiness, to the point where he asserted that he had the ability to create things and declared himself to be divine. Namrud claimed to be a living god, and his subjects revered him as such.
The majority of people Namrud, King of Babylon, began to believe in Allah and that Ibrahim (A.S.) was a genuine prophet of Allah as soon as they saw Ibrahim (A.S.) emerge from the fire uninjured, which led Namrud to believe that his throne was in danger and that he was losing power. Namrud sought to argue with Ibrahim (A.S.) in order to convince his people that he, the king, is the true deity and that Ibrahim (A.S.), a liar, is not. He was concerned that an average person would not be able to question his claim to be a god. In order to protect his interests, he called Ibrahim (A.S.) to the palace and engaged him in conversation, as Allah has related in the Qur’an:
Have you not thought about him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord (Allah) because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said to him: “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said: “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said: “Verily, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. Allah guides not the people who are Zalimeen (wrongdoers etc). (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:258)
As was already explained, Allah purposefully omits the king’s name since it is deemed irrelevant. The lengthy conversation between Ibrahim (A.S.) and the monarch is likewise not mentioned in the Quran. “I hear that you invite men to worship the new God and to abandon the old god.” the monarch may have remarked to Ibrahim (A.S.). Ibrahim (A.S.) said: “There is no god except Allah, the One.” The haughty and conceited monarch remarked, “What does your god do that I cannot do?” “My Lord is the one who can bring life and death,” remarked Ibrahim (A.S.) gently. ” I give life and I cause death”, the king boastfully retorted.
Since the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) understood the king was lying, he refrained from asking how he provided life and death. “Truly, Allah can bring the sun from the east; can you bring it from the west?” asked Ibrahim (A.S.).
King was at a loss for words and actions. Ibrahim (A.S.) left the royal palace after Ibrahim had silenced Namrud. The message of the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) thereafter diffused over the nation. People begin to talk about his miracle, his escape from the flames, and his heated exchanges with the king that rendered the king mute.
The Blood Relationship is not as important as the relationship of faith:
An important lesson we can learn from the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) is Allah always comes first, even before our blood relationships. In his ongoing efforts to lead his people in the correct direction, Ibrahim (A.S.) kept urging them to have faith in Allah. He made every effort to persuade them. However, despite his love and care for the populace, they disregarded him and left. Of his people, only one man and one woman shared his belief in Allah. The man was Lut, who eventually became a prophet after him, and the woman was Sarah, who later became his wife. Ibrahim (A.S.) made the decision to immigrate after realizing that no one else would accept his call. He encouraged his father to accept Islam before leaving. He knew his father would not believe as he is an enemy of Allah. Allah says in Al-Quran:
And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to Abraham that his father was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient. (Surah At-Tawbah: 9:114)
We discovered something startling in the prophets’ stories for the second time. While the father in the account of Prophet Nuh (A.S.) is a Prophet of Allah and the son is a disbeliever, the reverse is true in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), where the father is a tyrant and the son is a Prophet of Allah. Both of the stories teach us that a sincere believer is protected from Allah’s enemies, regardless of whether the enemy is the Messenger of Allah’s father or son. Allah teaches us via both of the stories that a relationship based on faith, not only biological ties, is the only one that should be upheld and followed in human relationships.
Ibrahim (A.S.)’S Migration:
Ibrahim (A.S.) migrated to Palestine after leaving his father, community, and country and embarking on a trip with his wife and Lut to Ur, Haran, and Palestine. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says:
“So Lut believed in him (Abraham’s message of Islamic Monotheism). He (Abraham) said: “I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All Mighty, the All Wise.” (Surah Al-Ankabut: 29:26)
Ibrahim (A.S.) first traveled to Palestine before traveling to Egypt. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) urged people to worship Allah during this tour, led them down the correct road, and assisted the underprivileged.
Hadith about Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.):
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.):
Ibrahim (A.S.) did not tell a lie except on three occasions. Two times for the Sake of Allah when he said, “I am sick,” and he said, “(I have not done this but) the big idol has done it.” The (third was) that while Abraham and Sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey) they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant, “This man (i.e. Abraham) is accompanied by a very charming lady.” So, he sent for Abraham and asked him about Sarah saying, “Who is this lady?” Abraham said, “She is my sister.” Abraham went to Sarah and said, “O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and I. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister, so don’t contradict my statement.” The tyrant then called Sarah and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but (his hand got stiff and) he was confounded. He asked Sarah. “Pray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm you.” So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but (his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and) was more confounded. He again requested Sarah, “Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you.” Sarah asked Allah again and he became alright. He then called one of his guards (who had brought her) and said, “You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil.” The tyrant then gave Hajar (Hajrah) as a girl-servant to Sarah. Sarah came back (to Abraham) while he was praying. Abraham, gesturing with his hand, asked, “What has happened?” She replied, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel (or immoral person) and gave me Hajar (Hajrah) for service.” (Abu Huraira then addressed his listeners saying, “That (Hajarah) was your mother, O Bani Ma-is-Sama (i.e. the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, Hajarah’s son). (Bukhari: 3358)
Some academics contend that rather than outright lies, what was meant by lying in those circumstances was the use of equivocations (Tawriyah, or expressing anything that has more than one meaning and intending a meaning distinct from what the listener is likely to interpret). According to the scholars, blaming Ibrahim (A.S.) for telling lies in this situation does not constitute outright lying.
Some other scholars interpret these three lies to signify the following:
1. Ibrahim (A.S.) pretended to be ill in order to keep his father from taking part in the polygamous rituals at the temple or festival.
2. Ibrahim (A.S.) held the axe in the hands of the biggest idol after smashing every other idol. The people charged Ibrahim (A.S.) with the crime when they arrived home and discovered that their idols had been destroyed. In response, he said that the largest idol had destroyed the other sculptures in order to demonstrate that they were man-made and not able to perform human behaviours.
3. Ibrahim (A.S.) was aware that Allah would shield Sarah from the tyrant/ king’s intents. Ibrahim (A.S.) thus replied that she was his sister in Islam, as she technically was, in place of saying that she was his wife when the tyrant/king questioned who she was.
Hajarah, A Slave Girl:
When he attempted to touch her hand, his hand became stiff. He then requested Sarah to pray to Allah to heal him. Her request was fulfilled. When he tried to hold Sarah for the second time, his hand once more became rigid. At Sarah’s request, Allah healed his hand. The king suddenly saw Sarah was no regular woman. He gave Sarah a servant, Hajarah, to accompany her before she went.
ISMAIL (A.S.)’S BORN:
Sarah was aware of her husband Ibrahim’s (A.S.) desire for a child. Since Allah referred to Ibrahim’s (A.S.) dua in the Quran:
“O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” (Surah Al Saffat 37:100)
She also understood that as she grew older, she might not be able to give Ibrahim (A.S.) a child. She advised Ibrahim (A.S.) to wed her servant Hajarah in the hopes that Allah would grant them a child through her.
Following the advice of his devoted wife Sarah, Ibrahim (A.S.) wed Hajarah. Ismael/Ismail, a baby boy that Ibrahim (A.S.) and Hajarah welcomed, was born not long after. Ibrahim (A.S.) was ecstatic to welcome his first son into the world. They all rejoiced and expressed gratitude to Allah for such a wonderful blessing. According to some academics, Ibrahim (A.S.) was 86 years old when Ismail was born.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)’s Dream: Sacrifice of his son Ismail (A.S.)
One night, Ibrahim (AS) had a dream in which Allah (SWT) instructed him to sacrifice Ismail (AS), his cherished son. Ibrahim (AS) initially thought this was the devil tricking him, therefore he promptly dismissed it. However, he was instructed to do the same thing in the same dream the next night. Then Ibrahim (AS) realized that this wasn’t a coincidence and was actually a communication from Allah (SWT).
Ibrahim (AS) followed Ismail’s (AS) advice. He followed Allah (SWT)’s instructions while being blindfolded and holding the knife in his hands. To his amazement, when he removed the blindfold, he was met with the sight of a dead ram in front of him. Ismail (AS) was standing right next to him, perfectly uninjured. He initially believed that things had gone terribly wrong and that he had defied his Creator’s command. He then heard a voice reassuring him that he should not be concerned because Allah (SWT) takes care of his believers.
Ismail (AS) was dear to Ibrahim (AS). However, he was ready and willing to obey Allah’s (SWT) decree and carry out His instructions. He carried a knife and rope to the summit of Mount Arafat with his son. When he arrived at a suitable location, he told his son about his dream and the instructions Allah (SWT) had given him. Prophet Ismail (AS), being an obedient son, quickly complied with Allah’s (SWT) and his father’s requests and requested that his wrists and legs be tied to prevent him from struggling and that his father put a blindfold on himself to prevent him from seeing him suffer.
The event was a divine miracle. Ismail (AS) and Ibrahim (AS) had just succeeded in Allah’s challenging test (SWT).
Ibrahim (A.S.) questioned Allah on Resurrections:
Ibrahim (A.S.) spent his entire life on earth praising, glorifying, and urging people to worship only Allah. However, he was aware that his time on earth was finite, and that death and then resurrection would come after these days. Abraham experienced calm, love, and certainty after learning that there is life beyond death. Ibrahim (AS) once questioned Allah about the resurrection of the dead on the Day of Judgment. He was instructed by Allah to take four birds, dismember them, and mix the pieces together. The mixture was then separated into four portions, each of which was then set atop four separate hills. He asked that Ibrahim (A.S.) call the birds back using Allah’s name. In an instant, the bird’s body reassembled and they returned to Ibrahim (A.S.) alive in their original state.
“Remember when Abraham said: ‘My Lord Show me how You give life to the dead.” Allah said: “Do you not believe?” Abraham said: “Yes I believe, but to be stronger in Faith.” He said: “Take four birds, the cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces) and then put a portion of them on every hill and call them they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All Mighty and All Wise.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:260)
The only person to whom our prophet is instructed to aspire by as a role model in the Quran is Ibrahim (A.S.). Allah Says in Al-Quran:
“Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad): “Follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Haneefa (Islamic Monotheism – to worship none but Allah)” (Surah An-Nahl 16:123)
This was the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), one of the Great and noble prophets and messenger of Allah.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)’S Burial Place:
According to Imam Ibn Katheer, the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) is interred alongside his son Ishaq (A.S.), his grandson Yaqoob (A.S.), and Yusuf (A.S.) in the Palestinian settlement of Hebron (Al Khaleel). All of these prophets’ graves are found beneath Masjid-e-Khaleel, also known as Masjid-e-Ibrahim.
Lessons From the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.):
The following are just a few of the many things we may take away from the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.):
- Have faith in Allah always.
- Respect your parents at all times and treat them well.
- Have faith in Allah and exercise patience in all circumstances.
- Sacrifice our most prized possessions for Allah’s sake.
All Muslims have a great deal of regard and honor for Ibrahim (A.S.). After Prophet Muhammad, he is the Prophet with the highest standing (S.A.W.). In our Salat/Namaz prayers, which we as Muslims perform, we also include the names of our Prophet Mohammad and Ibrahim (A.S.) (S.A.W.). The Darood-e-Ibrahimi is the most thorough darood, sending peace and blessings to Mohammad (S.A.W.). The fact that Allah has commanded all Muslims and believers to send peace and blessings to Ibrahim (A.S.) and that this will continue until the day of judgment demonstrates the honor that Allah has bestowed upon Ibrahim (A.S.). SUBHANALLAH
May we learn something valuable from the Story of Prophet Ibrahim and be pious and obedient to Allah and respect our parents.
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