Prophet Abraham is known as the father of monotheism and is revered in the three monotheistic regions of today—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Many of the images of Abraham and his legends, such as sacrificing his son Isaac, come from the reading and narratives of the Torah and the Bible. The Qur’an has also extensive narratives of Abraham, sometime augmenting and repeating what is already known in the two previous revelations and other times refuting stories, such as the sacrificing of his firstborn, Ishmael, and not Isaac. On the other hand, there are more narrations of Ishmael in the Torah than in the Qur’an, even though in general, the Jewish and Christian faith traditions tend to ignore Ishmael, his firstborn, and Hagar, who was the second wife of Abraham, in favor of Isaac, his second born, and Sarah, the first wife of Abraham.
The Qur’an also disputes the claims that Abraham was a Jew or a Christian with a very simple argument: that he was born long before Christianity and Judaism came into existence and that he was a friend of God. God rewarded Abraham with wisdom, humility, an inquisitive mind, the utmost concern for humanity and his own progeny, and he was truly a faithful servant of God. The Qur’an uses the word “muslim” to describe Abraham, just as the Qur’an uses the word “muslim” to describe the disciples of Jesus and the followers of Moses. Here I use the word “muslim” without the capital M, as in Muslim, to make a distinction that (1) a Muslim of today who believes in God formally accepts Islam as his or her religion and considers all prophets (including Mohammad, Jesus, and Moses) as God’s messengers to humanity, whereas (2) a “muslim” is a state of personal conviction that includes faith in God, alliance with God’s revelation and messages, and a commitment to do good to others and to establish truth and justice in societies for the betterment of all of humanity. Ideally, every Muslim is a muslim, and anyone who genuinely follows the teachings of Jesus and Moses is also considered muslim, as was Abraham.
Below are various narratives of Abraham (a total of 143 verses) that I have tried to arrange in chronological order and logical fashion as best as I could, since the Qur’an brings up certain incidences about Abraham’s life (as well as the lives of Jesus and Moses), as these related to larger narratives being revealed at the time in response to circumstances that Prophet Mohammad and his followers were facing or questions were being asked about such biblical prophets or to bring out historical lessons and contexts. Once should recognize that in the Arabian Peninsula at the time, there were thriving clusters or isolated Jewish tribes but very few Christians, except religious monks and learned Christians who refused to accept the version of Christianity that was forced on to the Christian masses by the pope and the Roman emperor, such as the Trinity, Jesus as the Son of God and as one of the Triune Gods. These conscientious early Christians escaped from the Christian urban communities into the seclusion of the Arabian deserts for safety and freedom to practice their Christian faith. Some of these were followers of the disciples of Jesus, many of whom refused to accept the way Saint Paul was pushing Christian theology to attract pagan Romans and Greeks, to the exclusion of Jews. It is reasonable to assume that Saint Paul’s teachings have influenced the existing form of Christian theology and practices more than Jesus Himself. Since the beginning of papal institutions and their acquiescence to Roman emperors to codify certain theology around Jesus and then force feed those doctrines of Christianity, any opposition was forcefully subjugated, and any Christians who held opposing view were mercilessly oppressed, tortured, and burned at the stake, a tradition that would reignites in various times in Christian history, such as the Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, the Reformation under Martin Luther and John Calvin, and the separation of Anglican Christianity under the British monarchy.
For some verses on Abraham, I have given the full narratives, while others are just listed since these carry similar narratives, and one can consult this series of the Qur’an or another translation that they have at home or access in libraries or on the internet. These revelations came to educate, to inform, to inspire, to caution, and to relate human conditions, human nature, and the nature of the world. These revelations contain stories of human society, other prophets, and other personalities, some of which are only known through revelations, as the human record of history does not go back that far.
Abraham as a Young Rebel
The Cattle: 6:74–83 (Abraham’s conversation with his father on faith; awareness of Oneness of God)
[Remember] when Abraham said to his father, Azar, “How is it that you consider idols to be gods? I see this as you and your community straying from reality.” We [God] have helped Abraham to comprehend the essence of the universe and the earth in a way that he might be of those who has full conviction. He reflected on a star which became visible during the night. He said, “This is my Sustainer God.” But when the star went down, he said: “I cannot worship which is not permanent.” Then he reflected on the moon rising and said: “Could this be my Sustainer?” But when the moon disappeared, he said: “If my true Sustainer does not guide me, I will also of those who stray from reality.” Then he reflected on the Sun rising and said: “Could this be my Sustainer God? Is this greater than anything else?” So, when the sun too set and disappeared, he said: “O my people, I am clear of all that you worship besides God. Indeed, I have accepted and oriented myself wholly to the Originator of the Universe and the Earth, being truthful and I do not associate anything or anyone with the divine God.”
His people did argue with him and he responded: “Do you dispute with me regarding God and the fact is He had guide me to Him? I am not afraid of those that you have set up with God unless my Sustainer wills as such. My Sustainer encompasses all things in His knowledge. Why would not you reflect on these? How would you want me to accept things that you have set up with God while you are not afraid of the fact that you set up partners with God for which you have no confirmation from God? Which party then—you or me—you feel should be more secure, if you really want to know? Those who believe in God and do not taint their faith with injustice will have security and are properly guided.” This is how we inspired Abraham with Our arguments against his people. We honor by increment whom We please; God is ever Wise and All-Knowing.
Mary: 19:41–50 (similar conversation with his father after developing awareness)
And remember Abraham in the book—he was a man of truth and a prophet. (When) He said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship a thing that does not hear, does not see and cannot avail you in any way? O my father, I have been blessed with knowledge that has not come to you. Therefore, follow me and I will guide you to the right way. O my father, do not serve the Devil who is rebellious against the Beneficent [God]. O my father, I am wary that the Beneficent [God] will permit evils to come to you since you have become a friend of the Devil.”
He (his father) replied, “Do you hate our gods? O Abraham, if you do not stop, I will punish you. So, leave me alone.” He (Abraham) said: “Peace. I will pray to God that He may forgive you. God has ever been gracious to me. I will remove myself from you and from all that you call on besides God and I will call upon my Cherisher God, hoping that my calling will be go unheeded.” So when he removed himself from them and their false worships, We [God] blessed him with Isaac and Jacob—each of them We established as a prophet, blessed them with Our mercy and honored them with sublime and true eminence.
The Prophets: 21:51–71 (Infraction with his community and punishment by fire)
We [God] gifted Abraham long before (your time) with rectitude and We knew him well (about his intention) when he said to his father and his community, “What are these images (idols) that you so devoted to?” They said, “We found our forefathers worshiping these.” He (Abraham) replied, “You and your forefathers have made clear error in judgement.” They replied, “Do you have any facts about this or are you making a fool of us out of jest?” He said, “No, your Sustainer God is the God of the Universe and the Earth, Who created them. I am here to profess this to you. By God, I will plan against your gods after you depart.” Then he broke all the idols to pieces but kept the chief idol intact so that they might come back to it. (When they came back,) they said, “Who has done this to our gods? He is certainly a worst offender!” Some people replied, “We heard a youth, named Abraham, talk (against) our gods.” They said, “Let’s bring him in front of the people who can then witness.” They asked, “O Abraham, have you done this to our gods?”
Abraham said, “ Surely someone had done it. Here is the chief god, ask him, if he can speak.” (This confounded them) as they turn to themselves and blamed each other—“you have done this to yourselves.” In their moment of shame [head bowed low], they asked (Abraham), “You know that these do not speak.” He said,” Do you then serve not God but serve gods which can do no good nor any harm? Shame on you and all those that you worship beside God. Have you lost your reasoning?”
(In desperation and anger) they said, “Burn him, if we are going to do anything and save our gods.” We [God] said, “O fire, be a source of coolness and peace for Abraham.” They plotted against him and We in turn made them the loser. We protected him and Lot (his nephew) and directed them to a land which We had blessed for all people.
Verses 37:83–100 also mention his interactions with his community about their false deities and their discontent with him, including putting him into the fire.
Verses 26:69–87 are another example of his interactions with his community. Different narratives bring out different aspects of the conversation and his evolving teaching of this community. These narratives also highlight his own development and conviction in faith and understanding and willingness to challenge others. These narratives also establish him as a role model for subsequent prophets and people of faith in future generations like us.
And relate to them the story of Abraham when he said to his father and his community, “What do you worship?” They said: “We worship idols and we remain ever devoted to them.” He (Abraham) replied, “When you ask, do they hear you? Or, do they do any benefit or harm for you?” They said, “No, but we found our forefathers doing the same.”
He said, “Do you not realize what you and your forefathers are doing? Surely, these (idols) are enemies to me whereas the Lord of the World is not—Who created me and then guides me; Who gives me food and drinks; Who heals me when I am sick; Who will cause me to die and then raise me back to life; Who will, I hope forgive me and my mistakes on the Day of Judgement.” He then prayed, “My Sustainer God, grant me wisdom and align me with the righteous. And establish for me a genuine remembrance by later generations. Make me to inherit the Garden of Tranquility. Forgive my father as he is one of those who have made mistakes. Do not disgrace me on the day of resurrection.”
The Cow: 2:258 (Abraham’s argument with Nimrod) (see Genesis 10:8–9)
Why not reflect on (the behavior of) the person who argued with Abraham regarding God since God gave him the kingdom. When Abraham said, “My Sustainer gives life and causes death,” this person replied, “I (also) cause life and death.” Abraham then said, “Surely God makes the sun rise from the East, so could you make it rise from the West,” and then the other person was confounded in his denial of God. And God does not guide people who do wrong deliberately.
Deep Awareness of God and closeness to God
The Cow: 2:260 (Abraham’s desire to see how God bring dead to life)
(Remember) when Abraham said, “O My Sustainer! Show me how you give life to the dead,” God asked, “Do you not believe?” He (Abraham) replied, “Yes, I do, but this is to put my heart at ease.” God then instructed, “Take four birds and tame them to respond to you. Then put pieces of them in every mountain and afterward call them—they will come flying to you.” You should know that God is Mighty, Wise.
The Family of Amran: 3:65–68 (Abraham was neither a Jew or a Christian)
Ask the People of the Book why they dispute about Abraham, whereas the Torah and the Bible were both revealed after him. Is it that difficult to comprehend? It is bad enough that you argue about things that are made known to you (i.e., Jesus), but to argue about things (i.e., about Abraham) that you have no knowledge of is certainly uncalled for. God knows while you do not—that Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but an upright human being, a muslim (one who submitted to God) and was not a polytheist. The people who can claim to be aligned with Abraham are the ones who follow Abraham’s way—like this Prophet (Mohammad) and those of true faith. Indeed, God is a friend of those who truly believe (like the beliefs of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad).
Abraham as the standard bearer of monotheism is also mentioned in 3:95,19:58, 29:16–17.
The Cattle: 6:82-87 (Abraham’s lineage honored by God)
Those who believe in God and do not taint their faith with evils of inequity will have security and are properly guided. This is how We inspired Abraham with Our arguments against his people. We honor by increment whom We please; God is Ever Wise and All Knowing. We [God] blessed him (Abraham) with Isaac and Jacob; We guided each as We did guide Noah before and from his descendants—David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. This is how We recognize those who do good to others. So was Zacharias, John, Jesus, and Elias—all of them righteous. We also made Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot to excel among people. We did select and guide from among their forefathers, their descendants, and contemporaries to the Straight Path.
The Women Attested: 60:4–6 (Abraham as a role model)
Surely there is a good example in Abraham and those who were with him when he said to his people, “We have nothing to do with you and what you worship besides God. We deny what you do and there is eternal hostility and hatred between us and you, until you come to believe in God alone. Except his good wishes to his father, “I will seek forgiveness for you, while I have no control over how God will treat you. Our Sustainer God, on You we rely, to You we turn and to You is our eventual coming. Our Sustainer God, may you not make us travail on account of other’s disbeliefs and forgive us. You are Mighty, and Wise!”
Indeed, in them there is a beautiful example for you, those who aspire for God and for the Last Day. Whoever ignores God, God is Ever the Self-Sufficient, the Praised!
Ishmael and Isaac: Two sons of Abraham
The Ranks: Verses 37:101–113 deal with the sacrifice of Ishmael and a second son, Isaac. Genesis 22 provides similar story except that the Qur’an implies that Abraham fully informed Ishmael about his dream to sacrifice him, and Ishmael was a willing partner with Abraham, whereas the biblical story implies that Abraham never informed Isaac of his intent to sacrifice his son, and Isaac therefore wondered why there were no sacrificial animal brought for the occasion. The Bible also seems to imply that Isaac was the only son (born to Sarah), whereas it was evident from previous biblical narrative (the Torah) that Ishmael was already born to Abraham and Hagar and was the elder son.
We [God] informed him (Abraham) of a forbearing son. When he became of age, he (Abraham) said, “My son, I have seen in a dream that I sacrificed you; so let me know what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. God willing, you will find me as one who is patient.” So they both submitted and he (Abraham) threw his son on his forehead. We [God] called out to him, “O Abraham, you have indeed fulfilled the vision.” This is how we reward those who do good. This was a trial clearly manifest and We substituted with a great (more appropriate) sacrifice. We bestowed on him remembrance from later generations —“Peace to Abraham.” This is how We [God] reward those who do good. He was, for sure, a servant of Ours who believed. And we gave him the news of Isaac, a prophet righteous. We blessed him and Isaac and among their offspring, there are those who are righteous and there are those who are clearly unjust.
Tradition of largest human gathering each year honoring God and Abraham: Hajj
The Hajj, or the annual pilgrimage by Muslims each year, is a tradition that dates to Abraham and Ishmael, who jointly built the house of worship in Makkah, known as the Kabah. Millions of Muslims visit the precinct of Kabah each year for a smaller hajj known as Umrah (visitation) and during the specific ten days based on the lunar calendar month of Dhul-Hujjah for the greater hajj (Pilgrimage, Hajj). For more details on Hajj, consult Volume 2 of this series.
The Family of Amran: 3:95–97
Say: God speaks the truth and one should follow the guidance of Abraham, who was upright in his nature and was not a polytheist. Indeed, the very first house of worship ever built for mankind is at Bakkah [same as Mecca ( now Makkah], full of blessing, a guidance for the nations of the world, and full of insights and messages; a place where Abraham once stood. There is safety and inner peace for everyone who enters its precinct. Let it be known that Pilgrimage (to this house of worship in Mecca, Kabah) is an obligation that mankind owes to God, assuming she or he can afford and find a way to it. If anyone denies such graces of God, let them know that God is not in need of anything from anyone in the entire world.
Note:
Verse 6:79 quoted above and also repeated here—“Indeed, I have accepted and oriented myself wholly to the Originator of the Universe and the Earth, being truthful and I do not associate anything or anyone with the divine God”—is recited at the beginning of Muslim prayers each day as the faithful stand up to worship God and are reminded of the awe-inspiring feeling expressed by Abraham about his personal and deep realization that God is bigger than the sun, the stars, and beyond and is unblemished from all false deities and godlessness that exist.