Nabi Ibrahim

Abraham grew up among pagans in the land of Babylon; his father, Azar, was even a statue maker. The Qur'an immortalizes his contemplation: when night fell he saw the stars, then the moon, then the sun — and each time what he saw set, he said, "I do not like that which sets." Until he vowed to turn his face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth straight (hanif).

Abraham destroyed the idols of his people and left the biggest one, so that they would ask him questions. When asked, he answered, "Ask the big statue!" — silence them with their own common sense. Losing their argument, they resorted to violence: "Burn him!" So Allah said, "O fire, be cool and safety for Ibrahim." He emerged from the fire unharmed. In front of the king of Namrud who claimed to give life and death, Ibrahim challenged, "Allah raises the sun from the east, so it rises from the west" - and the disbelievers were silent.

Ibrahim emigrated to leave his country for the sake of Allah. In his old age he was blessed with Ishmael from Hajar, then Ishaq from Sarah - good news brought by angels. On Allah's orders he placed Hajar and Ismail in the barren valley of Mecca, while praying that Allah would make people's hearts inclined towards them and provide sustenance from fruit. Ibrahim's prayers adorn the Qur'an: asking for a safe country, descendants who can pray, and the sending of an apostle from his children and grandchildren - a prayer that was answered with the sending of Muhammad ﷺ.

When Ismail grew older, Ibrahim dreamed of slaughtering him — and the dreams of the prophets were revelations. He conveyed it to the son, who answered with astonishing faith: "O my father, do what you are commanded; God willing, you will find me among those who are patient." When both of them had surrendered and Ibrahim laid his son down, Allah called, "Truly you have justified the dream," then redeemed him with a large sacrifice. This event is immortalized by Muslims every Eid al-Adha.

Together with Ismail, Ibrahim raised the foundations of the Baitullah while praying, "Our Lord, accept it from us; indeed, You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing." He was ordered to call people to perform Hajj. Allah made him a priest for all mankind, His beloved (khalilullah), and the father of the prophets: from Ismail was born the line of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, from Ishaq the prophets of the Children of Israel were born. Islam is called millah Ibrahim - the religion of straight monotheism.

Ibrahim exemplified total monotheism: daring to face father, people, king, and fire for the sake of truth; Surrender your family and beloved children to Allah's command. Every rakat of prayer these people pray for him — a sign of how great his position is.

Ibrahim politely invited his father, Azar, to leave idol worship, "O my father, why do you worship something that doesn't hear, doesn't see, and can't help you in the slightest? Follow me, I will show you the straight path." His father actually threatened to stone him. Ibrahim answered softly, "May peace be upon you, I will ask my God for forgiveness for you." He relinquished himself only after it became clear that his father was an enemy of God.

Ibrahim begged his heart to become more steadfast, "O my Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." Allah asked, "Don't you believe yet?" He answered, "I have believed, but that my heart may be calm." So he was ordered to take four birds, cut them up, and place the pieces on some hills, then call them — the birds came immediately. This is a lesson that true faith does not reject arguments, but even seeks them for peace.

The angels stopped by in the form of guests and Ibrahim immediately served them a roast calf. When they did not touch him, he felt afraid, but they reassured him and told him the happy news of the birth of Ishaq, a pious child. His old wife laughed in surprise. They also reported that they had been sent to destroy Luth's people, and Ibrahim argued for the safety of the people because of his kind nature.

Ibrahim closed his life as a straight imam, neither Jew nor Christian, but a Hanif Muslim. Allah enshrined his testament of monotheism to his children, "O my children, indeed Allah has chosen this religion for you, so do not die unless you are Muslim." He is called khalilullah — beloved of Allah — and his name is immortalized in every prayer of Muhammad's ﷺ prayer.