Hazrat brahim (Abraham)

brahim (Abraham)

Ibrahim A (Abraham) was a Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God), who is respected equally in all the three major religions of the world - Islam, Christianity and Judaism. All of these three religions emerged from the Middle East. Rusul (Messengers) of Islam, Christianity and Judaism were all from the family of Ibrahim A (Abraham). And We bestowed on him [Ibrahim (Abraham)], Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), and We ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) (to Musa – Moses), the Injil (Gospel) (to “Isa – Jesus), and the Qur-an (to Muhammad S), all from the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham)], and We granted him reward in this world; and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous. Surah (Chapter) Al-Ankabut (The Spider)   The Qur-an 29:27 Ibrahim A (Abraham) was born in a place called Ur in 'Iraq. People of Ur used to worship stars and idols. Azar, the father of Ibrahim A (Abraham) was a carpenter, who used to make wooden idols of gods for worship. Ibrahim A (Abraham) was always searching for the true God to worship. Eventually he found the truth and became a believer in Allah (God). Even in his childhood, Ibrahim A (Abraham) never worshipped idols. He knew that the idols were made by people like his father and was convinced that worshipping idols was wrong. He tried to reason with them that those idols can not hear, speak or do any thing; then how could they grant their wishes or help them in times of trouble? He tried to tell them not to follow wrong traditions of their forefathers and seek refuge in Allah (God) – Lord of the universe And recite to them the story of Ibrahim (Abraham) When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?” They said” We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.” He said: “Do they hear you, when you call on (them)?” “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” They said: “(Nay) but we found our fathers doing so.” He said: “Do you observe that which you have been worshipping - “You and your ancient fathers? Verily they are enemies to me, save the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists), “Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me.   “And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. “And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again). “And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of  Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection). Surah (Chapter) Ash -Shu’ara” (The Poets) The Qur-an 26:69-82 Ibrahim A (Abraham) knew that his father was wrong by worshipping idols. His father became very angry at him, when he requested him to stop the wrong practice. He threatened to punish his son severely. 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 (Chapter) Maryam (Mary) The Qur-an 19:46 Ibrahim A (Abraham) knew that his father and people like him would not listen to him. Still, he prayed to Allah (God) for his forgiveness. Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily He is unto me Ever Most Gracious. Surah (Chapter) Maryam (Mary) The Qur-an 19:47 Ibrahim A (Abraham) prayed for his father but he realized that his father was an enemy of Allah (God) and parted ways with him. “And Ibrahim’s (Abraham) invoking (of Allah) for his father’s forgiveness was  only because of a promise he [Ibrahim (Abraham)] had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him [Ibrahim (Abraham)] that he (his father) is an  enemy of Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Verily Ibrahim (Abraham)  was Awwah (one who invokes Allah with humility, glorifies Him and remembers  Him much) and was forbearing.” Surah (Chapter) At-Taubah (The Repentance) The Qur-an 9:114 Ibrahim A (Abraham) had the responsibility to bring his people to the Path of Allah (God). He vowed to destroy all idols of his village. “And by Allah, I shall plot a plan (to destroy) your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:57 Once, people of his town had gone to a fair. Ibrahim A (Abraham) got inside the main temple of his town, when no one saw him going inside the temple. Ibrahim A (Abraham) smashed all the idols of the temple with a hammer, except the biggest idol of that temple, and placed the hammer on its shoulder.  So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it. Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:58 When people of his town returned from the fair, they were shocked to see their idols broken. They immediately suspected Ibrahim A (Abraham), because he always preached against idol-worship. They said: “Who has done this to our alihah (gods)? He must be indeed be one of the Zalimun (wrong-doers).” They said: “We heard a young man talking against them, who is called Ibrahim (Abraham).” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:59-60 They summoned Ibrahim A (Abraham) to enquire about their broken idols. They said: “Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify.” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:61 Ibrahim A (Abraham) came to the. They asked him whether he was the one that had broken their idols. Ibrahim A (Abraham) told them that they should ask their idols about the incident. By looking at the scene it seemed as if the largest idol had done that since there was a hammer on its shoulder. The people of his town said that idols could not speak or tell stories, nor could they move to cause damage to other idols. Then they turned to themselves (their first thought and said): “Indeed you [Ibrahim (Abraham)] know well that these (idols) speak not!” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:65 Ibrahim A (Abraham) asked them that since these idols could not speak, nor move, nor could they save themselves, how can they harm or profit them. He further told them that these idols cannot fulfill their wishes either, because they do not have any powers. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: Do you then worship besides Allah, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you? “Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:66-67 People from the town of Ibrahim A (Abraham) did not like it and got furious by his answer. They decided to punish Ibrahim A (Abraham) by burning him alive. They said: “Burn him and help your alihah (gods), if you will be doing.” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:68 They made a large fire and threw Ibrahim A (Abraham) in it, but Allah (God) protected him. We (Allah) said: “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim  (Abraham)!” Surah (Chapter) Al-Anbiya” (The Messengers) The Qur-an 21:70 Ibrahim A (Abraham) continued spreading the word of Allah (God). Once, Ibrahim A (Abraham) went to the court of the king of his land. Because of his power, the King thought that he had control over life and death. Ibrahim A (Abraham) told him that only Allah (God) controls life and death. The kind did not agree with Ibrahim A (Abraham). To prove his point, he called two people of his court and got one of them killed and allowed the other one to go. The King told Ibrahim A (Abraham) that he had proven that he controls life and death, not Allah (God); as he gave death to one and life to the other person. Ibrahim A (Abraham) gave him a simple task to actually prove the same point. He told the King that Allah (God) makes the sun rise from east every day; can he make the sun rise from west just once? The King did not have any answer to that. Have you not looked at him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about His  Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim  (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes  death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah brings the sun from the east;  then bring it you from the west.” So the unbeliever was utterly defeated. And  Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers). Surah (Chapter) Al-Baqarah (The Cow) The Qur-an 2:258 Ibrahim A (Abraham) began spreading the message of Allah (God) among his people, but they did not agree with him and wanted him to leave their town.  Ibrahim A (Abraham) migrated (Made Hijrah) from Ur, with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lut A (Lot), also a Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God). Ibrahim A (Abraham) stayed in Filastin (Palestine) for some time before moving to Misr (Egypt) to spread the Message of Allah (God). In the beginning the King of Misr (Egypt) tried to misbehave with his family, but when he found out that Ibrahim A (Abraham) was a Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God), he repented and sent his daughter Hajar (Hagar) to serve him. Ibrahim A (Abraham) and his wife Sarah did not have any child after many years of their marriage. Sarah asked Ibrahim A (Abraham) to marry Hajar (Hagar), to get an heir. Soon after their marriage, Hajar (Hagar) gave birth to a son Isma'il A (Ishmael). Sarah still did not have any child of her own. She began to feel uncomfortable in living with Hajar (Hagar) and her son Isma'il A (Ishmael). One day Sarah told Ibrahim A (Abraham) that she did not want to live with Hajar (Hagar) and her son Isma'il A (Ishmael), any more. Allah (God) commanded Ibrahim A (Abraham) to take Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) to a far away place. After a long journey, they arrived at the valley of Makkah in Arabia. That was a very hostile place and the valley was completely barren. The valley of Makkah was on the route of caravans that traveled between Sham (Syria) and Yaman (Yemen), but did not stop there because there was no water or vegetation in that area. No one lived there because the area was inhabitable. Ibrahim A (Abraham) told Hajar (Hagar) that he is leaving them in the valley of Makkah to fulfill the wish of Allah (God). He prayed for the safety of Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) before returning. He prayed to Allah (God) to look after his family before he embarked on his return journey. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform As-Salah (Iqamat-as-Salah). So fill some hears among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. Surah (Chapter) Ibrahim (Abraham) The Qur-an 14:37 Ibrahim A (Abraham) returned to Misr (Egypt) after leaving some food and water for Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael). The supply of water exhausted some time after Ibrahim A (Abraham) went back to Sarah. When infant Isma'il A (Ishmael) got very thirsty, his mother Hajar (Hagar) went in search of water. She put Isma'il A (Ishmael) on ground and ran atop a hillock to locate water. When she could not see any source of water from there, she ran down and climbed another nearby hillock. She ran between these two hills several times but could not locate any source of water within the visible distance. In desperation, Hajar (Hagar) prayed to Allah (God) for help. Allah (God) sent Jibril A (Gabriel), a Malak (Angel) to help them, and made the spring of Zamzam to appear there. Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) settled near the Zamzam well, in the valley of Makkah. As time went by, they began serving the caravans which passed through that area. The valley of Makkah became a popular stop for the caravans because of water. With time, nomadic tribes, which usually roamed in search of water, settled down near Zamzam. This was the beginning of the city of Makkah.  Muslims commemorate the Sa’i (Attempt) of Hajar (Hagar) in finding water for her son Isma’il A (Ishmael) as a key ritual to Hajj (Pilgrimage to the Ka’bah) and ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage to the Ka’bah); by running between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. Back in Misr (Egypt), Sarah gave birth to Ishaq A (Isaac) when she was quite old. Allah (God) sent Mala”ikah (Angels) to give Ibrahim A (Abraham) the good news of his second son. Has the story reached you, of the honored guests [three angels; Jibril (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him and said: “Salam, (peace be upon you)!” He answered: “Salam, (peace be upon you),” and said: “You are a people unknown to me.” Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): “Will you not eat?” Then he conceived fear of them (when they ate not). They said: “Fear not.” And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge (about Allah and His religion of True Monotheism). Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: “A barren old woman!” They said: “Even says so your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower.” Surah (Chapter) Adh Dhariyat (The Winds that Scatter) The Qur-an 51:24-30 Although Ibrahim A (Abraham) had another son Ishaq A (Isaac); he was always worried about Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) and always prayed to Allah (God) for their well being. Finally, he decided to visit his family; he had left in the valley of Makkah many years ago. He thanked Allah (God) when he found Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) living there happily. After his first trip to his family in a long time, Ibrahim A (Abraham) continued to visit them in Makkah. During several such trips to Makkah, Ibrahim A (Abraham) constructed the Ka'bah with the help of his elder son Isma'il A (Ishmael). And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) and (his son) Isma’il (Ishmael) were  raising the foundations of the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah), (saying), “Our } Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer,  the All-Knower.” Surah (Chapter) Al-Baqarah (The Cow) The Qur-an 2:127 Allah (God) told Ibrahim A (Abraham) about the site for the construction of the Ka'bah. And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim (Abraham) the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) –  Islamic Monotheism], and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it,  and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow (submit themselves  with humility and obedience to Allah), and make prostration (in prayer);” Surah (Chapter) Al Hajj (The Pilgrimage) The Qur-an 22:26 Ibrahim A (Abraham) and Isma’il A (Ishmael) prayed to Allah (God) after constructing the Ka'bah for the people of Makkah.     “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocations by sending Muhammad S), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islamic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood), and purify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” Surah (Chapter) Al-Baqarah (The Cow) The Qur-an 2:129 After his visits to Makkah, Ibrahim A (Abraham) used to return to his first wife Sarah and his younger son Ishaq A (Isaac). He came to settle down at Makkah with Hajar (Hagar) and Isma'il A (Ishmael), after Sarah died. His younger son Ishaq A (Isaac) had grown up by then.  Once, while Ibrahim A (Abraham) was living in Makkah, he saw a dream that Allah (God) wanted him to sacrifice his son Isma'il A (Ishmael), who being his elder son was very dear to him. Being an obedient servant of Allah (God), he without any hesitation, decided to sacrifice Isma'il A (Ishmael). Ibrahim A (Abraham) told Isma'il A (Ishmael) about his decision, who readily agreed for it. He was also glad to know that he was chosen by his Lord, Allah (God) for the sacrifice. Ibrahim A (Abraham) took Isma'il A (Ishmael) near the hill of Marwah for performing the sacrifice. Ibrahim A (Abraham) and Isma'il A (Ishmael) both got ready for the sacrifice. Allah (God) saved Isma'il A (Ishmael) in time and replaced him with a ram. Allah (God) rewarded both of them for their steadfastness and total submission and faithfulness to Him.   And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah). So look what you think! He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha” Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of As-Sabirun (the patient).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); We called out to him: “O Ibrahim (Abraham)! You have fulfilled the dream!” Verily thus do we reward the Muhsinin (ggod-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations. “Salam (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!” Surah (Chapter) As-Saffat (Those Ranged in Ranks) The Qur-an 37:102-109 Muslims remember this great sacrifice all over the world and sacrifice animals to commemorate the event during ‘Id-al-Adh-ha  (The Festival of Sacrifice) each year. This sacrifice is done in the month of Dhul Hijjah (Twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar). Ibrahim A (Abraham) was especially blessed by Allah (God), for coming out successfully from severe tests that He subjected him to. And (remember) when the Lord of Ibrahim (Abraham) [i.e. Allah] tried him with  (certain) commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), “Verily, I am  going to make you an Imam (a leader) for mankind (to follow you).” [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said, “And of my offspring (to make leaders).” (Allah) said, “My  Covenant (Prophethood) includes not Zalimun (Polytheists and wrong-doers).” Surah (Chapter) Al-Baqarah (The Cow) The Qur-an 2:124 Allah (God) amply rewarded Ibrahim A (Abraham) for his obedience. And We bestowed on him [Ibrahim (Abraham)], Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya’qub, and We ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) (to Musa – Moses), the Injeel (Gospel) (to ‘Isa – Jesus), and the Qur’an (to Muhammad S), all from the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham)], and We granted him his reward in this world; and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous. Surah (Chapter) Al-‘Ankabut (The Spider) The Qur-an 29:27 Isma'il A (Ishmael) and Ishaq A (Isaac) both sons of Ibrahim A (Abraham), became Rusul (Messengers) of Allah (God). Ya'qub A (Jacob), the grandson of Ibrahim A (Abraham) from his younger son Ishaq A  (Isaac) also became a Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God). A large number of Rusul (Messengers) come from his family as a result of Allah’s (God) pleasure with him. There were two branches of his family from both of his sons: Isma'il A (Ishmael) Elder son of Ibrahim A (Abraham) Descendants of Isma'il A (Ishmael) settled in Arabia. Quraysh and other Arab tribes were from his family. Muhammad S, the last Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God), was a direct descendant of Isma'il A (Ishmael). Ishaq A (Isaac) Younger son of Ibrahim A (Abraham) His son Ya'qub A (Jacob) was also a Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God). Ya'qub A (Jacob) was also known as Isra'il. Many other Rusul (Messengers) of Allah (God) were his descendants. Yusuf A (Joseph), Musa A (Moses), Dawud A (David), Yahya A (John), Sulayman A (Solomon) and 'Isa A   (Jesus) were from his family. All Rusul (Messengers) of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism were from the family of Ibrahim A (Abraham). Millions of Muslims visit the Ka’bah constructed by Ibrahim A (Abraham) with the help of his elder son Isma'il A (Ishmael), to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to the Ka'bah) every year in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims also flock to the Ka’bah throughout the year for performing ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage to the Ka’bah). Allah (God) has made Hajj (Pilgrimage to the Ka'bah) a Fard (Compulsory) for every Muslim once in their life-time, if they can afford the expenses and the rigors of the journey. In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whoever enters it, he attains security. And whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Surah (Chapter) Al ‘Imran (The Family of ‘Imran) The Qur-an 3:97 Ibrahim A (Abraham) also received a Book from Allah (God), with the same Message that other Rusul (Messengers) including Muhammad S, had received. Verily, We have sent the revelation to you (O Muhammad S) as We sent the revelation to Nuh (Noah) and the Prophets after him; We (also) sent the revelation to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and Al-Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], ‘Isa (Jesus), Ayyub (Job), Yunus (Jonah), Harun (Aaron), and Sulayman (Solomon); and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms). Surah (Chapter) An-Nisa” (The Woman) The Qur-an 4:163 Allah (God) commanded Muhammad S to follow the religion of Ibrahim A (Abraham). Then, We have sent the revelation to you (O Muhammad S saying): “Follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Hanif (Islamic Monotheism – to worship none but Allah) and he was not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters and disbelievers). Surah (Chapter) An-Nahl (The Bee) The Qur-an 16:123