2. THE PROPHET ABRAHAM

2. THE PROPHET ABRAHAM
(IBRAHIM)
He is known as Khalil ar-Rahman (The Beloved Friend of God). His eldest son was Ismail (Ishmael) and his second son was Ishaq (Isaac), both prophets. From their descendants came the majority of Prophets and Messengers.
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Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Praise be to Allah, who has granted to me in my old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication.” (Qur’an 14:39) Allah chose him to deliver His message.
The Prophet Abraham was living in a community of polytheists. They were idolaters who worshipped the stars and hand-made idols.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, ‘Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error.’
And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].
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So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, ‘This is my lord.’ But when it set, he said, ‘I like not those that disappear.’ 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.’” (Qur’an 6:74-79)
He was not happy with what he witnessed from his people. He sensed that there had to be a God who was greater than what his people worshipped. He knew that these idols did not have the power to offer any benefit or harm! Abraham would frequently argue with his people using logical arguments as to why these idols did not deserve any reverence.
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He said, as God tells us:
“And recite to them the news of Abraham, When he said to his father and his people, ‘What do you worship?’
They said, ‘We worship idols and remain to them devoted.’ He said, ‘Do they hear you when you supplicate? Or do they benefit you, or do they bring harm?’
They said, ‘But we found our fathers doing thus.’ He said, ‘Then do you see what you have been worshipping, You and your ancient forefathers? Indeed, they are enemies to me, except the Lord of the worlds, Who created me, and He [it is who] guides me. And it is He who feeds me and gives me drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And who will cause me to die and then bring me to life. And who I aspire that He will forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense.’ [And he said], ‘My Lord, grant me authority and join me with the righteous.’” (Qur’an 26:69-83)
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The Prophet Abraham continued calling his people to the path of Allah, to believe in the Oneness of God and to leave aside all that they worshipped. But they rejected his message and even tried to kill him, but Allah saved him.
Allah tells us about this, saying:
“He said, ‘Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?’ They said, ‘Burn him and support your gods – if you are to act.’ Allah said, ‘O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.’
And they intended for him harm, but We made them the greatest losers.” (Qur’an 21: 66-70)
After continuous preaching, God ordained that the Prophet Abraham take his wife, Hajar, and their son, Ismail, to Makkah. There, God ordained that he build the Ka’bah.
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From the Prophet Ismail’s progeny came the final prophet of God, the Prophet Muhammad, who was sent to all of mankind.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And [mention] when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.’ [Allah] said, ‘And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little. Then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination.’
And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing. Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance.
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Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise  .’”(Qur’an 2:126-129)
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