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{{religious text primary|date=December 2012}} | |||
{{Main|Abraham}} | |||
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'''Ibrahim''' ({{lang-ar-at|a=إبراهيم|t=ʾIbrāhīm}}, {{IPA-ar|ʔibraːˈhiːm|pron}}), known as ''']''' in the ], is recognized in ] as a ] and ] <ref>{{Cite quran|87|19|s=ns}}</ref><ref name=bbc>{{cite web|last=Ibrahim|first=the Muslim view of Abraham|title=Prophet Ibrahim|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/ibrahim.shtml|work=Dr Mona Siddiqui|publisher=BBC - Religion|accessdate=3 February 2013}}</ref> of ] (]: ] ''{{transl|ar|DIN|Allāh}}'') and ] of many peoples.<ref>{{Cite quran|19|41|s=ns}}</ref> In ] belief, ] fulfilled all the commandments and trials which ] tried him with over his lifetime. As a result of his unwavering faith in God, Abraham was promised by God to be a leader to all the nations of the world.<ref name="q2s124">{{Cite quran|2|124|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham embodies the type of the perfect Muslim and the ] mentions Abraham as a model for mankind.<ref>{{Cite quran|16|120|s=ns}}</ref> In this sense, Abraham has been described as representing "primordial man in universal surrender to the Divine Reality before its fragmentation into religions separated from each other by differences in form".<ref>''Concise Encyclopedia of Islam'', C. Glasse, pg. 18</ref> The Islamic holy day ] is celebrated in memory of the bravery of Abraham, and Muslims perform the pilgrimage to pay homage at the ] which Abraham had set up and reformed.<ref>''Concise Encyclopedia of Islam'', C. Glasse, ''Kaaba''</ref> | |||
Muslims believe that the prophet Abraham became the leader of the righteous in his time and it was through him that the people of both ] and ] came. Abraham, in the belief of Islam, was instrumental in cleansing the world of idolatry at the time. ] was cleared out by Abraham in both Arabia and ]. He spiritually purified both places as well as physically sanctifying the houses of worship. Abraham and ] (]) further established the rites of ],<ref>{{Cite quran|2|128|s=ns}}</ref> or '']'', which are still followed by Muslims today. Muslims maintain that Abraham further asked God to bless both the lines of his progeny, of ] (Ishmael) and ] (Isaac), and to keep all of his descendants in the protection of God. | |||
==Family== | |||
]s maintain that Abraham's father was '''Azar''' ({{lang-ar-at|a=ازر|t=Āzar}}),<ref>{{cite web|last=Prophet|first=Ibrahim|title=Father|url=http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/ibrahim.htm|publisher=Islamicity|accessdate=31 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ibrahim|first=Prophet|title=Father|url=http://www.haqislam.org/prophet-ibrahim-1/|publisher=Haq Islam|accessdate=31 January 2013}}</ref> who is known in the ] as ]. Commentators and scholars believed that Abraham himself had many children, but ] (]) and ] (]) were the only two who became prophets. Abraham's two wives are believed to have been ] and ] (]), the latter of whom was originally Sarah's ].<ref>Lings, Martin. "Muhammad". ''House of God'' Chap. I (cf. Index: "Abraham"), Suhail Academy Co.</ref> Abraham's nephew is said to have been the prophet ] (]), who was one of the other people who migrated with Abraham out of their community. Abraham himself is said to have been of ] ], being a descendant of ] (]) through his son ].<ref>"Ibrahim". ''Encylcopedia of Islam'', Online version.</ref> | |||
==Historical narrative in Islam== | |||
{{Islam}} | |||
Note: ''This is a brief summary of the main events of Abraham's life as recognized in Islam'' | |||
] (1648–1733)]] | |||
], ] and ], imagined here in a ] illustration from 1897; Muslims maintain that Hagar was taken as Abraham's wife, which is mentioned also in Genesis 16:3 but not as a slave or concubine as noted in the Judeo-Christian tradition.]] | |||
Abraham was appointed by God to eliminate all ] at the time, and to convey the pure message of Islam to the people. God granted Abraham wisdom in his childhood and Abraham remained in a high spiritual position till the day of his death. | |||
===Preaching to his father=== | |||
Although the Quran makes no mention of the birth of Abraham, as it does of ] (]), the earliest incident involving Abraham is his preaching to his father, Azar, who in ] tradition is known as Terah. As a father, Azar required his son's most sincere advice. Abraham, after receiving his first ]s from God, invited his father to the way of Islam. Abraham explained to him the faults in idolatry,<ref>{{Cite quran|19|44|s=ns}}</ref> and why he was wrong to worship objects which could neither hear nor see.<ref>{{Cite quran|19|42|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham told his father that he had indeed received revelations from God, knowledge which his father did not possess,<ref>{{Cite quran|19|43|s=ns}}</ref> and told him that belief in God would grant him immense rewards in both this life and the ]. Abraham concluded his preaching by warning Azar of the grave punishment he would face if he did not mend his ways.<ref>{{Cite quran|19|45|s=ns}}</ref> When Abraham offered his father the guidance and advice of God, he rejected it, and threatened to ] him to death.<ref name="q19s46">{{Cite quran|19|46|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham prayed for his father<ref>{{Cite quran|19|47|s=ns}}</ref> to be forgiven by God, and although he continued to seek forgiveness,it was only because of a promise that he had made earlier to him. When it became clear that Azar's unrelenting hatred towards pure ] would never be fought, Abraham dissociated himself from him.<ref>{{Cite quran|9|114|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
===Thrown into fire=== | |||
The Quran makes it clear that the people of Abraham were idolaters. When Abraham became older, he decided to finally teach his community a lesson. He told his people that he had a plan for their idols, while they would be away.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|57|s=ns}}</ref> The Quran goes on to narrate that Abraham subsequently broke the idols, all except the largest, which he kept intact.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|58|s=ns}}</ref> When the people returned, they began questioning each other over the wreckage, until some of the people remembered that the youth, Abraham, had spoken of the idols earlier.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|60|s=ns}}</ref> When Abraham arrived, the people immediately began to question him, asking him whether he had anything to do with the broken idols. Abraham then, in a clever taunt, asked the people as to why they don't ask the largest of the idols, which, they believed, could indeed hear and speak.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|63|s=ns}}</ref> The people of Abraham were then confounded with shame, and admitted that the idols were incapable of anything.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|65|s=ns}}</ref> Although Abraham's people admitted their fault, they are said to have ignored Abraham's warning and instead retaliated by throwing him into a fire and exclaiming "protect your gods".<ref>{{Cite quran|21|68|s=ns}}</ref> Although the natural nature of fire is one of intense heat, God commanded the flame to be cool and peaceful for Abraham.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|69|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham, as a result, remained unhurt both physically and spiritually, having survived the fire of persecution. The people continued to taunt and persecute him, but to no result, as the Quran says that it was they "that lost most".<ref>{{Cite quran|21|70|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
===Argument with ruler=== | |||
After the idol wrecking incident, Abraham had an argument with an unjust ruler, who claimed lordship for himself.<ref>{{Cite quran|2|258|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham, guided by God, showed the king the falsehood of his argument, but he continued to disbelieve and refused to accept Abraham's message. Abraham then left his people for good, with his believing nephew Lot and his wife, and all were directed towards the blessed land.<ref>{{Cite quran|29|26|s=ns}}</ref> As Sarah was ], Abraham had a second wife, Hagar, as a result, bore Ishmael, who was Abraham's first son. ] had also subsequently been made a prophet by God, but he was ordered to leave Abraham's household and was sent to the land of ], to preach against the sins of the people there. | |||
===Command of sacrifice=== | |||
] | |||
When Abraham's son became a youth, Abraham was given the command to ] his son.<ref name="q37s102">{{Cite quran|37|102|s=ns}}</ref> This was a tremendous trial for the patriarch as his only son was being asked to be offered to God. When Abraham, however, told his son about his revelation, his son readily accepted his father's order.<ref name="q37s102"/> This clearly showed Abraham that his son was as devoted to God as he was. Then, when Abraham lay his son down, upon his forehead,<ref>{{Cite quran|37|103|s=ns}}</ref> and was about to sacrifice him and offer him up, a voice called out to him, telling him that he had fulfilled the vision<ref>{{Cite quran|37|105|s=ns}}</ref> and had passed the test of God successfully. Abraham was then rewarded with a momentous sacrifice,<ref>{{Cite quran|37|107|s=ns}}</ref> which is usually believed to have been a ], ] or sheep. One thing of note is that the name of the son is not given in the Quran, but most Muslims accept that it was Ishmael, rather than Isaac, because the following passages discuss the birth of Isaac. | |||
===Annunciation of a grandson=== | |||
As Ishmael had gone to Arabia, where he grew up to become a prophet and the patriarch of the ], Abraham was concerned over who would continue his legacy in the land of Canaan. God sent Abraham and Sarah glad tidings of the birth of a second son, Isaac, who too would be a righteous prophet like Ishmael.<ref name="q19s54"/><ref>{{Cite quran|6|86|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|6|89|s=ns|b=n}}</ref><ref name="q37s112">{{Cite quran|37|112|s=ns}}</ref> ]s ('']''), who had been sent to the people of Lot, first went to Abraham's household. Abraham, not knowing that they were angels, prepared for them a fat, roasted ],<ref name="q11s69">{{Cite quran|11|69|s=ns}}</ref> but - to his shock - they refused to eat. The angels, however, told Abraham to fear not and told him that they had been sent to the people of his nephew.<ref>{{Cite quran|11|70|s=ns}}</ref> They further told him about the good news of the birth of a son as well as the birth of a grandson, whose name would be ] (]).<ref>{{Cite quran|11|71|s=ns}}</ref> Sarah clasped her head, and exclaimed - in her amusement, joy and surprise - as to how she should have a son, being old like her husband.<ref>{{Cite quran|11|72|s=ns}}</ref> The angels told them that, for God, all things are easy.<ref>{{Cite quran|11|73|s=ns}}</ref> One thing to note is that the Quranic account of the annunciation of Isaac's birth differs sharply from the ] narrative, which states that three angels all came in human form to Abraham's household and ate. | |||
===Building of the Kaaba=== | |||
Abraham, in his later years, was commanded by God to set up the holy house of ] in ], with his first son Ishmael, which became known as the ].<ref>{{Cite quran|2|124|e=141|s=ns}}</ref><ref>{{cite quran|3|95|e=97|s=ns}}</ref> God made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael,<ref>{{Cite quran|2|125|s=ns}}</ref> that they should sanctify the Kabba, as a holy place of ], where all people in the future could retreat to prostrate themselves to God. Abraham then prayed for Mecca, saying "My Lord, make this a city of Peace...".<ref name="q2s126">{{Cite quran|2|126|s=ns}}</ref> God answered, saying that the believers would be rewarded but all evil men would be punished.<ref name="q2s126"/> Abraham then spent the last years of his life teaching his sons as well as his grandson Jacob. Muslim tradition records that Abraham lived with Isaac but frequently visited Ishmael in Arabia, contact between the family as a whole is suggested even in the Biblical tradition particularly in Abraham's funeral in the ].<ref>{{Bibleverse||Genesis|25:8-25:9|}}</ref> Abraham died peacefully in old age, with God leaving Abraham's legacy as an example for the generations to come. | |||
==Miracles== | |||
Abraham encountered several miracles of God during his lifetime. The Quran records a few main miracles, although different interpretations have been attributed to the passages. Some of the miracles recorded in the Quran are: | |||
* Abraham was shown the kingdom of the ]s and the ].<ref>{{cite quran|6|75|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
* Abraham and the miracle of the birds.<ref name="q2s260">{{cite quran|2|260|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
* Abraham was thrown into a fire, which became "cool" and "peaceful" for him.<ref>{{Cite quran|21|68|e=70|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
The first passage has been interpreted both literally, allegorically and otherwise. Although some commentators feel that this passage referred to a physical miracle, where Abraham was physically shown the entire kingdom of Heaven (]),<ref>''The Book of Certainty'', M. Lings, S. Academy Publishing</ref> others have felt that it refers to the spiritual understanding of Abraham; these latter scholars maintain that the ] were skilled in the observance of the stars, but Abraham, who lived amongst them, saw beyond the physical world and into a higher spiritual realm. The second passage has one mainstream interpretation amongst the ], that Abraham took four birds and cut them up, placing pieces of each on nearby hills; when he called out to them, each piece joined and four birds flew back to Abraham.<ref>''Stories of the Prophets'', Kisa'i/Kathir, ''Story of Abraham''</ref> This miracle, as told by the Quranic passage, was a demonstration by God to show Abraham how God gave life to the dead. As the physical cutting of the birds is not implied in the passage, some commentators have offered alternative interpretations, but all maintain that the miracle was for the same demonstrative purpose to show Abraham the power God has to raise the dead to life.<ref>Quran: Text, Translation, Commentary, ''Abdullah Yusuf Ali'', note. 285</ref> The third passage has also been interpreted both literally and metaphorically, or in some cases both. Commentators state that the 'fire' refers to main aspects. They maintained that, firstly, the fire referred to the physical flame, from which Abraham was saved unharmed. The commentators further stated that, secondly, the fire referred to the 'fire of persecution', from which Abraham was saved, as he left his people after this with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lot.<ref>Quran: Text, Translation, Commentary, ''Abdullah Yusuf Ali'', note. 2703</ref> | |||
==Personality and wisdom== | |||
Abraham's personality and character is one of the most in-depth in the whole Quran, and Abraham is specifically mentioned as being a kind and compassionate man.<ref>{{Cite quran|11|75|s=ns}}</ref> Abraham's father is understood by all Muslims to have been a wicked, ignorant and idolatrous man who ignored all of his son's advice. The relationship between Abraham and his father, who in the Quran is named Azar, is central to Abraham's story as Muslims understand it to establish a large part of Abraham's personality. The Quran mentions that Abraham's father threatened to stone his son to death if he did not cease in preaching to the people.<ref name="q19s46"/> Despite this, the Quran states that Abraham in his later years prayed to God to forgive the sins of all his descendants and his parents. Muslims have frequently cited Abraham's character as an example of how kind one must be towards people, and especially one's own parents. A similar example of Abraham's compassionate nature is demonstrated when Abraham began to pray for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah after hearing of God's plan for them. Although God told Abraham that His plan was the final word, and therefore Abraham's prayers would be of no effect, the Quran nonetheless reinforces Abraham's kind nature through this particular event.<ref>''Lives of the Prophets'', L. Azzam, Suhail Academy Co.</ref> | |||
The Quran discusses a certain conversation between an unrighteous ruler and Abraham. Although identification for the unnamed king has been recognized as being least important in the narrative, many historical sources suggest that it was ],<ref>''History of the Prophets and Kings'', ], Vol. I: ''Prophets and Patriarchs''</ref> the king who had ordered the building of the ]. According to the narrative, the king became extremely arrogant due to his wealth and power, to the point that he made the claim that he possessed the power of ]. Claiming ] for himself, the king quarreled with Abraham but the Quran describes that he only deepened in confusion. According to the Quran, Abraham told the king that it is God who makes the sun rise and set everyday, which rendered the king confounded. This event has been noted as particularly important because, in the Muslim perspective, it almost foreshadowed the prophetic careers of future prophets, most significantly the career of Moses. Abraham's quarrel with the king has been interpreted by some to be a precursor to Moses's preaching to ]. Just as the ruler who argued against Abraham claimed divinity for himself, so did the ], who refused to hear the call of Moses and perished in the ]. In this particular incident, scholars have further commented on Abraham's wisdom in employing "rational, wise and target-oriented" speech, as opposed to pointless arguments.<ref>''Book 1: The Prophet Abraham'', Harun Yahya, ''The Unbeliever Advised By Abraham'', Online. web.</ref> | |||
Abraham, in the eyes of many Muslims, also symbolized the highest moral values essential to any person. The Quran details the account of the ]s coming to Abraham to tell him of the birth of Isaac. It says that, as soon as Abraham saw the messengers, he "hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf."<ref name="q11s69"/> This action has been interpreted by all the scholars as exemplary; many scholars have commentated upon this one action, saying that it symbolizes Abraham's exceedingly high moral level and thus is a model for how men should act in a similar situation. This incident has only further heightened the "compassionate" character of Abraham in ].<ref>''Book 1: The Prophet Abraham'', Harun Yahya, ''Angels Who Visited Abraham'', Online. web.</ref> | |||
==Title== | |||
===Khalilullah=== | |||
Abraham is given the title '''Khalilullah''' ({{lang-ar-at|a=خلیل الله|t=Ḵalīlullāḥ}}, ]: ''Friend of ]'') in Islam.<ref name=bbc /><ref>{{cite web|title=Title|url=http://www.answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Vol2/4a.html|publisher=Answering Islam|accessdate=1 February 2013}}</ref> The Quran says: | |||
{{Quote|Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to ], does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend.|Quran, sura 4 (]) ] 125<ref name="q4s125">{{Cite quran|4|125|s=ns}}</ref>}} | |||
This particular title of Abraham is so famous in ] and tradition that, in the areas in and around Mecca, Abraham is often referred to solely as ''The Friend''.<ref>''Mecca: From Before Genesis Until Now'', M. Lings. Archetype Books</ref> This title of ''Friend of God'' is not exclusive to Islamic theology. Although the other religious traditions do not stress upon it, Abraham is called a ''Friend of God'' in the second ] and the ] in the ] (])<ref>{{Bibleverse||Isaiah|41:8|}} and {{Bibleverse|2|Chronicles|20:7|}}</ref> as well as in the ].<ref>{{Bibleverse||James|2:23|}}</ref> | |||
==Abraham and the Kaaba== | |||
], which remains the most significant ] in Islam, is believed to have been constructed by Abraham and Ishmael.]] | |||
One of Abraham's most important features in Islamic ] is his role as the constructor of the Kabba. Although tradition recounts that ] constructed the original Kabba, which was demolished by the ] at the time of Noah, Abraham is believed to have rebuilt it in its original form. The Quran, in the Muslim perspective, merely confirms or reinforces the laws of pilgrimage. The rites were instituted by Abraham and for all Muslims, as they perform the pilgrimage, the event is a way to return to the perfection of Abraham's faith.<ref>''Mecca: From Before Genesis Until Now'', M. Lings, pg. 39, Archetype</ref> Just as ] is referred to as the "City of the Prophet " or simply the "City of Muhammad", Mecca is frequently cited as the "City of Abraham", because Abraham's reformation of the purified monotheistic faith took place purely in Mecca.<ref>''Concise Encyclopedia of Islam'', C. Glasse, ''Kaaba'', Suhail Academy</ref> | |||
==Scrolls of Abraham== | |||
{{Main|Scrolls of Abraham (Islam)}} | |||
The Quran refers to certain ], which have alternatively been translated as the ''Books of Abraham''. All Muslim scholars have generally agreed that no scrolls of Abraham survive, and therefore this is a reference to a lost body of scripture.<ref>''A-Z of Prophets in Islam and Judaism'', B. M. Wheeler, ''Abraham''</ref> The Scrolls of Abraham are understood by Muslims to refer to certain revelations Abraham received, which he would have then transmitted to writing. The exact contents of the revelation are not described in the Quran. | |||
The 87th chapter of the Quran, sura ], concludes saying the subject matter of the sura has been in the earlier scriptures of Abraham and Moses. It is slightly indicative of what were in the previous scriptures, according to Islam: | |||
{{quote|Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).<br>The admonition will be received by those who fear (Allah):<br>But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,<br>Who will enter the Great Fire,<br>In which they will then neither die nor live.<br>But those will prosper who purify themselves,<br>And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer.<br>Day (behold), ye prefer the life of this world;<br>But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.<br>And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation),-<br>The Books of Abraham and Moses.|Quran, sura 87 (Al-Ala), ayah 9-19 <ref>{{cite quran|87|9|e=19|s=ns}}</ref>}} | |||
Chapter 53 of the Quran, sura ], mentions some more subject matters of the earlier scriptures of Abraham and Moses. | |||
{{quote|Nay, is he not acquainted with what is in the ]-<br>And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements?-<br>Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;<br>That man can have nothing but what he strives for;<br>That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight:<br>Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;<br>That to thy Lord is the final Goal;<br>That it is He Who granteth Laughter and Tears;<br>That it is He Who granteth Death and Life;<br>That He did create in pairs,- male and female,<br>From a seed when lodged (in its place);<br>That He hath promised a Second Creation (]);<br>That it is He Who giveth wealth and satisfaction;<br>That He is the Lord of ] (the Mighty Star);<br>And that it is He Who destroyed the (powerful) ancient ] (people),<br>And the ] nor gave them a lease of perpetual life.<br>And before them, the people of Noah, for that they were (all) most unjust and most insolent transgressors,<br>And He destroyed the Overthrown Cities (of Sodom and Gomorrah).<br>So that (ruins unknown) have covered them up.<br>Then which of the gifts of thy Lord, (O man,) wilt thou dispute about?<br>This is a Warner, of the (series of) Warners of old!<br>The (Judgment) ever approaching draws nigh:<br>No (soul) but Allah can lay it bare.<br>Do ye then wonder at this recital?<br>And will ye laugh and not weep,-<br>Wasting your time in vanities?<br>But fall ye down in prostration to Allah, and adore (Him)!|Quran 53 (An-Najm), ] 36-62 <ref>{{cite quran|53|36|e=62|s=ns}}</ref>}} | |||
Yet some scholars{{By whom|date=March 2012}} suggested it to be a reference to ], as ] generally ascribed{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} its authorship to Abraham. Other scholars, however, wrote of a certain ], which they explained was available at the time of ].<ref>''Tafsir'' and Commentary on 87: 18-19 & 53: 36-37, Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Asad</ref> Both of these views are disputed because Sefer Yetzirah is a part of esoteric ], which ] much later in the 13th century, such scrolls or testaments should not have existed in the time of Muhammad for being referred to. And if those would have existed, according to clear instructions in the Quran and ], no verification should take place. | |||
The Quran contains numerous references to Abraham, his life, prayers and traditions and has a dedicated chapter named ]. Therefore verifying the scrolls of Abraham from other traditions, especially from Judaism has no basis. The ] was due to the alteration of all previous scriptures. On a relevant note, sura ] was revealed as an answer from God to the ] who inquired of Muhammad about past events. Here God directly instructed Muhammad in sura Al-Kahf, not to consult the Jews for verifying the three stories about which they inquired. | |||
{{quote|Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.| Quran, sura 18 (Al-Kahf), ayat 22 <ref>{{cite quran|18|22|s=ns}}</ref>}} | |||
The reason being God declaring He Himself is relating what needs to be verified in another verse of sura Al-Kahf: | |||
{{Quote|We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:|Quran, sura 18, (Al-Kahf), ayat 13<ref>{{Cite quran|18|13|s=ns}}</ref>}} | |||
Regarding consultation with the '']'', it is also narrated by ] in Hadith literature: | |||
{{Quote|Narrated Abu Huraira: The people of the Scripture (Jews) used to recite the ] in Hebrew and they used to explain it in Arabic to the Muslims. On that Allah's Apostle said, "Do not believe the people of the Scripture or disbelieve them, but say:-- "We believe in Allah and what is revealed to us."|]|'']'' <ref>{{Hadith-usc|bukhari|usc=yes|6|60|12}}</ref>}} | |||
Therefore relating to any ascription of the Scrolls of Abraham by the people of the book is not required. | |||
==Significance as a patriarch== | |||
{{Main|Ishmael in Islam|Isaac in Islam}} | |||
{{Six Islamic Prophets}} | |||
Abraham is also extremely important as a leader of Islam and as a patriarch of the Islamic faith. Muslims recognize Abraham as the ancestor through whom many other prophets and ]s ('']'') came, including Moses, ] (]) and Muhammad. The Quran lists, in the sixth chapter, some of the greatest figures to have through Abraham's progeny: | |||
{{quote|That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.<br>We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, ] and ] and ] and ] and Moses and ]: thus do We reward those who do good:<br>And ] and ], and Jesus and ]: all in the ranks of the righteous:<br>And Isma'il and ], and ], and Lot: and to all We gave favour above the nations:<br>(To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.|Quran, sura 6 (]), ayat 83-87<ref>{{cite quran|6|83|e=87|s=ns}}. See also ], ], ] and ]</ref>}} | |||
Abraham's narrative in the Quran indirectly refers to his role as one of the great patriarchs. The Quran says that God made Abraham "an ] to the Nations."<ref name="q2s124"/> and his narrative records him praying for his offspring.<ref>{{Cite quran|14|35|s=ns}}</ref> The Quran further states that Abraham's descendants were given "the Book and Wisdom,",<ref>{{Cite quran|4|54|s=ns}}</ref> and this fact is reinforced in a verse which states that Abraham's family was one of those in which the gift of ] was established as a generic trait.<ref>{{Cite quran|19|58|s=ns}}</ref> The Quran emphasizes upon Abraham's significance as it states that Abraham's family, Noah, Adam and the family of ] were the four selected by God above all the worlds.<ref>{{Cite quran|3|33|s=ns}}</ref> As a result of his significance as a patriarch, Abraham is sometimes given the misleading title ''Father of the Prophets'', which contradicts the teachings of the Quran, which establishes that many prophets, such as Noah, lived before Abraham. Of Abraham's immediate sons, the Quran repeatedly establishes the gifts God bestowed upon them. Ishmael, along with Elisha and ] (possibly ]), is regarded as being "of the Company of the Good."<ref>{{Cite quran|38|48|s=ns}}</ref> and one of the men who was given "favour above the nations."<ref>{{Cite quran|6|86|s=ns}}</ref> In addition, Ishmael is described as being "true to what he promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet."<ref name="q19s54">{{Cite quran|19|54|s=ns}}</ref> Likewise, the Quran says of Isaac that he was "of the company of the Elect and the Good."<ref>{{Cite quran|38|47|s=ns}}</ref> and was a "a prophet,- one of the Righteous."<ref name="q37s112"/> and further describes him as "of Power and Vision."<ref>{{Cite quran|38|45|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
===Prayers=== | |||
The Quran mentions several personal prayers of Abraham, each of which have been interpreted to be exemplary for Muslims who strive to get closer to God. Abraham himself spoke extremely highly of prayer and titled God as the "Hearer of Prayer!"<ref>{{Cite quran|14|39|s=ns}}</ref> and repeatedly prayed to God for wisdom and guidance. The following are some of Abraham's key prayers narrated in the Quran. | |||
* "O my Lord! bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous;<ref>{{Cite quran|26|83|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
* "Grant me honourable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations);<ref>{{Cite quran|26|84|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
* "Make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss;<br>"Forgive my father, for that he is among those astray;<br>"And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (men) will be raised up;- <br>"The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,<br>But only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart;".<ref>{{Cite quran|26|85|e=89|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
*"Our Lord! Make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord! for Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."<ref>{{Cite quran|60|5|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
*"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" <ref>{{Cite quran|37|100|s=ns}}</ref> | |||
===Commemoration=== | |||
Abraham is commemorated by all Muslims. As is the case with every prophet and apostle, it is Islamic custom to say "]" after saying Abraham's name. Abraham's unique position as the constructor of the Kabba as well as the establisher of the pilgrimage rites is indirectly commemorated when Muslims perform the pilgrimage, or Hajj, in Mecca. Muslims sacrifice ('']'') a domestic animal on Eid al-Adha, which is done in part to remember Abraham's bravery during his trial of the near-sacrifice of his son. Muslims further mention Abraham in their canonical prayer everyday, in which they ask God to bless Muhammad's family as He blessed Abraham's family. | |||
==Burial place== | |||
] | |||
Muslims believe that Abraham was buried, along with his wife Sarah, at the ] in ]. Known to Muslims as the ''Sanctuary of Abraham'' it is also thought to be the burial site of Isaac, his wife ] and Jacob and his wife ]. | |||
==Narrative in the Quran== | |||
{{Quran}} | |||
===References to Abraham in the Quran=== | |||
There are numerous references to Abraham in the Quran, including, twice, to the Scrolls of Abraham;<ref>{{Cite quran|87|18|e=19|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|53|36|e=37|s=ns|b=n}}</ref> in the latter passage, it is mentioned that Abraham "fulfilled his engagements?-",<ref>{{Cite quran|53|37|s=ns}}</ref> a reference to all the trials that Abraham had succeeded in. In a whole series of chapters, the Quran relates how Abraham preached to his community as a youth and how he specifically told his father, named Azar,<ref>{{Cite quran|6|74|s=ns}}</ref> to leave idol-worship and come to the ].<ref>{{Cite quran|37|83|e=89|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|26|68|e=89|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|19|41|e=50|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|43|26|e=28|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|21|51|e=73|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|29|16|e=28|b=n|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|6|74|e=84|b=n|s=ns}}</ref> Some passages of the Quran, meanwhile, deal with the story of how God sent angels to Abraham with the announcement of the punishment to be imposed upon Lot's people in Sodom and Gomorrah.<ref>{{Cite quran|52|24|e=34|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|25|51|e=60|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|11|69|e=76|b=n|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|29|31|b=n|s=ns}}</ref> Other verses mention the near-sacrifice of Abraham's son,<ref>{{Cite quran|37|100|e=111|s=ns}}</ref> whose name is not given but is presumed to be Ishmael as the following verses mention the birth of Isaac.<ref>''Concise Encyclopedia of Islam'', C. Glasse, ''Ishmael''</ref> The Quran also repeatedly establishes Abraham's role as patriarch and mentions numerous important descendants who came through his lineage, including Isaac,<ref>{{Cite quran|25|53|s=ns}}</ref> Jacob<ref>{{Cite quran|29|49|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|21|72|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|29|27|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|6|84|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|11|71|b=n|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|38|45|e=47|b=n|s=ns}}</ref> and Ishmael.<ref>{{Cite quran|2|132|e=133|s=ns}}</ref> In the later chapters of the Quran, Abraham's role becomes yet more prominent. The Quran mentions that Abraham and Ishmael were the reformers who set up the Kabba in Mecca as a center of pilgrimage for monotheism<ref>{{Cite quran|2|123|e=141|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|3|65|e=68|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|3|95|e=97|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|4|125|b=n|s=ns}}, {{Cite quran|4|26|e=29|b=n|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|22|78|b=n|s=ns}}</ref> The Quran consistently refers to Islam as "the Religion of Abraham" (''millat Ibrahim'')<ref>{{Cite quran|2|135|s=ns}}</ref> and Abraham is given a title as '']'' (''The Pure'', "true in Faith" or "upright man").<ref>{{Cite quran|3|67|s=ns}}</ref> The Quran also mentions Abraham as one whom God took as a friend (''Khalil''),<ref name="q4s125"/> hence Abraham's title in Islam, ''Khalil-Allah'' (''Friend of God''). The term is considered by some to be a derivation of the patriarch's ] title, Kal El (קל-אל), which means "voice of God".<ref>Weinstein, Simcha (2006). Up, Up, and Oy Vey! (1st ed.). Leviathan Press. ISBN 978-1-881927-32-7</ref><ref>World Jewish Digest (Aug, 2006; posted online 25 July 2006): "Superman's Other Secret Identity", by Jeff Fleischer</ref> Other instances in the Quran which are described in a concise manner are the rescue of Abraham from the fire into which he was thrown by his people';<ref>{{Cite quran|37|97|s=ns}} and {{Cite quran|21|68|e=70|b=n|s=ns}}</ref><ref>{{Cite quran|21|51|e=73|b=n|s=ns}}</ref> his pleading for his father;<ref>{{Cite quran|28|47|s=ns}}</ref> his quarrel with an unrighteous and powerful king<ref>{{Cite quran|2|58|s=ns}}</ref> and the miracle of the dead birds.<ref name="q2s260"/> | |||
All these events and more have been discussed with more details in Muslim tradition, and especially in the '']'' and works of universal Islamic theology.<ref>''Stories of the Prophets'', Ibn Kathir, ''Ibrahim''; ''Tales of the Prophets'', Kisa'i, ''Ibrahim''</ref> Certain episodes from the life of Abraham have been more heavily detailed in Islamic text, such as the arguments between Abraham and the evil king, Nimrod, the near-sacrifice of his son, and the story of Hagar and Ishmael, which Muslims commemorate when performing ] in Mecca. An important ], Eid al-Adha, commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep to sacrifice instead.<ref> University of Kansas Medical Center</ref> In some cases, some believe these legends in Islamic text may have influenced later Jewish tradition.<ref>J. Eisenberg, ''EI'', ''Ibrahim''</ref> | |||
===Verses in the Quran=== | |||
*Abraham's attributes: {{Cite quran|2|124|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|11|75|e=123|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|16|120|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham's religion: {{Cite quran|2|130|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|4|125|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|83|e=84|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|161|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|9|114|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|11|74|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|12|6|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|16|120|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|19|41|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|19|47|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|51|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|83|e=85|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|27|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|84|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|88|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|104|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|109|e=111|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|113|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|38|45|e=47|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|43|28|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|53|37|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|57|26|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|60|4|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*God tried Abraham: {{Cite quran|2|124|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|102|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham's preaching: {{Cite quran|2|130|e=231|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|2|135|e=136|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|2|140|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|3|67|e=68|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|3|84|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|3|95|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|4|125|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|4|163|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|74|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|76|e=81|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|83|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|6|161|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|14|35|e=37|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|14|40|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|52|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|54|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|56|e=57|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|67|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|22|26|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|22|78|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|69|e=73|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|75|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|78|e=80|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|87|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|16|e=17|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|25|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|83|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|85|e=87|s=ns|b=n}},{{Cite quran|37|89|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|91|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|92|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|93|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|94|e=96|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|43|26|e=28|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|60|4|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Development of the Kaaba: {{Cite quran|2|127|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham's pilgrimage: {{Cite quran|2|128|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|22|27|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham as God's friend: {{Cite quran|4|125|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Punishment to Abraham's people: {{Cite quran|9|70|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Moving to Syam: {{Cite quran|21|71|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|26|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham, Hagar, and Ismael: {{Cite quran|14|37|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|101|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Dreaming of resurrecting a dead body: {{Cite quran|2|260|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Arguing with Nimrod: {{Cite quran|2|258|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Abraham and his father | |||
**Abraham preached to his father: {{Cite quran|6|74|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|19|42|e=45|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|52|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|70|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|85|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|43|26|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**His father's idolatry: {{Cite quran|6|74|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|26|71|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Abraham asked forgiveness for his father: {{Cite quran|14|41|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|19|47|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|60|4|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Arguing with the people: {{Cite quran|21|62|e=63|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|65|e=66|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Abraham moved away from the people: {{Cite quran|19|48|e=49|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|26|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|99|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|43|26|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|60|4|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Abraham's warnings for the idols: {{Cite quran|21|57|e=58|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|60|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|93|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Thrown into the fire: {{Cite quran|21|68|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|24|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|97|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
**Saved from the fire: {{Cite quran|21|69|e=70|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|24|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|98|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Good news about Isaac and Jacob: {{Cite quran|6|84|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|11|69|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|11|71|e=72|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|14|39|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|15|53|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|15|54|e=55|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|21|72|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|29|27|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|37|112|s=ns|b=n}}, {{Cite quran|51|28|e=30|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
*Dreaming of his son's sacrifice: {{Cite quran|37|102|e=103|s=ns|b=n}} | |||
==See also== | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
==References== | |||
* {{cite book|last=Saad Assel|first=Mary|title=25 Icons of Peace in the Qur'an: Lessons of Harmony|year=2010|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=1440169012, 9781440169014|pages=244|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=uwE06I3ID_IC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Mehar|first=Iftikhar Ahmed|title=Al-Islam: Inception to Conclusion|year=2003|publisher=AL-ISLAM|isbn=141073272X, 9781410732729|pages=240|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=O0gypGNaj3kC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false}} | |||
* {{cite book|first=IslamKotob|title=Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir|publisher=Islamic Books|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ls1fKaZFYtAC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Lalljee|first=compiled by Yousuf N.|title=Know your Islam|year=1993|publisher=Taknike Tarsile Quran|location=New York|isbn=9780940368026|pages=255|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=w-vyFztUEjAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false|edition=3rd ed.}} | |||
===Further reading=== | |||
==== General ==== | |||
* {{cite encyclopedia | editor=P.J. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, ], E. van Donzel, W.P. Heinrichs | encyclopedia=] Online | publisher=Brill Academic Publishers | id=ISSN 1573-3912}} | |||
* Cyril Glasse, ''Concise Encyclopedia of Islam'', Pgs. 18-19 (''Abraham''), Suhail Academy | |||
* ] (Harun Yahya), ''Book 1: Prophet Abraham'', Online Web Edition. | |||
==== Abraham and the Kaaba ==== | |||
* ], ''Mecca: From Before Genesis Until Now'', Archetype | |||
* Leila Azzam, ''Lives of the Prophets'', ''Abraham and the Kaaba'', Suhail Academy | |||
==== Abraham's life ==== | |||
* ], '']'', Vol. II: ''Prophets and Patriarchs'' | |||
* ], ''Stories of the Prophets'', Chapter VI: ''Story of Abraham'' | |||
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