STORY OF IBRAHIM

Prophet Ibrahim

What is most inspiring in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the way he endured a very lonely life for a long period of time and never lost faith. This is among the most beloved people of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), and he was tested severely on several occasions, but the bigger the test, the bigger the reward.

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) reveals to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ),

إِنَّإِبۡرَٰهِيمَكَانَأُمَّةٗقَانِتٗالِّلَّهِحَنِيفٗاوَلَمۡيَكُمِنَٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَشَاكِرٗالِّأَنۡعُمِهِۚٱجۡتَبَىٰهُوَهَدَىٰهُإِلَىٰصِرَٰطٖمُّسۡتَقِيمٖوَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُفِيٱلدُّنۡيَاحَسَنَةٗۖوَإِنَّهُۥفِيٱلۡأٓخِرَةِلَمِنَٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَثُمَّأَوۡحَيۡنَآإِلَيۡكَأَنِٱتَّبِعۡمِلَّةَإِبۡرَٰهِيمَحَنِيفٗاۖوَمَاكَانَمِنَٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ

Inna Ibraaheema kaana ummatan qaanital lillaahi Haneefanw wa lam yakuminal mushrikeen (120) Shaakiral li an’umih; ijtabaahu wa hadaahu ilaa Siraatim Muustaqeem (121) Wa aatainaahu fid dunyaa hasanah; wa innahoo fil Aakhirati laminas saaliheen (122) Summma awhainaa ilaika anit tabi’ Millata Ibraaheema haneefaa; wa maa kaana minal mushrikeen (123)

"Indeed, Ibrahim was a whole ummah by himself devout to Allah, unswervingly upright, and he was not of the associators, (Those who associate others with Allah) (He was) thankful for Allah’s Graces. He selected him, and He guided him to a straight Path. And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous. Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad ﷺ saying): “Follow the way of Ibrahim with exclusive devotion to Allah. and he was not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers, etc.)"—(Surah Nahl, 16:120-123)

In the ancient land of Babylonia (present-day Iraq),a boy namedIbrahim (may peace be upon him)was born to carry forth the message of the prophets of the past.

The people continued in their idol-worshipping ways.They worshipped the Gods they had created, hand-carved out of stone and wood.

It may have been easier for them to worship something they had fashioned because Gods created by their own hands gave them the power to choose from right or wrong.

Ibrahim was unlike the other children; he was not prone to falling victim to their idol-worshipping ways. He was a truth seeker, and his creator made him intelligent. As mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya ayah 51,

As mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 51:

"Surely We had bestowed wisdom upon Ibrahim even earlier, and We knew him well."

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) knew of Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) potential and trusted him with the mission of prophethood.He sent Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to help guide the people and teach them abouttawhid- this is the concept that there is only one creator and ruler of the universe, and that is Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).Only He is worthy of praise and worship, and He has no equal or partner.

Choosing the path to be both a seeker and a speaker of truth, as Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did, often comes with carrying the weight of being rather unpopular. This was the very cause of abuse and neglect Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) experienced from a young age in his own family. See, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was born into an atypical family that not only worshipped idols but crafted them. He was used to seeing his father sculpt these meticulous idols with peculiar features.

One day, he was overcome with curiosity;Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked his father about the statues he made.His father replied that they were statues of the gods.

This response left a young Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deeply bothered. He loved his father yet struggled to understand how people could rationalize praying to idle stone and wood, which they knew were mere creations of their hands.

One day, Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) father became angry with him when he discovered his son playing while seated on the back of an idol. He reprimanded Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and warned him against disrespecting the idols.

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then took the opportunity to ask,"What is this statue, father? It has big ears, bigger than ours!"

His father replied:"It is Mardukh, the god of gods, son. These big ears symbolize his deep knowledge."

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who wasonly seven years old at the time, laughed at the absurdity of his father's response, for he knew better.

Sidebar:There are differing opinions regarding who Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) father was. In the Qur'an, it refers to a man named Azar as Prophet Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) father,"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."

This perspective is also reflected in the hadith of Sahih al-Bukhari 3350; Abu Huraira recalls the Prophet (ﷺ) referring to Ibrahim's father as Azar.

However, a group of early scholars (including Ibn Abbas) held that Tarakh was the name of Ibrahim's father.

This name, Tarakh, draws a parallel with the biblical account of Terah. To reconcile the name provided in the Qur'an, it's believed Azar was a title recognized by the locals or that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) chose to refer to him by his proper original name.

Shiites believe that the line of Prophethood is pure and free from polytheism and, therefore, rejects the idea of Azar being his biological father. Instead, the Arabic word "Ab," which is used in the Qur'an, does not necessarily mean a biological father but is also used to refer to a paternal uncle. So, they believe that his father died before his birth, and his paternal uncle raised him. However, the most literal meaning and view of Qur'an commentators like Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Qurtubi say Azar was Ibrahim's father and an idolater. Regardless of the historical account, it does not change our understanding of Prophet Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) story.

Ibrahim’s father hoped his son would join the priesthood and revere the idols as he grew older. But as Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) grew, his aversion towards idol worship also grew. He frequented temples with his father and was vexed by the sight of numerous idols of various shapes and sizes.

People were prostrating to these idols, wailing and pleading to help them.

What was once a funny joke soon began to get under his skin and anger him more and more. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) pondered how the statues, who were idle and could not eat, drink, or speak, could help people in need. He saw the idols for what they were; he knew his father created them, then sold them to the people who, seconds later, would be prostrating to them, asking for all kinds of things.

He said to his father,"Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error."— (Surah Al-An’am, ayah 74)

Saddened by the plight of his people, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) set out for some alone time to process his thoughts. He walked in the dark until he arrived at a cave in a mountain. He rested himself against a wall and stared at the expanse of the sky above.

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says in the Quran,

وَكَذَٰلِكَنُرِيٓإِبۡرَٰهِيمَمَلَكُوتَٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِوَٱلۡأَرۡضِوَلِيَكُونَمِنَٱلۡمُوقِنِينَ

Wa kazaalika nureee Ibraaheema malakootas samaawaati wal ardi wa liyakoona minal mooqineen

"We also showed Abraham the wonders of the heavens and the earth, so he would be sure in faith."—(Surah Al-An'am, ayah 75)

Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then addressed his people who worshipped these celestial bodies as being divine.

When the night closed in, he saw a star and observed:"This is my Lord!"But when the star set,Ibrahim said:"I do not love things that set."— (Surah Al-An'am, ayah 75)He then saw the moon rising and commented:"This one is my Lord!"But as the moon disappeared,Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) said:If my Lord does not guide me, I will certainly be one of the misguided people.— (Surah Al-An'am, ayah 77)He then witnessed the sun and said:"This is my Lord. This is the greatest of all.' Then when it went down, he said: 'O my people! Most certainly, I am quit of those whom you associate with Allah in His divinity."— (Surah Al-An'am, ayah 78)

Many commentators of the Qur'an interpret Prophet Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) dialogue not as acceptance of these celestial bodies as divine but rather as a strategic argument against whatever astrological signs they fancied.

He logically demonstrates the ephemeral nature of all existing things except for the eternal oneness of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), who is responsible for nourishing and sustaining everything in every moment.

He explained to them thatwhile the sun, moon, and stars appeared and disappeared from time to time,Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) was always present and never lost sight of his creations.

He says,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."— (Surah Al-A'nam, ayah 79)The people did not confirm nor deny, but they continued in their argument, saying,“We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps.”— (Surah Az-Zukhruf, ayah 23)“Are you arguing with me about Allah while He has guided me?”Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked,“I am not afraid of whatever idols you associate with Him — none can harm me unless my Lord so wills. My Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. Will you not be mindful? And how should I fear your associate-gods, while you have no fear in associating others with Allah — a practice He has never authorized? Which side has more right to security? Tell me if you really know!”— (Surah Al-An’am, ayah 80-81)

From this debate, we learn of the prophetic wisdom bestowed upon Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the realization of the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

The Qur'an offers a reminder,

And of His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon.Do not prostrate yourselves before the sun, nor before the moon, but prostrate yourselves before Allah Who created them, if it is Him that you serve.(Surah Fussilat, ayah 37)

His dawah towards those inclined to astrological signs was clever. He did not just deny; he accepted their view but then logically deconstructed their beliefs. This presentation style would help any rational mind understand the point he was trying to make.

It was now time for Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to urge the worshippers of statues to see the error of their ways and guide them to the rightful path. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resolved to enlighten his father first as a dutiful son.

In Surah Maryam Ayat 42-45,

[Mention] when he said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all? O my father, indeed there has come to me of knowledge that which has not come to you, so follow me; I will guide you to an even path. O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed, Satan has ever been, to the Most Merciful, disobedient. O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful so you would be to Satan a companion [in Hellfire].

His father became furious at Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).He anticipated that his son would join the priesthood, but he blatantly challenged their gods here.

It's a sad reality to face because Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deeply cared for his father, and his love shows through these verses. He remained dutiful, repeatedly calling out to his father with the affectionate phrase,"Ya abati" - "Oh, father."

This phrase not only signifies respect and love but also a close bond. Despite his deep affection, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) found himself in a difficult position; he had to speak truthfully out of concern for his father's welfare in the hereafter. He worried his father might reject his words and be among those whom Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would punish.

Ultimately, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood a profound truth:one cannot change another's heart or actions; we can only control our response.In the face of his father's rejection, he chose the path of compassion and faith. He committed to making du'a, seeking forgiveness for his father from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), whose mercy knows no bounds. With a heavy heart, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) walked away, now disowned, yet carrying a light of hope and unshakeable belief within him.

He carried on preaching about Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to his townsfolk. He would not stand by and witness his people fall into Satan's trap by continuing to prostrate to idols that could only bring forth severe punishment from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

As expected, the people hastened to defend their beliefs and gods. They again reasoned that they were aware that the idols were lifeless but that they had observed their forefathers worshipping them and followed in their footsteps. They justified this was enough proof of their belief in the idols.

The people were angered after being told that their forefathers had been wrong.“Are you condemning our gods and our forefathers?”their voices a mix of disbelief and outrage.They then pressed further,"Have you come to us with truth, or are you of those who jest?”— (Surah Al-Anbiya, Ayah 55)Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showed no fear and responded:“[No], rather, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth who created them, and I, to that, am of those who testify. And [I swear] by Allah, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned and gone away.”— (Surah Al-Anbiya, Ayat 56-57)Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) realized he could not convince them through reasoning alone, and so he devised an alternative plan and planted the seed in their minds:“I have already condemned them; if they had any power they would have harmed me by now!”

Despite Ibrahim’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) preaching, the people were stubborn and clung to their idol worship. As he left the town, a resolve strengthened within him; he was not one to concede defeat in the face of steadfast ignorance.

He knew that a festival was due to take place in a neighboring town, and no one of his village would refrain from taking part. This was his opportunity to show the townspeople the truth about the idols they fervently worshiped.

When Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was certain that everyone had left town, he stealthily advanced towards the temple carrying a sharp axe with him to execute his plan.

When he entered the temple, he caught sight of the various idols made of wood and stone that were worshiped by the townsfolk. He also noticed that food had been placed before the idols as offerings by the people.

As referenced in Surah As-Saffat, Ayah 91,he mockingly asked the idol,"Will you not eat of the offering before you?"The idol, as expected, remained silent.He then asked the other sculptures:"What is the matter with you, why do you not speak?"— (Surah As-Saffat, ayah 92)

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then raised his axe and smashed all the idols except one.

So he made them into fragments, except a large one among them, that they might return to it [and question]."— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 58)

He saved the biggest idol of them all andhung his axe on its shoulder.He then patiently awaited the reaction of his townsfolk.

Upon their return, the people learned that their temple had been vandalized. When they arrived at the temple, they discovered their revered gods smashed with pieces strewn about.

Outraged, they began drawing names of those who could have had a hand in the heinous act."Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!"— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 59)Some said:"We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Ibrahim."— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 60)

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had, after all, on numerous occasions questioned the veracity of their idol worship and openly renounced and challenged their gods. Hence, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was their prime suspect.

"Bring him before the eyes of the people so that they may witness his trial,"the idolators demanded.— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 61)

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knew he would be summoned for trial, but he was not afraid. He already knew how to outsmart the villagers to show them they were on the wrong path. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also knew that if harm were to befall him, it would have to be with Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) permission.

They asked:"Ibrahim, are you he who has done this to our gods?"— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 62)

He replied sarcastically:"No, this one — the biggest of them—did it! So, ask them if they can talk!"— (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 63)

As mentioned inTazkirul Quran,

"This showed that sometimes indirect speech is more effective than direct speech." So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other], "Indeed, you are the wrongdoers." (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 64)

But arrogance once again clouded their minds. They couldn't admit that they were blinded; hence, they reversed themselves and argued with Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) again: "You have already known that these do not speak!" (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 65)

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then rebuked his people: "Do you then worship — instead of Allah — what can neither benefit nor harm you in any way? Shame on you and whatever you worship instead of Allah! Do you not have any sense?" (Surah Al-Anbiya, ayat 66-67)

At this point, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was beyond redemption. The villagers couldn't let him get away with such insolence and blasphemy. He had not only destroyed their idols but exposed their foolish beliefs. So they came up with the worst and most painful penalty for him.

Thus, the whole town sentenced Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)to a public burning at the stake.

For days, the townspeople gathered firewood in preparation for the biggest fire they could imagine. It was reported that the sick vowed to donate as much firewood as they could find if they were cured.

With anger seething in their hearts, they dug a deep pit into which they gathered their firewood. They also set up a catapult that would cast Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) directly into the fire.

Soon, the pit was set ablaze. The magnitude of the fire was such that the flames reached the sky. The townsfolk gathered to witness the historic event from a safe distance.

As planned, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was bound and placed on the catapult when the chief priest signaled to cast the infidel into the fire.

Angel Jibreel arrived and asked him:"O Ibrahim, do you wish for anything?"Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was unwavering — he needed no one's help other than his Lord's. The smoldering fire suffocating those in the vicinity did not ignite any fear in him.“Nothing from you,”Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) responded to the Angel.

The catapult was shot, and Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was cast into the center of the fire.

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) ordered:“O fire! Be cool and safe for Ibrahim!”— (Surah Al-Anbiya, Ayah 69)

As commanded, the flames cooled down for Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) disciple. The burning pit became a resting place for him. The townspeople watched on, assuming that Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was being burnt alive by the flames.

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sat amid the fire and glorified and praised Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). He had nothing but love for his Lord (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), who had saved him from his people.

The fire raged on for a long time, but the people held on, curious to see what would remain of the one who had destroyed and insulted their gods.

When the fire eventually burned out, they were stunned to witness Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) walking out of the pit untouched by the flames.

While the soot from the fire-blackened the onlookers’ faces, Ibrahim’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) face remained bright. The people cried out in astonishment.

Allah revealed in the Quran:

“They had sought to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.”(Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 70)

The incident was clear proof to the polytheists that they were in the wrong, but their rage held them back from acknowledging their errors and instead increased their anger towards Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).At the same time,many began following Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),although they kept their faith a secret for fear of harm or even death.

The news of Ibrahim's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) miraculous escape from the fire reached King Namrud.He was greatly displeased as the incident threatened his position as a self-proclaimed God.He was not prepared to lose to an ordinary human like Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).So he summoned Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to the palace.

The King queried Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) about his god."My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,"the King retorted,"I give life and cause death."Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then said,"Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west."So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.""Allah causes the sun to rise from the east.So make it rise from the west,"Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) challenged.So, the disbelievers were utterly defeated.And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrongdoers, etc.).— (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 258)

Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) preached to his people, imploring them to understand that their gods were false and that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) was the absolute God.Despite his newfound fame, no matter what he told them, thepolytheists were stuck in their ways.

All the pain he endured, all the sacrifice, miracles performed, and still support among his people remained elusive. His father disowned him, his community threatened him, and years of da'wah fell on deaf ears. His path seemed to be one of profound solitude, yet his reliance on Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) never wavered and was sufficient for him.

With no one heeding his call, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) decided to preach his religion elsewhere for the sake of his Lord.

"And Lot believed him. [Ibrahim] said, "Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."— (Surah Ankabut, Ayat 26)

He left his town with Sarah and Prophet Lut (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The trio traveled to a city named Ur, then to Haran, and then to Palestine. After preaching in Palestine, they traveled to Egypt.

In the hadith, it is also told that one day, while Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Sarah were traveling, they passed by the territory of a tyrant.

A man informed the tyrant:"This man (Ibrahim) is accompanied by a charming lady."So the tyrant approached Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and inquired about Sarah."Who is this lady?"he asked.Ibrahim replied:"She is my sister."

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)hurried to Sarah and explained to her:"O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and me. This man asked me about you and I told him that you are my sister, so don't contradict my statement."

The tyrant summoned Sarah.When she went to him, he attempted to take hold of her hand,which caused his hand to stiffen.Perplexed, he asked Sarah:"Pray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm you."So Sarah prayed to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), and the tyrant was cured.

But the tyrant did not honor his promiseand attempted to take hold of Sarah's hand once again,at which point his hand became stiffer than before.He once again implored Sarah to pray for his cure:"Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you."Sarah asked Allah again, and he was cured.

He then summoned the guard who had brought her and said:"You have not brought me a human being but a devil."The tyrant then gaveHagaras a girl servant to Sarah.Sarah returned to find Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) praying. She told him:"Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel and given me Hajar for service." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3358)

The Quran and Hadith also speak of Ibrahim’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) offspring.

Religious texts reveal that Ibrahim's wife,Sarah, was infertile for many years.As they continued their life of preaching,Sarah grappled with a deep sense of loneliness, stemming partly from her inability to bear a child.She saw the love Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had for his nephew and was saddened that she couldn't provide him with a child of their own.

Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also began to worry in his old age that there would be no one to carry forth his legacy. So, unselfishly, Sarah offered her girl servant Hagar to her husband in marriage.

Before long, Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, who went on to serve as a Prophet (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

Ishmael is considered the father of the Arab nations, and all are his descendants.

Abu Huraira concluded the hadith by telling his listeners,"That (Hagar) was their mother, O Bani Ma-is-Sama (i.e., the Arabs)."

Ishmael was not the only child that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) blessed Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) with.

One day, when Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Sarah were very old and white-haired, they had three visitors. As was customary for Arabs at the time, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invited the three men for a meal.

"Who are they?"Sarah asked her husband."I do not know any of them,"he answered,"What food havewe got?""Half a sheep,"she replied."Half a sheep! Slaughter a fat calf for them; they are strangers and guests,"he ordered.

So the servant prepared a fat, roasted calf for the guests. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invited the guests to help themselves with the meal. But, before long, he observed that their hands did not reach for the food. He became fearful and thought that the visitors had arrived to harm them.

But the visitors reassured Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),"Do not be afraid! We are angels."— (Surah Al-Hud, Ayah 70)

The angels then gave the couple glad tidings of the birth of their second son, Ishaq (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and future grandson Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Sarah was astonished."Oh, my! How can I have a child in this old age, and my husband here is an old man?"she asked the angels.(Surah Al-Hud, ayah 72)They responded,"Are you astonished by Allah's decree? May Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you, O people of this house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy, All-Glorious."— (Surah Al-Hud, ayah 73)

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) extends through the lives of his sons, Prophets Ishmael (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Ishaaq (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As we delve deeper into their stories, we uncover the roots of many practices central to the Islamic faith today.

These narratives offer rich historical insights but also shed light on the significance of pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid.

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) spent his days worshiping Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and calling people to his religion. He knew that his return to his Lord (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) was not far off. He was curious to learn how Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) brought back the dead in the afterlife. He pleaded like a child asking a parent how something was done, not out of doubt but out of curiosity.

So, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did as he was told, and miraculously, the different parts of the birds that were placed on the hilltops united.

And, as revealed by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), the birds came flying to Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Hence, Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was fortunate to observe how Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) gave life after death.

Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) witnessed many miracles during his lifetime.

He was among the most successful Prophets and blessed with many titles like abul anbiya, meaning"Father of the Prophets,"as he was the father of two sons, Prophet Ishaq, and Prophet Ishmael (may peace be upon them).

Many generations later, through the lineage of Ishmael, a boy was born in the desert valley of Saudia Arabia, and his name was Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), to honor his father, named his son Ibrahim.

In Sahih Muslim 2315,he (ﷺ) says,"A boy was born to me tonight, and I named him after my father Ibrahim."Prophet Ishaq's direct lineage includes Yaqub and Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

His distant descendants include many other great prophets, such as Musa, Harun, Isa, Zakariya, Yahya, Sulaiman, and Dawud (may peace be upon them all). Hence, he is also referred to as the Father of Nations.

From the Qur'an:"Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian; he was a Muslim, wholly devoted to Allah. And he certainly was not amongst those who associate others with Allah in His divinity."(Surah al-Imran, ayah 67)

Here [in this verse], it refers to Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as Hanif, which is a designation for being a pure or true monotheist—someone who renunciates all other deities and only believes in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

What is most inspiring in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the way he endured a very lonely life for a long period of time and never lost faith.

This is among the most beloved people of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), and he was tested severely on several occasions, but the bigger the test, the bigger the reward.

He went from being alone with no kids, threatened, and ostracized to becoming the father of all nations, beloved and honored for all time. And he only ever relied on Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and submitted himself fully. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says,

"Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Ibrahim the true in Faith?"— (Surah an-Nisa, Ayah 125)The ayah then continues to say,"And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend."

This is where he was given the esteemed title of"Khalilullah,"meaning friend of Allah.

He was granted the highest place in heaven, where he would later greet his brother, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), during his night of ascension.

Narrated Ibn Abbas: The last statement of Abraham when he was thrown into the fire was: