Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham, عليه السلام) is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, and he is often called Abū al-Anbiyāʼ (The Father of the Prophets) because many later prophets were from his descendants. His life, filled with faith, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah, carries deep lessons for Muslims until today.
Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) was born into a society that worshipped idols. Even his father, Āzar, was an idol-maker. But from a young age, Ibrāhīm rejected idol worship. He questioned his people: “Do you worship what cannot hear, see, or benefit you?” (Qur’an 19:42–44). He recognized that only Allah, the Creator of the heavens and earth, deserves worship.
One famous incident was when Ibrāhīm broke the idols in the temple, leaving only the largest one. When his people asked who did it, he replied, “Ask the big idol if it can speak.” This showed them the foolishness of worshipping powerless objects. Despite their anger, Ibrāhīm stood firm in his belief in Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah).
Allah tested Ibrāhīm with many great trials, and he passed them all with patience. Because of this, Allah said: “And We certainly tried Ibrāhīm with words, and he fulfilled them. Allah said: Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” (Qur’an 2:124).
One of the greatest trials was when he was thrown into a huge fire by his people for rejecting their idols. But Allah protected him, saying: “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrāhīm.” (Qur’an 21:69).
Another great test was the command to sacrifice his beloved son Ismā‘īl (عليه السلام). Both father and son submitted to Allah’s will. Before the sacrifice was carried out, Allah replaced Ismā‘īl with a ram, showing that the test was about obedience, not bloodshed. This event is remembered every year in ‘Īd al-Aḍḥā.
Along with his son Ismā‘īl, Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) was commanded to rebuild the Ka‘bah in Makkah as the first house of worship for Allah. Together they prayed:
“Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us Muslims in submission to You, and from our descendants a Muslim nation in submission to You.” (Qur’an 2:127–128).
This shows that his mission was not just for himself but for future generations. The Ka‘bah remains the central symbol of worship for Muslims worldwide.
Descendants – The Lineage of Prophethood:
Prophet Ibrāhīm had two famous sons:
1. Ismā‘īl (Ishmael, عليه السلام) – from whom the Arab prophets descended, including the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
2. Isḥāq (Isaac, عليه السلام) – from whom the Israelite prophets descended, such as Ya‘qūb (Jacob), Yūsuf (Joseph), Mūsā (Moses), Dāwūd (David), Sulaymān (Solomon), Zakariyyā (Zechariah), Yaḥyā (John), and ‘Īsā (Jesus, peace be upon them all).
This is why he is called the Father of the Prophets – his family tree is filled with prophets chosen by Allah.
Prophet Ibrāhīm is given a very high status in Islam:
Allah called him Khalīlullāh (Friend of Allah).
The Qur’an describes him as an ummah (a leader and example for mankind) (Qur’an 16:120).
Muslims honor him daily in Ṣalāh, when they send blessings upon him and his family in the Tashahhud: “Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammad wa ‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ‘alā Ibrāhīm wa ‘alā āli Ibrāhīm…”
The rituals of Ḥajj are deeply connected to him:
The sacrifice of animals recalls his willingness to sacrifice his son.
Sa‘y between Ṣafā and Marwah follows the footsteps of his wife Hājar searching for water.
Zamzam water springs from the place where Allah blessed Ismā‘īl as a baby.
CONCLUSION:
Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) was not only a prophet but also a father of nations and prophets. His unwavering faith, patience, and sacrifices made him one of the greatest examples in history. From his lineage came many prophets who continued the mission of Tawḥīd, and through his son Ismā‘īl came the final messenger, Muhammad ﷺ.
For this reason, Muslims refer to him as the Father of the Prophets. His legacy lives on in our daily prayers, in the rituals of Ḥajj, and in the lives of those who submit to Allah. Truly, his story is a timeless reminder of faith, patience, and devotion to the Creator.
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