IBRAHIM

(ABRAHAM)

PROPHET IBRAHIM

      In south Mesopotamia, a country we now call Iraq, Allah Almighty privileged a man named Ibrahim to the Prophethood.  Ibrahim was to be the Elevated one, the Prophet to lead and teach the people about Allah's Directives.

► People did not worship Allah at the time and most of them lived in bad ways, as evil spread throughout the land.  In the days of Prophet Ibrahim most people worshiped the stars and the sun, thinking they were their Gods.  Many also prayed to idols made out of stones that took various ugly shapes.  In addition to wor­shiping the stones the people made offerings and sacrifices for them.

► Besides, the priests were extremely powerful and dominant, and they enjoyed numerous privileges, living affluently, and with high respect.

► The ordinary people were very poor and they toiled diligently to support the priests.  The people had to listen to the priests' demands and obey their rules or else. 

► Most people were impoverished and ignorant, although they worked

very hard.  They were controlled by harsh rulers and many suffered at their hands.  Above all, people suffered from not knowing about Allah or His Directives.

WHAT DID PROPHET IBRAHIM DO?  

      Allah (swt) wants people to be righteous, good, decent, and kind.  He wants them to be helpful and considerate, and to follow His Directives.  The people at Ibrahim's time however, were completely unaware of this.

     Prophet Ibrahim began to receive Allah's Directives from Angel Jubra'eel (Gabriel).  Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to start preach­ing to the people.  Prophet Ibrahim was extremely strong in his will and determination.  He worked tirelessly talking to numerous people, always telling them about Allah's wonderful instructions and good ways.  (Surah  11:  Ayah  75-76.  Also Surah  2:  Ayah  130-131.  Also Surah  14:  Ayah  36.)

     Only a few people believed in Ibrahim, as the rest insisted on their own ways.  They insisted on worshiping the stars, the moon, and the useless idols.

     Of course the priests and the rulers encouraged this wrong behavior and they instructed the people to disbelieve in Ibrahim.  The priests were alarmed, thinking they were going to lose their priesthood, along with their plush livelihood.  They knew that once the people believed in the message of Ibrahim, then everything would radically change for them.

     At that time, even the king in the area thought himself to be a God, just imagine!  The king's name was Nimrod.  The King was powerful, dictatorial, and oppressive.  He wanted to challenge Prophet Ibrahim, since Ibrahim was gaining more and more supporters.

DID HE ARGUE WITH THE KING?  

     King Nimrod called upon Ibrahim with the intention to discredit the Prophet.  Nimrod wanted to prove how wrong Ibrahim was.  (Surah  2:  Ayah  258.)

      The King sat on his high throne, surrounded by his guards and nobility, he was face to face with Prophet Ibrahim.  Prophet Ibrahim was brave and not afraid of the King, because he had complete faith in Allah (swt) and he knew that Allah will help him.

     The King looked at Ibrahim mockingly and in disdain.  After a while, the King arrogantly said, "What is this thing to which you are calling the people?  Why do you want them to worship a Lord that no one can even see?"

     Immediately and confidently Prophet Ibrahim answered, "My Lord is the one who gives life and takes away life."

     Nimrod retorted, "But I do that, too!" meaning he could kill people when he wished it.

     Prophet Ibrahim then asked a clever question, a question that caught everyone by surprise.  He asked, "My Lord lets the sun come out from the east, can you make the sun came out from the west?"  With this the King was immediately silenced, he was defeated:  realizing that no one can do that, and that he, the King, was no more than an ordinary man.  See how Prophet Ibrahim won his argument, and how he silenced the King and everyone in his court?!

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT?  

      Ibrahim kept preaching and teaching about Allah and kept calling people to believe in Him.  He succeeded in having some followers.  Most others were still either too afraid to follow him or not interes­ted—they preferred not to change their ways and beliefs.

► Because of his strong will Prophet Ibrahim continued his work tirelessly, he even argued with his father on many occasions because his father was a disbeliever.  His father was one of the ignorant people who preferred to worship and pray to stones. (Surah  6:  Ayah 75-83.)

► A day came when a special event took place.  It was time for a big celebration and everyone in town joined together.  It was a cool evening with a gentle breeze, and the moon cast a silvery hue.  The people started to gather, everyone talking happily, they had music in the air, plenty of food, and much to drink.  It was a night of joy and mirth.

► The celebration gradually turned wild as people became drunk.  Many were so drunk they could not think straight, losing not only their balance but also their reason.

► The only ones who stayed away were Ibrahim and his followers.

WHAT HAPPENED TO PROPHET IBRAHIM?  

     Ibrahim had a special plan that night.  He walked cautiously and quickly with his biggest ax, looking around making sure no one was watching him.  He rapidly moved through the town, heading directly for the biggest temple.  The town was quiet with nothing but music and occasional burst of loud noise from the celebration far away.

     At last Ibrahim was in the temple.  The temple was big with thick carpets on the floor.  There were many stone idols, standing erect and motion­less.  In the center of the temple stood the biggest idol, motionless and helpless, with a gaping and grotesque mouth and bulging, ugly eyes.

      Ibrahim lifted his heavy ax and wham, he bashed one idol and then another and another.  The idols fell to the ground with a big thud, defenseless and motionless; one lost its ears, one's head rolled away, and others lost their arms and legs.  The floor was cluttered with noses, ears, heads, arms and legs, all coming from the now shattered idols.  Ibrahim was delighted and very pleased now that he was destroying them to rubble.

      Prophet Ibrahim left the biggest idol alone, however, completely untouched and intact.  He had certain plans for it.  When the job was done Ibrahim left the temple as cautiously as he entered and quickly returned home to wait in anticipation. (Surah  21:  Ayah  51-71.)

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?  

      As the night grew older the people left the site of celebration in groups, heading to their homes.  Many staggered and stumbled due to their drunken state, and some priests decided to stop at the temple as expected of them.

      When the priests entered the temple they were shocked, dumbfounded and speechless, not knowing what to do!  They could hardly believe their eyes!  They gaped at their lost idols, smashed to pieces, littering the floor.

      Only the chief idol was standing, with its wide, toothless mouth.  Anger quickly replaced shock as the priests screamed, wanting revenge on the one who did this.

      As people heard the screams of the priests they rushed toward the temple in curiosity.  There, they witnessed the unthinkable, and bewildered they immediately became rowdy, noisy, and vengeful.  By now everyone rushed to the raucous at the temple.

      Everyone wanted to know who dared to smash their idols.  Everyone wanted immediate vengeance.  It was at the height of their ugly mood that someone shouted, "It must have been Ibrahim and no one else, since Ibrahim hates our Gods!"

WHAT DID THEY DO TO IBRAHIM?  

      The unruly crowd rushed toward Ibrahim's house.  The furious shouts and threats of punishment were heard from a distance, and it did not take long before the fuming crowd was at Ibrahim's door.  They knocked and knocked on the door, ready to pull it off the wall!

► Of course Prophet Ibrahim expected the crowd, but he couldn't guess exactly what they would do to him.  He jumped out of his bed, and with a nonchalant smile he opened the door.  The furious crowd was almost deafening as they angrily shouted at him.

► Eventually the crowd calmed down, and the enraged priests shouted at Ibrahim, "Was it you who destroyed our idols?"

► Prophet Ibrahim stood silently and the people became quiet and motionless, and for a change there was absolute silence.  Ibrahim calmly answered, "Go ask the biggest idol, let us see if he can answer you."

► Thus Ibrahim insulted the people, since they knew the idol could not talk; and this way Ibrahim proved to the people how stupid and ludicrous they were to worship mere stones.

► At this point it looked as if people were accepting of Ibrahim's ideas, as if he was making sense.  But the priests didn't like to see the people change to the side of Ibrahim and they were apprehensive that this was going to happen.  Therefore they asked the crowd, "What would you do to someone who had destroyed your Gods?"

► There was silence for a moment then someone said, "Burn him!"  On saying that, the fury of the crowd returned and in unison the crowd shouted, "Burn him! Burn him!  Burn him!" (Surah  29:  Ayah  24.  Also  Surah  37:  Ayah  85-90.)

DID THEY BURN IBRAHIM?  

      The crowd went in all directions gathering kindling and firewood.  A big pile of timber was piled, as high as could be.  Hundreds of people assembled talking noisily of what Ibrahim did.

      Prophet Ibrahim was then tied tightly with a rope.  Ibrahim was calm, not afraid, knowing that Allah (swt) will save him.  He didn't even resist them, making the people quite astonished.

      Ibrahim was tossed to the center of the woodpile and then someone set the wood ablaze.  The flames of the fire sizzled and hissed, and everyone thought Ibrahim was burning to death, inside this inferno.  They noticed they did not hear Ibrahim scream, none at all, and wondered why.

      As the wood burned down to ashes, and to the astonishment of everyone, the people saw Ibrahim walking out as if nothing had touched him.  "Wow.  How could this be?" they said in amazement, disbelieving their eyes, and rightfully so!

       Allah (swt) wanted to save Ibrahim, and He made the fire cool and harmless.  Prophet Ibrahim was never burned! (Surah  21:Ayah  68-69)

      The people and the priests were dumbfounded and in amazement, "How could this ever happen?" they defeatedly questioned themselves.  They continued talking and remembering this astonishing scene for some time to come.

      In spite of this miracle Ibrahim still did not have a large following.  So, Allah Almighty gave him the orders to leave the area and go to the blessed land, what is now known as Palestine.

IBRAHIM LEAVES TO PALESTINE  

      Prophet Ibrahim told the believers to make preparations for the long journey to the new area.  They prepared a long caravan, took their belongings and happily left Mesopotamia.  They headed toward Palestine.

      It was a hard journey enduring the dry, sandy desert, with the sun's penetrating bright, hot rays, and the sand storms.  The caravan continued with determination, taking them several months before they reached beautiful Palestine.

WHAT DID IBRAHIM DO IN THE NEW LAND?

      Upon reaching the new land Prophet Ibrahim started to preach.  He taught the new people about Allah and His Guidance to humanity.  This is not an easy job, let alone doing it to some strangers who speak with a different accent.

      Prophet Ibrahim traveled a great deal, and along with him was his wife Sarah.  She was a very supportive wife and good companion.  The two visited many towns and villages despite their aging adulthood.  Their travels took them west to Egypt whereby they saw more new faces and new places.

IBRAHIM IN EGYPT  

      In Egypt, Ibrahim did not lose a moment's rest without calling the people to the belief in Allah and Allah's Directives.  Nothing seemed to discourage Ibrahim, and his determination was as strong as ever.  And while in Egypt, the Prophet married a second wife whose name was Hajar (Hagar).  In those days it was common to have a number of wives.

      Sometime later, Hajar announced the happy news that she was expecting a baby.  Since Ibrahim had no babies through his first wife Sarah, they waited anxiously during the pregnancy until Hajar gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, they named him Isma'eel (Ishmael).  Not long afterwards, Allah commanded Ibrahim to travel to a place called Mecca in Arabia, along with his wife Hajar and baby Is­ma'eel.

IBRAHIM IN ARABIA  

      It took many weeks of travel, and it was a hard long journey.  Ibrahim, along with Hajar, Isma'eel, and a few travelers went through the desert, hills, valleys, and rugged mountains; the area was arid with hardly any trees to offer comfort or protection.  They could see black tents upon occasion, with some people milling around.  The skies were clear, and at night full of bright stars.

      Finally, Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma'eel arrived in an area called Mecca.  It was a rugged, mountainous area, with few trees.  They set their tents and looked around but there were hardly any birds, plants, or people.  Nothing seemed to be there except for the abundance of sand, rocky hills, and the winds blowing.

     A short while after, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to leave Mecca and go back to his first wife Sarah in Palestine.  (Surah  14:  Ayah  37.)

IN IBRAHIM'S ABSENCE  

      Hajar and Isma'eel were left behind, alone in Mecca.  There was only a smattering of people around.

► Baby Isma'eel was only a few months old, a pretty baby, who was nursing at the time.  He began to cry, then cry excessively, because he was very thirsty.  In desperation, mother Hajar went to look for water but alas there was no water anywhere.

► She worried at first but then became desperate.  She ran seven times, back and forth, from a hill called Safa to another hill called Marwa.  She was looking desperately for water; she looked left and right, but there was no water to be found.

► By the seventh time however, on her way to her baby, she saw some gushing water.  What a delight and what a relief!  Filled with happiness Hajar gave water to her baby and drank some herself with thanks that her prayer was answered. (Surah  2:  Ayah  159.)

► The water still comes out of the same spot today even though six thousand years have passed.  It is called the ZamZam well.  When Muslims perform pilgrimage in Mecca they take a sip of that water.  ZamZam has been provided for all people and we drink from it as did Prophets Ibrahim, Isma'eel, and Muhammad (pbuh), as well as the millions of Muslims who perform Haj.

WHAT DID PROPHET IBRAHIM DO AFTERWARDS?  

      Ibrahim was an energetic and enthusiastic man who did not stay in one place long since he had a sacred message from Allah.  Ibrahim went back to Palestine to join his first wife, Sarah.  Not too long after, Ibrahim had a special thing happen to him.

► It was three guests who came to greet him.  The three were neat and clean, as if travel had not touched them, and they did not look dusty or tired.  Prophet Ibrahim found out that they were angels, sent by Allah, in the form of men.  They were on their way to help Ibrahim's nephew, Prophet Loot (Lot) in his ordeal with the people in Sodom.

► The angels came to share with Ibrahim joyous news that Sarah his wife, was going to have a baby.  This was hard to believe since Sarah was very old, and old ladies cannot have babies.  But the three angels said it was Allah's Will and this was His wish.  Prophet Ibrahim never questioned the angel's message, knowing how Allah (swt) can do whatever He pleased.

      Time passed and sure enough, Sarah did become pregnant.  Nine months later she gave birth to a beautiful boy whom they named Ishaaq (Isaac).  (Surah  11:  Ayah  69-73.)

FEW YEARS LATER  

      Prophet Ibrahim of course never lost a chance in talking to people about Allah and His Message.  He had a good many people who believed in his grand message, and they became devoted followers.

      The teachings of Allah to Ibrahim were written on special scrolls, and they were followed by the believers.  Unfortun­ately the scrolls were lost with time, and there is no trace of them anywhere.

      Allah sent a special message to Ibrahim through a dream, and Ibrahim waited until Isma'eel was a young lad before sharing the dream with him.

      It was a few years later when Ibrahim traveled again, this time south to see his second wife Hajar and first son Isma'eel.  He was delighted when he saw Isma'eel as a handsome lad of good character.

WHAT WAS THE DREAM ABOUT?  

      When Allah's Messengers dream, their dream is true and not to be taken lightly like ours.

      The dream of Prophet Ibrahim was about his first son Isma'eel.  Ibrahim dreamt that Allah (swt) had commanded him to sacrifice his own son, Isma'eel!  As hard as that was, Prophet Ibrahim had no hesita­tion in fulfilling the command since he had full faith in Allah (swt) and His Commands.  Isma'eel, however, was very young at the time of the dream.  Therefore, Ibrahim had to wait until his son grew older as Isma'eel was in the dream.  Waiting for so long to do the sacrifice made it much harder, since Ibrahim watched his son blossom while knowing that eventually he was to sacrifice him.  The temptation to ignore the sacrifice was very great.

      Ibrahim, however, had solid faith in Allah, and his life was completely dedicated to the service of the Almighty.  Therefore, he patiently waited until Isma'eel became a teenager to tell him what Allah (swt) commanded.

DID HE SACRIFICE HIM?  

      Isma'eel had heard a great deal through his mother about Allah and the Divine Guidanc­e­ and how his father was a good teacher and a perfect example.  By now Isma'eel was in company of his father for sometime and he heard a lot about where Ibrahim was spreading Allah's religion and guiding people to the right path.

      Then, one day, Prophet Ibrahim told Isma'eel about the dream.  Ibrahim did not know how he was going to be received.  But to his surprise, he saw Isma'eel had no objections or hesitation.  Isma'eel was willing to be killed since Allah had willed it.  Isma'eel said, "If that was the Will of the Almighty, so be it.  I happily offer myself."  This was an extremely hard decision, let alone by a young man in the prime of life.  This was a moment of true deep faith in Allah, by both men, that motivated them to pay the heavy price of sacrificing a person, a young man in the prime of his life.  (Surah  37:  Ayah  102.)

WAS ISMA'EEL SACRIFICED?  

      Ibrahim and Isma'eel walked side by side; Isma'eel a young man full of life, and his father an old man full of wisdom.  Their purpose was to carry out the orders of the Lord.

      Thoughtfully and slowly they walked, Ibrahim carrying a large knife, his grip firm although he was shaking inside.  Many thoughts must have crossed their minds especially wondering why Allah (swt) wanted such a thing.

      Silently they reached their destination outside Mecca.  Neither Hajar nor anyone else was with them.  Isma'eel looked at his father lovingly, obediently, and with courage.  He appreciated the heavy feeling his father was bearing inside of him.

      Prophet Ibrahim, on the other hand, cast a loving look at young Isma'eel, most probably reminiscing about his past with his son.  The tempta­tions to discontinue and discard the Command was extremely strong.  There was the pinning obligation to Allah on the one hand versus their human feelings on the other.  How admirable Ibrahim and Isma'eel were and how remark­able was the depth of their faith!

   They did not wait nor did they talk much as the time had come.  With an understand­ing look, Isma'eel bent over on a nearby boulder.  Ibrahim stood next to Isma'eel filled with an uneasiness and great intensity.

    It was a moment of obedience to an action nearly impossible to fulfill.  Ibrahim gripped the knife with all his strength and raised it above his head.  It was precisely at this moment, as the knife was about to swiftly fall upon the neck of Isma'eel that the two heard a commanding voice nearby.  It broke the suspense of the moment and stopped Ibrahim as their hearts beat violent­ly and fast. (Surah  37:  Ayah  101-113.)

WHAT DID THE VOICE SAY?  

      Loud and clear the voice commanded, "Stop! O Ibrahim, you have already fulfilled the command."  It was a voice from Allah Almighty, ordering Ibrahim not to sacrifice his son Isma'eel.  Allah (swt) knew their intention to fulfill the command, as well as Ibrahim's agony to do so over the past few years.

      The voice commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram instead, which was provided near them.  They looked around, now that Isma'eel was standing up and the moment of suspense was over, and sure enough they saw a ram.  Prophet Ibrahim slaughtered the ram, happy and relieved.  Both father and son were grate­ful to Allah for His Mercy.

      From that time on, human sacrifice had stopped.  Rather, we as Muslims, sacrifice a sheep or the like and give some of the meat to the poor during the Eid al Adha.

      As it turned out, Allah (swt) wanted to stop human sacrifice, as it used to be done in those days, since such a thing was and is very bad.  Instead, Allah wanted us to sacrifice a sheep, or something similar, to feed the hungry and poor.

      Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'eel (who also became Prophet later on), built the Ka'ba together according to Allah's Command.  The Ka'ba is the focal place where Muslims perform pilgrimage every year. (Surah  2:  Ayah  127-129.   Also  Surah  22:  Ayah  26-27.    Also  Surah  37:  Ayah  103-105.)

      As they built the Ka'ba, Ibrahim prayed to the Almighty to bless Allah's house (Ka'ba) and to bless the people who devoted themselves to His service.  The people later on proved to be the Muslims.

      Ibrahim was solid in his faith, concerned for the forthcoming generations and prayed for their welfare.  He prayed for you and me, and for all others, six thousand years ago.  He had us in mind! What a man!! (Surah  14:  Ayah  35-37.    Also  Surah  2:  Ayah  127-129.    Also  Surah  2:  Ayah  125-126.)

      As you see, Prophet Ibrahim lived a long life full of many events.  Above all, his faith in Allah was solid, and he never missed a moment's rest in calling for Allah's grand message.  He gained thousands upon thousands of believers.  The world became better so long as they complied to the Law of Allah Almighty. 

QUESTIONS  

1. What is the significance of Mesopotamia and what is it called today?

2. Which man was chosen for Prophethood in Mesopotamia?

3. Who was the King of that area?

4. Was the King kind and responsive to the people?

5. What did the people worship at the time of Ibrahim?

6. Describe what happened in the argument of Ibrahim with King Nimrod.

7.  How did Ibrahim win his argument with King Nimrod?

8.  Was Ibrahim's father a believer?

9.  Describe the details of the big celebration.

10. What did Ibrahim do when the people were celebrating and drinking?

11. Why did Ibrahim leave the largest idol in the temple untouched?

12. Describe the people's reaction when they saw that the idols were destroyed.

13. What did Ibrahim say when the people asked him who destroyed the idols?

14. How did the people plan to destroy Prophet Ibrahim?

15. Describe Allah's Mercy when Ibrahim was put in the fire.

16. When he left Mesopotamia where did Ibrahim go?

17. Who left Mesopotamia with Ibrahim?

18. From Palestine Ibrahim left to Egypt.  What did he do in Egypt?

19. Having married Hajar (Hagar), Ibrahim had a son, what is the son's name?

20. They left Palestine according to Allah's Command, to where did Hajar, baby Isma'eel and Ibrahim go?

21. Hajar was desperate for water since her baby was very thirsty.  Explain what she did and describe Allah's Mercy upon them.

22. What happened while Ibrahim was away from Mecca?

23. Why did the three angels visit Ibrahim and Sarah?

24. As old as Sarah was, did she become pregnant?

25. What is the name of the second child of Ibrahim?

26. Ibrahim went back to Mecca, what did he ask of Isma'eel?

27. Did Ibrahim and Isma'eel comply with the dream of Ibrahim?

28. What was presented by Allah as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice Isma'eel?

29. What is the significance of Isma'eel's sacrifice?

30. Who built the Ka'ba?

31. What is so important about the Ka'ba?

32. What did Ibrahim pray for as he and Isma'eel built the Ka'ba?

HIGHLIGHTS OF IBRAHIM