Prophet Abraham in Islam, Christianity & Judaism

Introduction:

Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, AS/ابراہیم) is a central figure in Islam, as well as in Christianity and Judaism, collectively known as the Abrahamic faiths. In Islam, he is revered as Khalilullah (the Friend of Allah) and is regarded as one of the greatest prophets who upheld monotheism with unwavering faith. The Quran mentions his name 69 times, highlighting his significant role in guiding humanity towards the worship of one true God (Allah).

Similarly, in the Bible, He is recognized as the father of faith and the covenant between God and His people. His story is found in Genesis 12–25, where God promises to make him a great nation.

Status (Ibrahim, AS) in Islam and Christianity

Muslims believe that Prophet Abraham was a devoted servant of Allah who fulfilled every divine command and was chosen as a leader of all nations. The Quran extols him as a model of obedience and faith:

“Indeed, He was a whole nation by himself, devout to Allah, unswervingly upright, and he was not of the idolaters.” (Quran 16:120)

In the Bible, Ibrahim is similarly portrayed as a man of faith:

“Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, NIV)

He is also known as the father of many prophets, including Ishmael (Ismail, AS) and Isaac (Ishaq, AS), and is an ancestor of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His legacy continues in various Islamic and Christian traditions.

Place and Date of Birth

Place of Birth: Ur, Mesopotamia (Modern-day Iraq)

Approximate Date of Birth: Around 2000 BCE

Ur was a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia, located near present-day Nasiriyah, Iraq. Some traditions also suggest he may have been born in Harran (modern-day Turkey), as his family later migrated there.

Just as Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy continues to inspire millions, learning and reciting the Quran also holds great significance in the lives of many. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding and connection with the Quran, enrolling in Quran recitation classes can be a valuable step. These classes help individuals of all ages learn proper pronunciation, tajweed (rules of recitation), and the profound meanings of the Quranic verses, much like how the early scholars preserved the teachings of past prophets.

Prophet Abraham’s Family Tree:

Prophet Ibrahim’s family tree is significant in the Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism). Below is a simplified version of his lineage:

Father: Azar (Terah in the Bible)

Wives:

Hajar (Hagar) – Mother of Prophet Ishmael (Isma’il عليه السلام)
Sarah (Sarai) – Mother of Prophet Isaac (Ishaq عليه السلام)
Keturah (mentioned in the Bible) – Mother of six sons, including Midian

Descendants:

1. Prophet Ishmael (Isma’il عليه السلام)

Forefather of the Arab tribes, including the Quraysh (the tribe of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Associated with the construction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Biblical Reference: Genesis 16:10-12

2. Prophet Isaac (Ishaq عليه السلام)

Father of Prophet Jacob (Yaqub عليه السلام), also known as Israel

Grandfather of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, from whom the Jewish people descend, Biblical Reference: Genesis 21:1-3

3. Other Sons from Keturah

Midian (forefather of the Midianites, linked to Prophet Shu’ayb عليه السلام) Biblical Reference: Genesis 25:1-4

This lineage establishes as the common ancestor of many prophets, including Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (through Isma’il) and Prophet Moses (Musa عليه السلام), Prophet Jesus (Isa عليه السلام), and Prophet David (Dawud عليه السلام) (through Isaac).

Building of the Kaaba:

One of the most significant contributions by him in Islamic tradition is the construction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Muslims believe that he, along with his son Ishmael (AS), built the Kaaba as the first house of worship dedicated to the one true God. This sacred structure remains the focal point for Muslim prayers (Qibla) and pilgrimage (Hajj).
“And [mention] when he and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, [saying], ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’” (Quran 2:127)

The Ultimate Test of Faith, Sacrifice:

A defining moment in his life was his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Although Allah replaced the son with a ram, this act of
submission is commemorated by Muslims during Eid ul-Adha, symbolizing faith, sacrifice, and devotion.

“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’” (Quran 37:102)

Similarly, in the Bible, his test of faith is detailed in Genesis 22:1-19, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac before sending an angel to stop him.

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12, NIV)

The Legacy in Islamic Practices:

Daily Prayers: In every prayer, Muslims invoke blessings upon him and his family alongside Prophet Muhammad.

Hajj Pilgrimage: Many rituals performed during Hajj, such as Sa’i (running between Safa and Marwah), commemorate the actions of his wife, Hagar.

Islam as one the Abrahamic Religion: The Quran repeatedly calls upon Muslims to follow the his religion, highlighting its monotheistic foundation.

“Follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” (Quran 3:95)

Conclusion:

Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, AS) remains one of the most revered figures in Islam and Christianity, embodying faith, sacrifice, and devotion. His unwavering belief in monotheism and his trials serve as timeless lessons for Muslims and Christians alike. His legacy lives on through the core tenets of both faiths, making him a universal symbol of submission to God’s will.