إبراهيم
Ibrahim (Abraham)Khalilullah (The Friend/Intimate of Allah)
Also known as: Abraham, Khalilullah (Friend of Allah), Abu al-Anbiya (Father of the Prophets)
Nation / People
The people of Babylon (Iraq) and later all of mankind through his legacy
Period
Approximately 1,996 - 1,821 BCE (though Islamic scholarship does not specify exact dates)
Lifespan
175 years according to some narrations; 200 years according to others
Burial Place
Al-Khalil (Hebron), in the Cave of Machpelah (al-Magharah), in present-day Palestine
Message
Complete submission to Allah, even if it means leaving family and homeland; monotheism in the face of idolatry; absolute trust (tawakkul) in Allah. His life is the supreme example of tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) and of sacrificing everything for the sake of Allah.
Lineage
- 1.Azar (Terah)- Father
- 2.Nahur- Grandfather
- 3.Arghu- Great-grandfather
- 4.Faligh- Ancestor
- 5.'Abir (Eber)- Ancestor
- 6.Shalikh- Ancestor
- 7.Arfakhshadh- Ancestor
- 8.Sam (Shem)- Son of Nuh
- 9.Nuh (Noah)- Ancestor
Key Miracles
- Thrown into a great fire by Nimrod but emerged unharmed; Allah commanded the fire to be cool and safe for Ibrahim
- Commanded to sacrifice his son (Ismail) and was provided a ram as a substitute at the last moment
- Four birds brought back to life at his request to demonstrate Allah's power over death
- Raised as "Khalilullah" (Friend of Allah), a unique rank
- Built the Ka'bah with his son Ismail
Key Stories
- Raised in a community of idol worshippers; his father Azar was a sculptor of idols
- Came to monotheism through contemplation of the stars, moon, and sun
- Broke the idols in the temple and challenged Nimrod to debate
- Cast into the fire by Nimrod but saved by Allah
- Migration to the Levant (al-Sham) and then to Egypt
- Marriage to Hajar (Hagar) and the birth of Ismail
- Left Hajar and infant Ismail in the valley of Makkah by divine command; the miracle of Zamzam
- Dream-command to sacrifice Ismail; submission of both father and son; Allah's substitution with a ram
- Building the Ka'bah with Ismail and the supplication for the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ
- The four birds brought back to life to confirm resurrection
- Visited by angels on their way to destroy the people of Lut
Mentioned in the Quran
Special Characteristics
Called "Khalilullah" (the intimate friend of Allah), a title shared with no other Prophet, and "Abu al-Anbiya" (Father of the Prophets) as both the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Prophet Isa ('Alayhissalam) descended from him. His submission to Allah was tested repeatedly and he passed every trial. The Islamic Ummah is referred to as the "nation of Ibrahim". The supplication during prayer (salah) includes sending blessings upon Ibrahim and his family. Muslims perform Hajj and Umrah largely following rites established by Ibrahim.