Who Was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) | The Story Of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

Stories from the lives of the Messengers of Allah (PBUH) are always an excellent way for you to be reminded to become a better person in today’s world. Read on to understand and learn about the life and wisdom of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Was Born

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was born to the famous idol sculptor Azar ibn Nahur and Maria in the ancient city of Ur, Chaldea (known today as Babylon, Iraq). Being brought up in a house of idolaters, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) grew up watching his father sculpting idols from materials such as wood and stone. In short, during the years of birth of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), people either worshipped the idols made of wood and stone or the planets, moon, sun, and stars. However, miraculously at a very early age, Allah SWT blessed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with wisdom and spiritual understanding. This made him question everything that he saw, and regardless of how much his father tried to justify their faith, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) never felt content and satisfied.  

The Great Sacrifice

According to Islamic history, one night, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) experienced a dream in which Allah SWT asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Initially, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) dismissed it. However, when the same dream occurred for three consecutive nights, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) acknowledged it as a divine message from the creator, Allah SWT.

Despite his love for his only son, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) intended to go through with the sacrifice. He took his child Prophet Ismail (AS) along with a knife and a rope to the top of Mount Arafat. Upon reaching the spot, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told his son about the dream and the command of Allah SWT. The obedient son immediately obliged and asked Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to blindfold himself so that he doesn’t have to suffer. Prophet Ismail (AS) also requested his father to tie his legs and hands so he may not struggle. 

Therefore, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did as his son had asked. He tied the legs and hands of Prophet Ismail (AS) and blindfolded himself. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) then took the knife and fulfilled the wish of Allah SWT. But to his surprise, when he took off the blindfold, he saw the body of a white horned ram in front of him, whereas Prophet Ismail (AS) stood beside him, completely unharmed. However, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) thought he had failed the trial, but then he heard a voice that told him that he doesn’t need to worry and Allah SWT always looks after his followers. This strengthened his faith. 

What Was He Known for in Islam?

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is known for his strong faith, humble nature, devotion, and dedication to Allah SWT. Throughout his lifetime, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) has been tested several times. At the age of 75, he was commanded to leave his home with the promise of protection and land. During the journey, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) went through several trials, out of which the most famous is the Sacrifice of his son Prophet Ismail (AS). 

Another test was when Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave his infant son Prophet Ismail (AS) and wife Hajar in between the mountains of Safah and Marwa in Mecca. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) fulfilled this command and returned to Palestine. For survival in the deserted valley, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had left some water and some dates for his son and wife. The sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the struggle of his son and wife led to the miracle of the well of Zamzam sprouting from the dry and barren land. 

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), dedicated their lives to spread the word of Allah SWT. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) were also partners in the construction the Sacred Ka’bah – standing on the sacred stone, which still has imprints of his feet. Today, this stone is placed inside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia, and the spot is called Maqam Ibrahim. Therefore, because of his consistent devotion to Allah SWT, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was given the title, “Khaleelullah” (Friend of Allah) in Islam. 

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Childhood

Since his youth, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used to question his father about idolatry. Despite the complaints of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his father would still send him to sell idols (Gods), such that one day, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) called out some people passing by, and asked them, “Who will buy my idols? They cannot hurt you, nor can they help you.” He would mock the idols by forcing them to drink water and prove to the people that there is no point in worshipping deities that cannot even defend themselves. Listening to this, Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) father scolded him and asked him to leave the house. 

Even after being born in a house of idol worshippers, Ibrahim (AS) keenly searched for the truth and for God throughout his childhood. One day, Allah SWT granted him the blessing of becoming a Messenger and a Prophet of the Almighty.

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Family Tree

According to Islamic history, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is known as the father of the Arabs and the Hewbrews. This is because the Arabs descended from the children of his firstborn, Prophet Ismail (AS), born to his beloved wife, Hajer (RA). And the Hebrews descended from the children of Prophet Ya’qub (AS) who is the grandson of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the son of Prophet Ishaaq (AS), the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) born to his beloved wife, Sarah.

Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) son, Prophet Ishaaq (AS) is the ancestor of the Hebrews, who are also known as Banu Israel, i.e. the ‘Children of Israel’, this is because Prophet Yaqub (AS) was given the title ‘Israel’, which means ‘God’s servant’. (1) However, Prophet Ismail (AS) is the ancestor of Arabs, from whom descended Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

How Long Was Prophet Ibrahim Alive For?

There are different narrations by Islamic Scholars regarding the age of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Some say that he lived for 195 years, some say 175 years, yet others have said 120 years. (2) However, some have even said he lived almost 200 years. According to a renowned group of Islamic scholars, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) lived on earth for 169 years. In short, it can be concluded that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) lived on earth for more than 150 years.

Who Was Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) Wife?

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is considered the father of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. This is because he was married to two women from distinct backgrounds. Hajer (RA), the first wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), was an Egyptian slave who lived in Mecca. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left his wife and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) in Mecca following the command of Allah SWT. Hajar (RA), in search of water for her infant son, ran between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa when Archangel Jibrael (AS) appeared. 

Angel Jibrael (AS) struck his wing on the ground, causing water to gush forth. The eruption was such that Hajer (RA) shouted “Zam! Zam!,” which means “Stop! Stop!”. Since then, the well of the purest water in the world is called Zamzam. However, by the time Prophet Ibrahim (AS) returned to Mecca, Hajer (RA) had passed away.

The second wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was Sarah who belonged to Hebron. She was the mother of his son Prophet Ishaaq (AS), and lived a pious life besides Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Did Prophet Ibrahim Have Any Children?

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had two sons; Prophet Ismail (AS) and Prophet Ishaaq (AS). Read on to know more about the lives of the sons of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Ismail (AS)

Born to Hajer (RA), Prophet Ismail (AS) is the eldest son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He is also considered the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From an early age, Prophet Ismail (AS) walked in his father’s footsteps and was a devout believer. Moreover, the name of Prophet Ismail (AS) is mentioned twelve times in the Quran. 

When he was an infant, the gift of Zamzam was given to satisfy his thirst. Prophet Ismail (AS) also willingly agreed to be sacrificed in the name of Allah SWT. Even today, Muslims from all over the world commemorate the sacrifice (Qurbani) of Prophet Ismail (AS) and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in the month of Dhul Hijjah. The Quran tells us that Prophet Ismail (AS) played a significant role by helping his father re-build the Sacred Kaaba. (2:127)

Ishaaq (AS)

Born to Sarah and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in old age, Prophet Ishaaq (AS) continued his father’s spiritual legacy to Bani Israel. The Quran mentions Prophet Ishaaq (AS) in fifteen passages. 

The Great Fire

After being appointed the Messenger of Allah SWT, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made it his life’s mission to spread the word of God. Therefore, on the eve of a grand celebration, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) snuck into the temple of idolatry while everyone else was busy with feasting. He demolished all the small idols and placed an axe on the neck of the big idol. 

When the people returned to the temple, they were horrified to see the remains of their idols (false deities). The people quickly remembered that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had been encouraging them to worship the One and Only God, Allah SWT. And so, they called him to interrogate him, “Are you the one who has done this?!” 

On which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) replied, “No! The big idol did it. Ask him about it.” Upon hearing this, the people replied, “You know they cannot speak.”

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) then remarked, “Then how can you worship things that cannot speak for themselves? Those that cannot even protect themselves!”

Who Threw Prophet Ibrahim (AS) into the Fire?

Some have said that the incident of the fire was during the time of Nimrod, the then King of Babylon. The people wanted Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to be burnt alive. Therefore, Nimrod commanded his men to throw Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a huge pit of burning fire. As soon as the fire was ready, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was tied by chains and thrown into the burning flames. That’s when he prayed for the blessing of Allah SWT. 

And so, on the orders of Allah SWT, the fire miraculously cooled down, and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) walked out, unharmed.

Verses of Prophet Ibrahim in the Quran

The name of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is mentioned in 63 verses and a total of 69 times in the Quran. Some of the verses are as follows:

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham was tried by his Lord with commands, and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, “Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” [Abraham] said, “And of my descendants?” [Allah] said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.” (2:124)

“Then We revealed to you [O Muhammad] to follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with Allah.” (16:123)

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) – Summary

Muslims from around the world perform the Islamic rituals of Hajj, Salah, Sawm, and Zakat every year in the name of Allah SWT. But did you know that it all began with one of God’s greatest creations; the “Father of Prophets” and our father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS)? He is an exemplar for mankind because, despite the severity of the challenges and trials he faced, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) remained steadfast and kept his promises by fulfilling the commands of Allah SWT. And so, due to his unflinching faith and sincere submission, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is also known as “the Friend of Allah.”

(1) Shawkani, Fath al-Qadir (1/91)

(2) al-Asbahani, al-Bustan al-Jami’ li-Jami’ twarikh ‘ahl al-Zaman, 64

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