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Abraham in the Koran

Presenter: Aurangzeb Zafar

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Outline

1. Historical Background

2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism

3. Abraham’s dialog with his father and people

4. Abraham as a Prophet

5. Abraham’s sons – the family of prophets

6. Building of the Ka’bah, and the Pilgrimage (Hajj)

7. Abraham – a true Muslim and a role model for the whole mankind

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Some Terms/Keywords

Allah = God in Arabic

Muhammad

Qur’an = Koran

Islam

Ibrahim = Abraham

PBUH = peace be upon him

We = Plural of respect in Arabic

Children of Israel (or People of the Book) = Jews and Christians

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1. Historical Background

Abraham; recent discoveries and Hebrew origins, Sir Leonard Woolley, 1935

Period of Abraham – around 2100 B.C.

He was born in the capital city of Iraq called Ur

Ur – a flourishing industrial and business center of ~250,000 inhabitants

People of Ur were mostly craftsmen and merchants by profession

The society was divided in three classes:

The Amelu – priests, state officials and military officers

The Mushkenu – merchants, craftsmen and farmers

The Ardu – slaves

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1. Historical Background

The tablets excavated at Ur mention the names of about 5000 gods

Special deity of each city – the chief god or the city god

The city god of Ur – Nannar (the moon god)

The city god of Larsah (2nd largest city) – Shamash (the sun god)Images, courtesy: http://www.crystalinks.com/sumergods1a.html, http://community.livejournal.com/goddess_files, and http://kata-aletheia.blogspot.com/

King Ur-Nammu atop the Ziggurat at Ur: a Tower unto the Heavens Shamash – the sun god

Idol of Nannar

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1. Historical Background

Idol of Nannar was built in the grand shrine on the highest peak at Ur Every night a different female worshipper would become his bride Nannar – the biggest landlord, merchant, craftsmen, chief executive The royal dynasty derived its sovereignty from Nannar The dynasty ruling Ur was founded by Ur-Nammu around 2300 B.C. The dynasty was called Nammu which in Arabic became Namrud

King Ur-Nammu making an offering to the moon god, Nannar

Image, courtesy: http://ivyganadillo.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/ancient-west-asia-revisited/be061741/

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2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism

Abraham questions the legitimacy of gods

His people worship stars, moon and the sun

First he looks at the star

And questions if it is god

But he does not like it when it sets

6:75. Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he be one of those who have Faith with certainty.

6:76. When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said: “This is my lord.” But when it set, he said: “I like not those that set.”Image, courtesy: http://www.getreligion.org/2007/12/

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2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism

Then he looks at the moon

And questions if it is his god

But it too sets

He concludes it cannot be god

It is his way of telling his people that these things whom they worship as gods are not gods

6:77. When he saw the moon rising up, he said: “This is my lord.” But when it set, he said: “Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the erring people.”Image, courtesy: http://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-photograph-the-moon

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2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism

Abraham then looks at the sun

It is big and bright…

But it too sets…

Abraham concludes it too can’t be god

He rejects all false gods of his people

And believes in the One Creator

6:78. When he saw the sun rising up, he said: “This is my lord. This is greater.” But when it set, he said: “O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allah.

6:79. Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth firmly and truly and I am not of polytheists.”

Image, courtesy: http://ndep.nv.gov/photo/rising_sun08.htm

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3. Abraham’s dialog with his father

Abraham asks his father why he worships that which hears not, sees not

and cannot help in anything

He says that it is sheer ignorance and manifest error to take idols as gods

19:41. And mention in the Book (the Qur‘an) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

19:42. When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?”

6:74. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as gods? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error.”

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3. Abraham’s dialog with his father

Abraham tells his father that he has got the knowledge and guidance

He then asks him to follow Abraham in the Straight Path

And not worship (follow) Satan who is a rebel against God

He also warns him of punishment

19:43. “O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path.”

19:44. “O my father! Worship not Satan. Verily! Satan has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah).”

19:45. “O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent overtake you, so that you become a companion of Satan (in the Hell-fire).”

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3. Abraham’s dialog with his father

Abraham’s father rebukes him on rejecting his gods

He warns him that he will stone him if he does not stop talking like this

Finally, he tells him to go away before he punishes him

Abraham agrees to leave and promises to pray for his dad

19:46. He (father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Abraham? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.”

19:47. Abraham said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious.”

19:48. “And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord.”

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3. Abraham keeps his promise

Abraham keeps his promise

He continues to pray for his father until he finds out that his father died as

an enemy of Allah

The Qur’an testifies that Abraham was very tender-hearted, forbearing

9:114. And (Abraham’s) invoking (of Allah) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him that he is an enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him. Verily Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.

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3. Abraham confronts his people

Abraham asks his people, as he did ask his father, what they worship

He asks if idols hear when they are called or benefit or harm the people

They have no answer but to say that they found their fathers doing so

26:69. And recite to them the story of Abraham.

26:70. When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?”

26:71. They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.”

26:72. He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)?”

26:73. “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?”

26:74. They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.”

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3. Abraham confronts his people

He tells them that their idols are his enemies

He only believes in the Lord of the universe, who created him, who guides

him, feeds him, gives him to drink and cures him when he is ill

Who will resurrect him and Whose forgiveness he hopes for

26:75-77. He said: “Do you observe that which you have been worshipping, you and your ancient fathers? Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of the universe;”

26:78-80. “Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me. And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me”

26:81. “And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again). And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense”

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3. Abraham confronts his people

Abraham further tells his people that he is innocent of their idolatry

That he only worships his Creator, Who will guide him

43:26. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship”

43:27. “Except Him Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.”

Images, courtesy: http://freethoughtnation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1543&start=75, and http://www.crystalinks.com/dilmun.html

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3. Abraham calls his people to Monotheism

Abraham asks his people to worship Allah – the only true God

He tells them that what they worship are mere idols who have no power

to give provision or do anything, so they should worship the Provider

But if they deny, then his job as a messenger is to just convey

29:16. And (remember) Abraham when he said to his people: “Worship Allah (Alone), and fear Him, that is better for you if you did but know.”

29:17. “You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allah, and worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be brought back.”

29:18. “And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly.”

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3. His people dispute with him

His people dispute with him and ask him to fear their idols

He tells them to fear the True God instead

6:80. His people disputed with him. He said: “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me, and I fear not those whom you associate with Allah in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord (Allah) wills something. My Lord comprehends in His Knowledge all things. Will you not then remember?

6:81. And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.”

6:83. And that was Our Proof which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

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3. Abraham breaks idols

He says that he is the witness that their Lord is the Lord of the universe

He further warns them that he will plot a plan against their idols

On the day of some festival he tells them that he is not feeling well

21:56. He said: “Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and of that I am one of the witnesses.”

21:57. “And by Allah, I shall plot a plan for your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.”

37:88-89. Then he cast a glance at the stars. And he said: “I am indeed sick”

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3. Abraham breaks idols

So his people leave him behind

He goes to the temple and asks the idols

why they do not eat the offerings and

why they do not speak

Then he breaks them into pieces except the biggest one

37:90. So they turned away from him, and departed.

37:91-93. Then he turned to their gods and said: “Will you not eat (of the offering before you)? What is the matter with you that you speak not? Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.”

21:58. So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it. Image, courtesy: http://www.kevinstilley.com/abraham-vs-idolatry/

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3. Abraham breaks idols

His people are furious on seeing their broken gods and wonder who did

such a terrible thing to their gods

Some of them remember Abraham speaking against their idols

They demand that he should be brought in front of everyone and be

answerable for his action

21:59. They said: “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be one of the wrong-doers.”

21:60. They said: “We heard a young man talking (against) them who is called Abraham.”

21:61. They said: “Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify.”

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3. Abraham breaks idols

They ask Abraham in front of everyone if he broke their gods

To make them realize their ignorance, Abraham says it must be the

biggest of them who did it, they should ask them if they can speak

This makes them think for a while and see how imbecile they are in

worshipping them as gods who neither defend themselves nor speak

21:62. They said: “Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Abraham?”

21:63. (Abraham) said: “Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!”

21:64. So they turned to themselves and said: “Verily, you are the wrong-doers.”

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3. Abraham breaks idols

They say, “Indeed you know well that these (idols) do not speak”

Abraham asks them why they worship things that can neither profit nor

harm them

He asks, “Do you have no sense?”

21:65. Then they acted adamantly (they said): “Indeed you (Abraham) know well that these (idols) speak not!”

21:66. (Abraham) said: “Do you then worship besides Allah, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?”

21:67. “Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?”

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3. Abraham in the king’s court

Abraham is summoned in the King’s court/palace for his action

Abraham says that His Lord is He Who gives life and death

Nimrod says that he does the same

Abraham says, “My Lord causes the sun to rise from the East, cause it to

rise from the West”

The king is left speechless

2:258. Have you not looked at him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said (to him): “My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are wrong-doers.

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3. Allah saves Abraham from fire

29:24. So nothing was the answer of (Abraham’s) people except that they said: “Kill him or burn him.” Then Allah saved him from the fire. Verily, in this are indeed signs for a people who believe.

21:68. They said: “Burn him and help your gods, if you will be doing.”

21:69. We (Allah) said: “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Abraham!”

21:70. And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.

Image, courtesy: http://wacptv.ning.com/profile/Ngonea

People demand that Abraham should either

be killed or burnt alive

Finally they decide to burn him alive and so he

is thrown in the fire

God commands the fire to be cool & harmless

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3. Allah saves Abraham from fire

Abraham tells his people that love among them is for this world only; they

will disown and curse each other on the Day of Resurrection

Among all his people, Lot, his nephew believes in him

Abraham migrates for the sake of Allah to the blessed land (Palestine)

29:25. And (Abraham) said: “You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper.”

29:26. So Lot believed in him. He (Abraham) said: “I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

21:71. And We rescued him and Lot to the land which We have blessed for the whole world.

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4. Abraham was made a Prophet

We are told that Abraham was true in his faith and was not a polytheist

He was devoutly obedient to Allah and thankful for His Bounties

He was a leader, a role model, an Ummah (a nation, in himself)

Allah chose Abraham to be the Prophet

16:120. Verily, Abraham was an Ummah (a leader, a model, a nation in himself), devoutly obedient to Allah, true in faith, and he was not one of those who were associated partners with Allah.

16:121. (He was) thankful for Allah’s Graces Who chose him and guided him to a Straight Path.

16:122. And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous.

19:41. And mention in the Book (the Qur‘an) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

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4. And leader of all the people

Abraham was a true and firm believer

He fulfilled every command of Allah

Allah told him that He would make him a leader of the mankind

Abraham inquired about his progeny

Allah told him that His covenant would not include polytheists and wrong-

doers

2:124. And (remember) when the Lord of Abraham tried him with (certain) Commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), “Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind.” (Abraham) said, “And of my offspring?” (Allah) said, “My Covenant includes not polytheists and wrong-doers.”

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4. He was chosen and blessed

Abraham and his family (progeny) were chosen above the whole world

They were blessed with the Prophethood, the Scripture and wisdom.

He was chosen in this world, in the Hereafter he will be among the pious

3:33. Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran (maternal grandfather of Jesus) above the whole world.

4: 54. Or do they envy men (prophets) for what Allah has given them of His Bounty? Then We had already given the family of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

2:130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

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4. Abraham – the father of prophets

The Qur’an mentions Abraham with other prophets many times

E.g. in 38:45-48, 22:42-43, 12:6,38, 9:70, 3:84, 2:136,140, 33:7, 4:163

He followed Noah’s way in worshipping Allah alone and calling his people

towards Monotheism

Many among his progeny were also made prophets and given scriptures

37:83. And, verily, among those who followed his (Noah’s) way was Abraham.

57:26. And indeed, We sent Noah and Abraham, and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture, and among them there is he who is guided, but many of them are disobedient (to Allah).

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4. All Prophets were among the best

The Qur’an tells us that all prophets were the best among mankind

They used to remember their meeting with their Lord

They were chosen and were among the best

38:45. And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding.

38:46. Verily, We did choose them by granting them the remembrance of the home.

38:47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best!

38:48. And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), all are among the best.

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4. Muslims believe in all Prophets

Muslims believe in all the prophets including Abraham and Jesus

Muslims respect and honor all of them and make no distinction among

them

2:136. Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and to the tribes and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted.”

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4. Muhammad (PBUH) is also a prophet

Muhammad (PHUH) is a Prophet like Abraham

He is a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael

God’s covenant with Abraham reached him too.

He is the final messenger

4:163. Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad PBUH) as We inspired Noah and the Prophets after him; We (also) inspired Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.

33:7. And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad PBUH), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary. We took from them a strong covenant.

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4. All Prophets preached Islam

All prophets preached the same religion

Religion of submission to one Creator, without associating any partners

42:13. He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Noah, and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad PBUH), and that which We ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus saying you should establish religion, and make no divisions in it.

22:78. And strive hard in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive. He has chosen you (to convey His Message), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur‘an), that the Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform prayer, give charity and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector, what an Excellent Protector and what an Excellent Helper!

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4. Abraham was given the scripture

Like Moses and many other Prophets, Abraham was given the scripture

The Qur’an does not mention the name of the scripture given to

Abraham, it refers to it as “the pages of Abraham”

87:16. Nay, you prefer the life of this world;

87:17. Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

87:18. Verily! This is in the former Scriptures,

87:19. The Pages (Scriptures) of Abraham and Moses.

53:36. Or is he not informed with what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Moses,

53:37. And of Abraham who fulfilled all that (what Allah ordered him to do)

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4. Some teachings from his scripture

Sin is not inherited, everyone is responsible for only what one does

Everyone’s deeds will be judged and everyone will be recompensed

Everyone will be returned to their Lord, Who causes death and gives life

And will be answerable for one’s deeds

53:38-39. That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad)

53:40-42. And that his deeds will be seen. Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense. And that to your Lord is the End (Return of everything).

53:43. And that it is He Who makes (whom He wills) laugh, and makes (whom He wills) weep; And that it is He Who causes death and gives life

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4. Route of Abraham’s migration for his prophetic mission

Image, courtesy: Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abul-Aala Maududi, Vol. 1, pages 108-109Note: The original image is edited to use English names and highlight important places

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5. Abraham is blessed with Ishmael

37:99-101. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

14:37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.”

Image, courtesy: http://rising-world.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

After his rescue from the fire, Abraham prayed for the offspring

His prayer was answered at a very old age; He was blessed with Ishmael

Abraham makes his son Ishmael dwell in Makkah

He prays for safety and food for the dwellers of

Makkah for all times

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5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son

When Ishmael was a boy and old enough to help his father in chores,

Abraham was commanded in a dream to slaughter him for the sake of

Allah

He informed Ishmael, who told him to do as commanded in the dream

37:99-101. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

37:102. And, when he was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, God willing, you shall find me of the patient ones.”

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5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son

Both submitted to the Command and Will of Allah

Abraham laid him on his forehead and started slaughtering

Allah told Abraham that he had fulfilled the Command

It was indeed a manifest trial, which they passed

Allah provided a ram for slaughtering and saved Ishmael

37:103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead;

37:104-105. And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the good-doers.

37:106-107. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram);

Image, courtesy: http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/deadsheep/interesting/

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5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son

Abraham is remembered and praised by many

Peace be upon Abraham

Muslims hold Abraham in very high regards

They commemorate his act of submission and sacrifice, every year

They also circumcise their male children following Abraham’s practice

37:108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times.

37:109. Peace be upon Abraham!

37:110. Thus indeed do We reward the good-doers.

37:111. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

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5. Abraham is blessed with Isaac

Abraham was blessed with another son Isaac at a very old age

His wife, Sarah, had been barren all her life, but God cured her

Allah chose Isaac to be a prophet (like Ishmael) and also his son Jacob

Many Qur’anic verses mention Abraham’s son Isaac and his son Jacob

E.g. 6:84-87, 19:49-50, 21:72-73, 29:27, 37:111-113

That they were guided and were righteous

That they were the leaders who used to call people towards Allah

That They used to do good deeds, perform prayers and give charity

That Allah ordained the Prophethood and the Book among them and

their offspring. That they were rewarded in this world and in the

Hereafter they will be among the righteous.

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5. Isaac and Jacob

19:49. So when he (Abraham) had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a Prophet. And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and We granted them lofty honor on the tongue of truth.

29:27. And We bestowed on him (Abraham), Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book, all from his offspring, and We granted him his reward in this world, and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous.

21:72. And We bestowed upon him Isaac, and (a grandson) Jacob. Each one We made righteous.

21:73. And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performing prayer, and the giving of charity and of Us they were worshippers.

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5. Abraham’s advice to his sons

Abraham’s whole life was dedicated to Allah and His service

He passed the legacy of Monotheism to his offspring

2:132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; “Oh my sons! Allah has chosen the faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam (i.e. submitting to Allah)”.

43:26-28. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship. Except Him Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) a Word lasting among his offspring, that they may turn back (to Allah).

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6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah

On Allah’s command Abraham and

Ishmael build Ka’bah in Makkah

They pray to Allah that He may accept

this service from them

2:127. And (remember) when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”Image, courtesy: http://www.albumislam.com/2010/11/kaaba-no-cover.html

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6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah

3:97. In it are manifest signs, the Station of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of anyone (or anything) in the whole universe.

Images, courtesy: http://forum.urduworld.com/f1006/country-week-*-saudi-arabia*-336967/index3.html and http://my.opera.com/philamzhu/blog/index.dml/tag/Abraham

Kabah - The first House of worship appointed for mankind

It is full of blessing and guidance for the whole world

In it are signs including the Station (footprints) of Abraham

3:96. Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the whole world.

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6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah

Ka’bah and its surroundings are made secure and peaceful

People are commanded to pray near the Station of Abraham

Allah commanded Abraham and Ishmael to purify the House

For the people who circumambulate, stay, pray, bow and prostrate

2:125. And (remember) when We made the House a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer and We commanded Abraham and Ishmael that they should purify My House for those who are circumambulating it, or staying, or bowing or prostrating themselves.

22:26. And (remember) when We showed Abraham the site of the (Sacred) House (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up for prayer, and those who bow, and make prostration”

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6. Abraham and the Hajj

Making pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is a right of Allah upon people

Abraham and Ishmael prayed to Allah to teach them rituals of Hajj (2:128)

After he built the Ka’bah, Abraham was asked to call mankind for Hajj

They were taught rituals of Hajj that include circumambulation (22:28-31)

3:97. In it (Kab’bah) are manifest signs (for example), the Station of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of anyone (or anything) in the whole universe.

22:27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).

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6. Abraham and the Hajj

Image, courtesy: http://wharfyouth.org/watch-hajj-2010-live/21124

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7. Some of the prayers of Abraham

Abraham prayed for Makkah that Allah may make it safe and peaceful

That He may bless its people with food and make them loveable

He also prayed to Allah to keep him and his progeny away from idols

14:35. And (remember) when Abraham said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.

14:36. “O my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among mankind. But whoso follows me, he verily is of me. And whoso disobeys me, - still You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

14:37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.”

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7. Some of the prayers of Abraham

While building the Ka’bah, Abraham and Ishmael prayed to Allah to:

Make them and their offspring Muslims

Teach them rituals of Hajj

Accept their repentance

Raise from their children a Messenger who would teach them the Book and wisdom and will sanctify them

2:128. “Our Lord! And make us Muslims, bowing to Your Will and of our offspring a people Muslim, bowing to Your Will, and show us our rituals, and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.”

2:129. “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (the Qur‘an) and wisdom, and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

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7. Some of the prayers of Abraham

Abraham prays to Allah to:

Make him righteous and regular in prayers, and give him wisdom

Forgive him and his parents

Not disgrace him on the Day of Judgment and grant him Paradise

Grant him honorable mention (remembrance) in later generations

14:40-41. “O my Lord! Make me one who performs prayer, and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.”

26:83-87. My Lord! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous; And grant me an honorable mention in later generations; And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight; And forgive my father, verily he is of the erring; And disgrace me not on the Day when (everyone) will be resurrected.

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7. Abraham passed all trials

Abraham was a true servant of God, who passed all the trials in his life

He submitted himself completely and unconditionally to the will of God

He left his home, his father and his people for the sake of Allah

He was thrown in the burning fire, but it only strengthened his faith

He left his small son and his wife in a desert (Makkah) in God’s obedience

He even began to slaughter his only son in the obedience of Allah

2:131. When his Lord said to him, “Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!” He said, “I have submitted myself to the Lord of the universe.”

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7. Abraham – intimate friend of Allah

So Abraham fulfilled all commandments

Allah made him the leader of all the people

He even took him as His intimate friend (Khaleel)

And left for him a goodly remembrance in the generations to come

2:124. And (remember) when the Lord of Abraham tried him with (certain) Commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), “Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind.”

4:125. …And Allah did take Abraham as an intimate friend.

37:108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times.

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7. Abraham – role model for all

Abraham is a role model for the whole mankind

There is an excellent example in Abraham and those who followed him

60:4-5. Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah … Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return. “Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

60:6. Certainly, there has been in them an excellent example for you to follow, for those who look forward to (the Meeting with) Allah (for the reward from Him) and the Last Day. And whosoever turn away, then verily, Allah is Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all Praise.

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7. Abraham – role model for all

For Salvation, one should follow the religion of Abraham – Islam

2:130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

4:125. And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allah; and he is a good-doer. And follows the religion of Abraham who was true in the Faith. And Allah did take Abraham as an intimate friend.

16:123. Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad PBUH saying): “Follow the religion of Abraham, he was true in Faith and was not of the polytheists.

3:161. Say (O Muhammad PBUH): “Truly, my Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, a right religion, the religion of Abraham who was true in Faith and he was not of polytheists”

3:95. Say (O Muhammad PBUH): “Allah has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Abraham who was true in the Faith and was not of the polytheists.”

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Questions

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Contact

• Aurangzeb Zafar:

orangzeb@purdue.edu

• Link to download presentation:

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~orangzeb/abraham.htm

• Office hours: Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00PM

isglonline.org

www.purdue.edu/msa

msapurdue@gmail.com