The story of Prophet Ibrahim(alai) (Abraham)
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The story of Prophet Ibrahim(alai) (Abraham) is narrated in various chapters (Surahs) of the Quran. The story unfolds in stages, highlighting his life, challenges, and unwavering faith. Below is a chronological account of Prophet Ibrahim’s life as presented in the Quran, with references.
1. Early Life and Search for the Truth
Ibrahim's Belief in Allah: Ibrahim grew up in a society that worshiped idols, including his own family. Questioning this practice, he searched for the true Creator, rejecting the worship of celestial bodies and declaring his belief in the One God.
Reference: Surah Al-An’am (6:74-79)
"When he saw the sun rising, he said, 'This is my lord.' But when it was set, he said, 'I do not love things that are set.' ... 'Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.'"
2. Confrontation with His Father and Community
Debate with His Father, Azar: Despite Ibrahim’s efforts to guide his father toward monotheism, his father rejected the message. Ibrahim expressed his devotion to Allah while still showing respect and concern for his father.
Reference: Surah Maryam (19:41-48)
"O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan has ever been a rebel against the Most Merciful."
Destruction of the Idols: Ibrahim challenged his community by destroying their idols and leaving the biggest one intact, implying it was capable of defending itself. He hoped this would make them realize the idols had no power.
Reference: Surah Al-Anbiya (21:57-67)
"He said, 'Do you then worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you?'"
3. Trial by Fire
Thrown into the Fire: The people were outraged by Ibrahim’s actions and decided to punish him by throwing him into a massive fire. Allah intervened, making the fire "cool and peaceful" for Ibrahim, saving him from harm.
Reference: Surah Al-Anbiya (21:68-70)
"They said, 'Burn him and support your gods—if you are to act.' We said, 'O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.'"
4. Migration and Blessings
Leaving His People: Following the incident, Ibrahim was forced to leave his homeland. Allah blessed him with righteous descendants, including Ishaq (Isaac) and Yaqub (Jacob), as a reward for his faith.
Reference: Surah Al-Ankabut (29:26-27)
"So Lut believed him. [Ibrahim] said, 'Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.'"
5. Vision and Sacrifice of His Son
The Command to Sacrifice His Son, Ismail: Allah tested Ibrahim’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. Both father and son submitted to Allah’s command, but before the sacrifice could take place, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, accepting their obedience.
Reference: Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107)
"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...' We called to him, 'O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision.'"
6. Construction of the Kaaba with Ismail
Building the Kaaba: Allah commanded Ibrahim and Ismail to build the Kaaba in Makkah as a place of worship for all believers. They prayed for their descendants to remain in faith.
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:127-129)
"And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House with Ismail, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'"
7. Final Prayers and Legacy
Prayer for Future Generations: Ibrahim prayed for the guidance of his descendants and that a prophet be raised among them to teach them Allah’s message. His prayer was eventually answered by the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:129)
"Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them."