Prophets
Ibrahim
Ibrāhīm
Abraham, one of the five greatest prophets and "Khalilullah" (Friend of Allah). Father of Ismail and Ishaq, he built the Kaaba and is the patriarch of monotheism.
Who is Ibrahim?
Ibrahim (Abraham) is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, a messenger of firm resolve (Ulul-Azm) and the patriarch of monotheism. God honoured him with the unique title Khalil Allah, "the intimate friend of God". He is revered as the father of the prophets Isma'il and Ishaq, and the forefather of the line of prophets that includes Musa, Isa, and Muhammad ﷺ.
Ibrahim, the Seeker of Truth
The Quran portrays Ibrahim as one who reasoned his way to God, rejecting the worship of stars, the moon, and the sun in turn, until he affirmed the Creator of them all (6:75-79). He confronted his idol-worshipping people and even his father, smashing the idols to show their powerlessness, and was thrown into a fire that God commanded: "Be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim" (21:69).
The Supreme Test
Ibrahim's submission was tested when he saw in a dream that he was to sacrifice his son. Both father and son submitted to God's command, and as Ibrahim prepared to fulfil it, God ransomed the boy with a great sacrifice. This event is commemorated every year in Eid al-Adha. Together with his son Isma'il, Ibrahim also raised the foundations of the Kaaba.
Ibrahim in the Quran
- "And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend." (4:125)
- "Indeed, Ibrahim was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth." (16:120)
- "And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House, with Isma'il." (2:127)
The Legacy of Ibrahim
Muslims invoke blessings upon Ibrahim in every prayer, in the same words as upon Muhammad ﷺ. His pure monotheism (millat Ibrahim) is held up as the model of faith, and the rites of Hajj re-enact moments from the lives of Ibrahim, Hagar, and Isma'il.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ibrahim called Khalil Allah?
Because of the depth of his love, devotion, and complete submission to God; "Khalil" denotes an intimacy of friendship that filled his heart entirely with love of God.
What is the connection between Ibrahim and the Kaaba?
Ibrahim and his son Isma'il rebuilt the Kaaba in Mecca by God's command and called people to pilgrimage, establishing it as a centre of pure monotheistic worship.
Etymology & origin
Ibrahim (إبراهيم) is the Quranic name of the prophet known in English as Abraham. It is generally regarded as a non-Arabic proper name (from Hebrew, often understood as "father of many"). In the Quran he is honoured as Khalil Allah — the "intimate friend of God" — and as a model of pure monotheism (hanif).
References
- Quran:
- 2:124, 2:127, 4:125, 6:79, 16:120, 21:69, 37:102
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 3350 (Ibrahim and the rebuilding; the first to be clothed on Judgement Day); Bukhari 3356 (Ibrahim circumcised himself at eighty); Muslim 2369 (Ibrahim is Khalil Allah); Bukhari 3365 (the story of Hagar and Isma'il)
Related terms
Eid al-Adha
The "festival of sacrifice" on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and marking the climax of Hajj.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam: the pilgrimage to Mecca performed during Dhu al-Hijjah, obligatory once for every able-bodied financially capable Muslim.
Isa
Jesus, one of the five greatest prophets, born miraculously of the virgin Maryam. Given the Injil (Gospel), he performed miracles by Allah's leave and will return before the End of Times.
Ismail
Ishmael, the elder son of Ibrahim and Hajar. He helped build the Kaaba and was the one offered in the great trial of sacrifice. Ancestor of the Arabs and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Kaaba
The cube-shaped House of God in Mecca, rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'il; Muslims worldwide face it in prayer and circle it (tawaf) during pilgrimage.
Muhammad ﷺ
The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all worlds. He received the Quran, established Islam, and is the seal of the prophets — none comes after him.