Why We Love Abraham, And You Should Too!
And mention in the Book (the Quran) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. — Qur’an 19[Mar’yam]:41
IN THE BEGINNING:
The name Abraham is ascribed to all mainstream religions. In fact, he’s described as the father of faith. His story is well depicted in the Torah, Gospel and Qur’an. Asides Adam whom humanity has roots to, Abraham is the only prophet that has affinity with the Jews, Christians and Muslims. From circumcision to circumambulation, we find only the Muslim nation upholding all the Abrahamic legacies till date. Indeed he was a friend of God, specially chosen to be a leader of generations. History relates him as a man filled with unshakable faith, perseverance and submission. His was a unifying story submitting to the unity of God without ascribing partners to Him. This piece intends to illustrate the story of Abraham as revealed in the Qur’an.
A FAITHFUL MONOTHEIST:
And recite to them the story of Abraham. When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?”. They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.” He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.” 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 Alameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists). 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. 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. My Lord! Bestow Hukman (religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) 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 (all the creatures) will be resurrected; the Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail. Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)). — Qur’an 26[Shura]: 69–89
BEHIND THE SACRIFICE:
And he (Abraham) said: “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. And, when he (his son) 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, Insha Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. — Qur’an 37[Saffat]:99–111
UNFORGETTABLE LEGACIES: From all indications, it appeared Abraham lived a godly life filled with established practices. He did perform religious acts ordained upon him by God and followed by succeeding generations. Many of these worship modes can be found till date in the Muslim way of life.
- Building the Ka’bah:
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) and (his son) Isma’il (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." — Qur’an 2[Baqara]:127
- Hajj rites as a Right:
Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-Alameen (the mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place of Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for ones conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alameen (mankind and jinns). — Quran 3[Al-Imra’n]:96–97
- Mecca became a Sanctuary:
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. “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. — Qur’an 14[Ibrahim]:35–36
- The Qurbani Tradition: This has been mentioned earlier. It’s the practice of sacrificing the Ram in line with the ways of Abraham. The meat is meant to be eaten and distributed to the needy and those who do not even ask.
The spring of Zamzam and sai’: The well of Zamzam came into existence when Hajar the mother of Ismael (wife of Abraham) was in need of water after his birth. She had ran between mounts Safa’ and Marwa in search of water to quench her thirst. This act is also known as As-Sa’i which is performed during hajj. The Angel Jibril (AS) appeared to her striking his wing on the ground. There by causing water to gush forth from the spot. He then said: “Do not fear loss, for there is a sacred House here which will be built by this child and his father”. Among the miracles of Zamzam is it’s healing power. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said, “The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam. In it is complete nourishment and healing from sickness.” [At-Tabarani]. The water has has never been chemically treated. It’s been flowing for over four thousand years till date.
THE INTERSECTION:
I sometimes reminisce my early days in nursery school. We often sang this beautiful song thus:
“Father Abraham has many sons.
Many sons has father Abraham.
I am one of them
And so are you
So let us praise the Lord…”
This was decades ago when we knew nothing but ABC. When I attained full age of maturity, I began to wonder why don’t we praise the Lord the way father Abraham did? These practices aren’t alien as we find their roots in previous books revealed by God — the Torah and Gospel.
From the Torah: And it’s found in the book of Genesis verses 3–4: “Abraham fell on his face and God said onto him: Behold, my covenant is with you. And you will be the father of a multitude nations.”
From the Gospel: In the book of John chapter 8 verse 39 we found this: They answered: “Abraham is our father”. Jesus said: “If ye be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham”.
In the end, I see sense in the words of steve wardrip when he said: “There is only one God. Man fabricates the rest for his own selfish purposes. Lovers of self, lovers of man, creating gods to suit themselves. There is only one God and none of us know God. Hello and goodbye are of no consequence to God, merely a ritual man has created to glorify themselves. Real God is not like that… man is.”
THE MISCONCEPTION:
A few years ago, -when I had attain full strength- I offered the sacrifice to commemorate the practice of father Abraham. With ecstasy, we enjoyed the meat with families and friends. I had some to share with two of my Christian colleagues at work. One accepted it wholeheartedly and the other rejected it outrightly. The rejecting fellow said: “it’s a bloody sacrifice so I wouldn’t eat from it.” This is what the Qur’an tells us about such a scenario:
It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches God, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them (the animal) subject to you that you may magnify God for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings to the doers of good. — Qur’an 22[Hajj]:37
After quoting this verse, I explained further to him that it’s the submission to God’s commandment that’s sacrosanct in a case like this. Imagine in today’s world that God ordered you to sacrifice your only son. I’m pretty sure that many will be rebellious.
After the explanation, my friend stood his ground saying: “that’s what my pastor told me.” The other Christian guy took the second portion of the meat and enjoyed it with a can of soda. That day I realized extremism isn’t just about bombing innocent souls. It encapsulates intolerance for other’s belief as well. Indeed in every religion, there are the good, the bad and the ugly ones.
AN ACCEPTED PRAYER:
And (remember) when Abraham and (his son) Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (the Kabah at Makkah), (saying), “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage — Hajj and Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocation by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Quran) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood, etc.), and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” 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. — Qur’an 2[Baqarah]:127–130
IN THE END:
I leave you with a catharsis from Surah An-Nisa, Qur’an 4 Verse 125:
And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follows Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism); and he is a Muhsin (a good-doer - see V. 2:112). And follows the religion of Abraham, Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism - to worship none but Allah Alone). And Allah did take Abraham as a Khalil (an intimate friend).
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