Ibrahim (AS)

Ibrahim (AS) grew up in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), in the city of Ur. His father, Azar, was an idol maker and worshipper. From a young age, Ibrahim questioned the logic of worshipping idols carved by human hands. Through observation of the stars, the moon, and the sun — and their setting each day — Ibrahim concluded: 'I do not love things that set.' He arrived, through pure intellect and divine guidance, at the worship of the One who does not set: Allah.

Ibrahim (AS) openly challenged the polytheism of his society and the authority of the King Nimrod, who claimed divinity. When Nimrod asked Ibrahim to describe his God, Ibrahim said: 'My Lord is He who gives life and causes death.' Nimrod said he could do the same. Ibrahim then said: 'Indeed, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; so cause it to rise from the west.' Nimrod was confounded.

When Ibrahim (AS) destroyed the idols of his people (sparing the largest to make a point), the people were enraged. They sentenced him to be cast into a great fire. But Allah commanded: 'O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim.' (21:69) The fire did not harm him. This miracle demonstrated that nothing can harm the one whom Allah protects, and that the fires of this world are nothing compared to the fire of the Hereafter.

Ibrahim (AS) was given one of the most severe trials any parent could face. He saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his beloved son Ismail (AS). Recognizing this as a divine command, both father and son submitted. As the knife was brought to Ismail's throat, Allah called out: 'O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.' (37:104-105) A ram was substituted for Ismail. This sacrifice is commemorated annually by Muslims worldwide during Eid al-Adha.

Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) built the Kaaba in Makkah — the sacred House of Allah toward which 1.8 billion Muslims pray every day. As they laid the foundations, they made a supplication: 'Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.' (2:127) Ibrahim also called humanity to Hajj: 'Proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.' (22:27)