CHAPTER 1
PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH ON EARTH
Prophet Abraham was born to honorable parents descended from Prophet Noah. He
was born in the city of Hara, Iraq during the reign of King Nimrod and is often referred to
as “The Friend of Allah” and "The Father of the Prophets". Before Abraham reached
maturity his father passed away, and as was the custom in those days, he would, out of
respect for his paternal uncle, refer to him as his father. There had been a void in
guidance since the death of Prophet Noah and the people of Hara reverted to idolatry.
Hara was renowned for its ornate, pagan temples and its citizens took great pride in the
idols housed within them. Offerings were sacrificed to the idols and ritual ceremonies,
wishfully invoking their favors performed before them. A lucrative commerce had grown
around the activities of the temples. Carved replicas of the idols were a much sought
after possession and it was to this profession that Azar, Abraham’s uncle, whom he now
called “father” directed his talents.
WHO IS MY LORD
Abraham was unlike his contemporaries, he grew to be an upright, caring, young man
repulsed by idol worship and sought the answer to a question that had consumed him for
many years −− who was his Lord? In the process of his guidance, Allah in His Mercy
caused Abraham to contemplate upon the kingdoms of the heavens and earth. One
evening, as he gazed up into the night sky, he saw a planet shinning more brightly than
the others and exclaimed, "This is surely my Lord!" but, as the morning light came the
planet set he rejected his thought saying, "I do not like the setting ones!" On another
occasion as he saw the moon rise he said once again, "This is my Lord!" But like the
planet as the light of the morning broke it disappeared whereupon he said, "If my Lord
does not guide me, I shall be amongst the astray nation!" Then, when he saw the sun
rise upon the horizon he said, "This must be my Lord, it is larger!" But as it set he turned
to his people saying, "O nation I am quit of what you associate (with Allah, the Creator) I
have turned my face to Him who created the heavens and the earth, uprightly, and I am
not among the idolaters!" Koran, Chapter 6 verses 76−79
ABRAHAM IS CHOSEN BY ALLAH AND BECOMES A PROPHET
Shortly after this Allah sent the Arch Angel Gabriel to inform Abraham that He had
chosen him to be His Messenger. Abraham was deeply humbled by the news and
Gabriel brought him, over a period of forty−two visits, ten Holy Scrolls. Prophet
Muhammad informed his companions later on that the contents of the Scrolls were
examples. Abraham's open rejection of idolatry caused a commotion, no one had ever
challenged the deity of the idols of Hara; to his fellow citizens the notion was deemed
blasphemous. However, Abraham was resolved, he had no doubt that Allah was the only
One to be worshipped because he was convinced that it was He alone who had created
everything.
THE LOGIC OF ABRAHAM
Abraham tried reasoning with those around him in the best manner, but they refused to
accept his logic even after he had drawn their attention to the obvious fact that their idols
had either been hewn from stone or carved from wood by people such as themselves.
Abraham never stopped challenging his people and asked if their idols could do anything
else other than just stand motionless, year after year, in the same place −− the place in
which they themselves had been positioned many years before! He reminded his people
that the idols neither ate nor drank from the offerings placed before them nor could they
harm or benefit anyone. But still the people refused to abandon their idolatry. Over the
course of time the idolaters became outraged and told Abraham that it was he who was
wrong and that he must fear their gods. Abraham shook his head and asked, "And how
should I fear what you have associated when you yourselves are not afraid that you
have associated with Allah that which He did not send down for it upon you an authority.”
Koran, Chapter 6 verse 81
ABRAHAM AND KING NIMROD
The news of Abraham's preaching reached King Nimrod who considered himself to be a
deity. Abraham feared no one except Allah, so when he was presented to the king he
challenged him saying, "My Lord is He who revives and causes to die." But the artful
king scoffed at Abraham and told him, "I revive and cause to die." The king knew exactly
what Abraham meant, but had tired to outwit him with his reply by referring to the power
he had as king to either spare the life of a guilty criminal, or put to death an innocent
person −− whichever suited his whim. Abraham challenged him yet again saying, "Allah
brings up the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west." This time the king knew
he had been revealed and the color drained from his face, and Abraham waited to see if
he would surrender to Allah but he did not and so Abraham returned home. Koran,
Chapter 2 verse 258
ABRAHAM AND THE MIRACLE OF THE FOUR BIRDS
One day, Abraham asked Allah to show him how He revived the dead. Allah asked
Abraham, "Haven't you believed?" Abraham told Him that it wasn't that, rather, it was
just to satisfy his heart. So Allah told him to take four birds, sacrifice them, then cut them
into pieces and mix their bits and pieces together then go to the neighboring hills and
place some of the mixed pieces on each of them. Allah told Abraham that after he had
done this to call the birds and their severed parts would reassemble and fly to him.
Abraham did exactly as he was told, he sacrificed a peacock, an eagle, a crow and a
rooster, then, after he had mixed their body parts together he placed them upon the
neighboring hills, keeping only their heads with him. Once this had been done he called
to them whereupon their mixed parts were brought back to life, reassembled, and flew to
join themselves to their respective head that Abraham still held in his hand. Koran.
ABRAHAM AND HIS “FATHER” PART COMPANY:
Now Azar was among those who refused to accept Allah as his Lord. Abraham asked
him why he was so devoted to the idols but Azar could offer no better reply than to say
that many people before him had worshipped them, and what was good enough for them
was good enough for him also. Azar became upset and embarrassed by his nephew’s
preaching and threatened to stone him if he persisted. Such was Abraham’s conviction
that he did not stop preaching and after a while, Azar realized that his threats were of no
use so he told his nephew he did not wish to see him again for sometime. As they parted
company, tender−hearted Abraham told Azar he would ask Allah to forgive him, and that
perhaps his Lord would accept his prayer. Abraham continued to preach against the
idols but the people continued to spurn what he had to say. After each refusal he would
ask them the same question he had asked his uncle −− what made them so devoted to
their idols −− but they replied in the same way, which was simply because their fathers
and ancestors had worshipped them. Some even accused Abraham of jesting with them,
but he swore that this was not so, and that without doubt their Lord and Creator is and
always had been the Lord of all that is in the heavens and earth, and that they should
abandon their useless idols.
ABRAHAM OUTWITS THE IDOLS
No matter how hard Abraham tried they would not accept the truth, so he told them, "By
Allah, I shall outwit your idols as soon as you have turned your backs and gone." No one
took Abraham seriously so they left and went about their business. Some time later,
Abraham, unseen with ax in hand, entered the temple in which the most revered idols
were housed, and smashed all except the largest into pieces then left unseen. It wasn't
long before the idolaters returned to the temple and saw their gods lying broken into
pieces on the floor. There was an outcry of horror and those who had heard Abraham's
challenge immediately suspected him, and so he was summoned before them.
"Abraham," they asked, "was it you who did this to our gods?" Abraham replied, "It was
their great one that did it. Ask them if they can speak." The idolaters huddled together in
a corner knowing well in their hearts the truth of the matter and that Abraham had at last
succeeded in exposing the worthlessness of their idols. Begrudgingly, they admitted,
"You know they do not speak." Thereupon Abraham challenged them saying, "Would
you then worship that which can neither benefit nor harm you, instead of Allah? Shame
on you and that you worship other than Allah! Have you no understanding?" Koran,
Chapter 21:68
THE BONFIRE
It was more than the idolaters could bear, their idols lay broken in pieces unable to do
anything for themselves. Outraged by the whole situation they cried out, "Burn him and
help your gods!" The idolaters hastened to build a huge bonfire with the intent of burning
Abraham to death, however, Abraham remained calm having complete trust in His Lord
and did not flinch. There was nothing that would tear him away from his belief in the
Oneness of Allah. Abraham was led to the bonfire and placed in its center, and the
kindling wood lit. It wasn't long until the flames leapt high into the air −− but not even a
single hair of Abraham's head was scorched. That was because Allah had caused a
miracle to occur. He commanded the flames to be cool and safe for Abraham and
eventually, when the fire had consumed itself, Abraham walked away unharmed praising
and thanking Allah for His mercy. Even though the idolaters had witness this great
miracle they continued in their arrogance and refused to abandon their idols. In their
hearts they knew that nothing they did would ever harm Abraham because he was
protected by Allah, so in desperation they banished him and his wife, Lady Sarah, from
their homeland.
ABRAHAM AND SARAH IN EGYPT
After a long, tiring journey, Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah reached Egypt and it was
there they decided to make their home. During their time in Egypt, Haggar, one of the
noble ladies−in−waiting in the court of Pharaoh, came to live in Abraham's household as
a companion to Sarah. Haggar was a sweet natured lady, she loved Lady Sarah dearly
and a very special friendship bonded them together. Idolatry was also commonplace in
Egypt especially in the court of Pharaoh but when Haggar heard Abraham speak about
Allah she was quick to recognize the truth and accepted it. In those days it was common
place for a man to have more than one wife and Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah, who
were now elderly remained childless. Lady Sarah had given up hope of ever bearing a
child so she suggested to Abraham that he might like to take Haggar to be her co−wife.
Both Abraham and Haggar accepted her suggestion and shortly after Haggar became
his lawful second wife. The family's wish was fulfilled when Lady Haggar conceived and
gave birth to a fine son whom they named Ishmael. Lady Sarah was delighted and
happy that Abraham had at long last been blessed with a son −− little did she know at
that time that she too would be blessed in later years for her patience with a son of her
own, Isaac.
DECEIT
Throughout the centuries nationalistic Jews and Orientalists have sort to distort the truth
about Prophet Abraham’s legal marriage to Lady Haggar and the very close relationship
between Ladies Sarah and Haggar. Their object has been and still is to undermine the
great event which had been promised and recorded in the original, unadulterated Holy
Scriptures that announced the coming of Islam with its protected revelation, the Holy
Koran and the seal of all the prophets, Prophet Muhammad (sa).
PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH ON EARTH
Prophet Abraham was born to honorable parents descended from Prophet Noah. He
was born in the city of Hara, Iraq during the reign of King Nimrod and is often referred to
as “The Friend of Allah” and "The Father of the Prophets". Before Abraham reached
maturity his father passed away, and as was the custom in those days, he would, out of
respect for his paternal uncle, refer to him as his father. There had been a void in
guidance since the death of Prophet Noah and the people of Hara reverted to idolatry.
Hara was renowned for its ornate, pagan temples and its citizens took great pride in the
idols housed within them. Offerings were sacrificed to the idols and ritual ceremonies,
wishfully invoking their favors performed before them. A lucrative commerce had grown
around the activities of the temples. Carved replicas of the idols were a much sought
after possession and it was to this profession that Azar, Abraham’s uncle, whom he now
called “father” directed his talents.
WHO IS MY LORD
Abraham was unlike his contemporaries, he grew to be an upright, caring, young man
repulsed by idol worship and sought the answer to a question that had consumed him for
many years −− who was his Lord? In the process of his guidance, Allah in His Mercy
caused Abraham to contemplate upon the kingdoms of the heavens and earth. One
evening, as he gazed up into the night sky, he saw a planet shinning more brightly than
the others and exclaimed, "This is surely my Lord!" but, as the morning light came the
planet set he rejected his thought saying, "I do not like the setting ones!" On another
occasion as he saw the moon rise he said once again, "This is my Lord!" But like the
planet as the light of the morning broke it disappeared whereupon he said, "If my Lord
does not guide me, I shall be amongst the astray nation!" Then, when he saw the sun
rise upon the horizon he said, "This must be my Lord, it is larger!" But as it set he turned
to his people saying, "O nation I am quit of what you associate (with Allah, the Creator) I
have turned my face to Him who created the heavens and the earth, uprightly, and I am
not among the idolaters!" Koran, Chapter 6 verses 76−79
ABRAHAM IS CHOSEN BY ALLAH AND BECOMES A PROPHET
Shortly after this Allah sent the Arch Angel Gabriel to inform Abraham that He had
chosen him to be His Messenger. Abraham was deeply humbled by the news and
Gabriel brought him, over a period of forty−two visits, ten Holy Scrolls. Prophet
Muhammad informed his companions later on that the contents of the Scrolls were
examples. Abraham's open rejection of idolatry caused a commotion, no one had ever
challenged the deity of the idols of Hara; to his fellow citizens the notion was deemed
blasphemous. However, Abraham was resolved, he had no doubt that Allah was the only
One to be worshipped because he was convinced that it was He alone who had created
everything.
THE LOGIC OF ABRAHAM
Abraham tried reasoning with those around him in the best manner, but they refused to
accept his logic even after he had drawn their attention to the obvious fact that their idols
had either been hewn from stone or carved from wood by people such as themselves.
Abraham never stopped challenging his people and asked if their idols could do anything
else other than just stand motionless, year after year, in the same place −− the place in
which they themselves had been positioned many years before! He reminded his people
that the idols neither ate nor drank from the offerings placed before them nor could they
harm or benefit anyone. But still the people refused to abandon their idolatry. Over the
course of time the idolaters became outraged and told Abraham that it was he who was
wrong and that he must fear their gods. Abraham shook his head and asked, "And how
should I fear what you have associated when you yourselves are not afraid that you
have associated with Allah that which He did not send down for it upon you an authority.”
Koran, Chapter 6 verse 81
ABRAHAM AND KING NIMROD
The news of Abraham's preaching reached King Nimrod who considered himself to be a
deity. Abraham feared no one except Allah, so when he was presented to the king he
challenged him saying, "My Lord is He who revives and causes to die." But the artful
king scoffed at Abraham and told him, "I revive and cause to die." The king knew exactly
what Abraham meant, but had tired to outwit him with his reply by referring to the power
he had as king to either spare the life of a guilty criminal, or put to death an innocent
person −− whichever suited his whim. Abraham challenged him yet again saying, "Allah
brings up the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west." This time the king knew
he had been revealed and the color drained from his face, and Abraham waited to see if
he would surrender to Allah but he did not and so Abraham returned home. Koran,
Chapter 2 verse 258
ABRAHAM AND THE MIRACLE OF THE FOUR BIRDS
One day, Abraham asked Allah to show him how He revived the dead. Allah asked
Abraham, "Haven't you believed?" Abraham told Him that it wasn't that, rather, it was
just to satisfy his heart. So Allah told him to take four birds, sacrifice them, then cut them
into pieces and mix their bits and pieces together then go to the neighboring hills and
place some of the mixed pieces on each of them. Allah told Abraham that after he had
done this to call the birds and their severed parts would reassemble and fly to him.
Abraham did exactly as he was told, he sacrificed a peacock, an eagle, a crow and a
rooster, then, after he had mixed their body parts together he placed them upon the
neighboring hills, keeping only their heads with him. Once this had been done he called
to them whereupon their mixed parts were brought back to life, reassembled, and flew to
join themselves to their respective head that Abraham still held in his hand. Koran.
ABRAHAM AND HIS “FATHER” PART COMPANY:
Now Azar was among those who refused to accept Allah as his Lord. Abraham asked
him why he was so devoted to the idols but Azar could offer no better reply than to say
that many people before him had worshipped them, and what was good enough for them
was good enough for him also. Azar became upset and embarrassed by his nephew’s
preaching and threatened to stone him if he persisted. Such was Abraham’s conviction
that he did not stop preaching and after a while, Azar realized that his threats were of no
use so he told his nephew he did not wish to see him again for sometime. As they parted
company, tender−hearted Abraham told Azar he would ask Allah to forgive him, and that
perhaps his Lord would accept his prayer. Abraham continued to preach against the
idols but the people continued to spurn what he had to say. After each refusal he would
ask them the same question he had asked his uncle −− what made them so devoted to
their idols −− but they replied in the same way, which was simply because their fathers
and ancestors had worshipped them. Some even accused Abraham of jesting with them,
but he swore that this was not so, and that without doubt their Lord and Creator is and
always had been the Lord of all that is in the heavens and earth, and that they should
abandon their useless idols.
ABRAHAM OUTWITS THE IDOLS
No matter how hard Abraham tried they would not accept the truth, so he told them, "By
Allah, I shall outwit your idols as soon as you have turned your backs and gone." No one
took Abraham seriously so they left and went about their business. Some time later,
Abraham, unseen with ax in hand, entered the temple in which the most revered idols
were housed, and smashed all except the largest into pieces then left unseen. It wasn't
long before the idolaters returned to the temple and saw their gods lying broken into
pieces on the floor. There was an outcry of horror and those who had heard Abraham's
challenge immediately suspected him, and so he was summoned before them.
"Abraham," they asked, "was it you who did this to our gods?" Abraham replied, "It was
their great one that did it. Ask them if they can speak." The idolaters huddled together in
a corner knowing well in their hearts the truth of the matter and that Abraham had at last
succeeded in exposing the worthlessness of their idols. Begrudgingly, they admitted,
"You know they do not speak." Thereupon Abraham challenged them saying, "Would
you then worship that which can neither benefit nor harm you, instead of Allah? Shame
on you and that you worship other than Allah! Have you no understanding?" Koran,
Chapter 21:68
THE BONFIRE
It was more than the idolaters could bear, their idols lay broken in pieces unable to do
anything for themselves. Outraged by the whole situation they cried out, "Burn him and
help your gods!" The idolaters hastened to build a huge bonfire with the intent of burning
Abraham to death, however, Abraham remained calm having complete trust in His Lord
and did not flinch. There was nothing that would tear him away from his belief in the
Oneness of Allah. Abraham was led to the bonfire and placed in its center, and the
kindling wood lit. It wasn't long until the flames leapt high into the air −− but not even a
single hair of Abraham's head was scorched. That was because Allah had caused a
miracle to occur. He commanded the flames to be cool and safe for Abraham and
eventually, when the fire had consumed itself, Abraham walked away unharmed praising
and thanking Allah for His mercy. Even though the idolaters had witness this great
miracle they continued in their arrogance and refused to abandon their idols. In their
hearts they knew that nothing they did would ever harm Abraham because he was
protected by Allah, so in desperation they banished him and his wife, Lady Sarah, from
their homeland.
ABRAHAM AND SARAH IN EGYPT
After a long, tiring journey, Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah reached Egypt and it was
there they decided to make their home. During their time in Egypt, Haggar, one of the
noble ladies−in−waiting in the court of Pharaoh, came to live in Abraham's household as
a companion to Sarah. Haggar was a sweet natured lady, she loved Lady Sarah dearly
and a very special friendship bonded them together. Idolatry was also commonplace in
Egypt especially in the court of Pharaoh but when Haggar heard Abraham speak about
Allah she was quick to recognize the truth and accepted it. In those days it was common
place for a man to have more than one wife and Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah, who
were now elderly remained childless. Lady Sarah had given up hope of ever bearing a
child so she suggested to Abraham that he might like to take Haggar to be her co−wife.
Both Abraham and Haggar accepted her suggestion and shortly after Haggar became
his lawful second wife. The family's wish was fulfilled when Lady Haggar conceived and
gave birth to a fine son whom they named Ishmael. Lady Sarah was delighted and
happy that Abraham had at long last been blessed with a son −− little did she know at
that time that she too would be blessed in later years for her patience with a son of her
own, Isaac.
DECEIT
Throughout the centuries nationalistic Jews and Orientalists have sort to distort the truth
about Prophet Abraham’s legal marriage to Lady Haggar and the very close relationship
between Ladies Sarah and Haggar. Their object has been and still is to undermine the
great event which had been promised and recorded in the original, unadulterated Holy
Scriptures that announced the coming of Islam with its protected revelation, the Holy
Koran and the seal of all the prophets, Prophet Muhammad (sa).
