Who was Abraham? How did he Manifest True Submission to God?

A Champion of Monotheism

Prophet Ibrahim (as) occupies a unique and unparalleled position in Islam. He is called Khalilullah, the Friend of God, and his legacy is so foundational that Allah (swt) commands us to follow his creed, the creed of a haneef, one who is upright and turns away from all falsehood. His life was a relentless campaign against polytheism and a powerful demonstration of what it means to submit completely to the One God. He is not just a prophet; he is a teacher of Tawheed, the oneness of God, and his methods of teaching are as relevant today as they were millennia ago.

Rational Argument Against Idols

Ibrahim (as) was born into a society that worshipped idols. He also encountered people who worshipped celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. His first teaching method was a brilliant use of rational argument. The Qur’an recounts how he observed a star and claimed it was his Lord, only to recant when it set. He did the same with the moon and the sun, concluding, “I have turned my face toward Him who originated the heavens and the earth” (Q 6:79). This was not a moment of confusion on his part, but a pedagogical strategy. He was leading his people to the logical conclusion that anything that sets, that changes, that has a beginning, cannot be a true god. The only true God is the one who is eternal and unchanging.

Direct Action and the Destruction of Idols

When his arguments failed to sway his people, he resorted to a more direct action. He destroyed the idols in the temple, leaving only the largest one intact. When questioned, he cleverly told them to ask the chief idol, pointing out the absurdity of their worship: “So ask them, if they can speak” (Q 21:63). This act forced his people to confront the impotence of their gods. The result was not belief but fury. They decided to throw him into a massive fire, believing they were avenging their gods.

The Fire and Pure Trust in Allah

This moment, the supreme test of his faith, became the ultimate lesson in Tawakkul (trust in God). As he was being catapulted into the inferno, the angel Jibrail (as) appeared and offered his help. Ibrahim’s response was one of complete reliance on Allah (swt) alone, refusing any intermediary. His supplication was a declaration of God’s absolute uniqueness, a supplication that forms the essence of Surah al-Ikhlas: “O One, O Self-Sufficient, O He who did not give birth and was not born, and there is none like unto Him.” In response, Allah (swt) commanded the fire, “Be cool and safe for Ibrahim” (Q 21:69). 

Migration and the Ultimate Test of Sacrifice

Even after this miraculous salvation, the people did not believe. Ibrahim (as) did not despair. Instead, he migrated, declaring, “I am going to my Lord; He will guide me” (Q 37:99). His migration was not an escape from his mission but a strategic move to establish a new community of believers. He settled in Palestine, and after years of waiting, he was blessed with two sons: Ismail from Hajer and Ishaq from Sara. His legacy continued, and his family would be the vessel through which divine guidance would flow.

The climax of his submission came with the command to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (as). This test was the ultimate proof of his willingness to submit. When he told his son of the vision, Ismail’s response was one of perfect faith: “Do whatever you have been commanded. If Allah (swt) wishes, you will find me to be patient” (Q 37:102). Both father and son had submitted, and at the moment of sacrifice, Allah (swt) ransomed Ismail with a great sacrifice. The test was passed, not because of the action itself, but because of the absolute submission it demonstrated.

Building the Ka’bah and His Enduring Legacy

Finally, Ibrahim’s legacy was sealed by his role in raising the foundations of the Ka’bah with Ismail (as). His prayer at that time was for the establishment of a righteous community and for a messenger to be sent from their progeny, a prayer that was ultimately answered by the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (saw). The life of Ibrahim (as) is a masterclass in unwavering conviction, intellectual courage, and complete submission. He teaches us that true Tawhid is not just a belief to be professed but a reality to be lived, and that the path to Allah (swt) may require us to leave our homes, face fire, and sacrifice what is most dear, knowing that in the end, we will find that Allah (swt) is the best of protectors.

By Shiekh Ali Alsamail