Context
Ibrahim, living among idol worshippers, including his own father, questioned the legitimacy of idol worship from a young age. He pondered the natural world, including the sun, moon, and stars, seeking the true Creator. His reflections led him to submit to Allah, declaring belief in the One, True God (Qur’an 6:74-79). Ibrahim confronted his father, Azar, and his people, telling them to abandon idols. Despite their mockery and threats, he remained steadfast, warning them about divine punishment and calling them to worship Allah alone (Qur’an 19:41-48; 21:51-58).
Miracles
1. Surviving The Fire
When Ibrahim challenged his people by destroying their idols, they were angry and wanted to punish him. They started a massive fire and threw him into it. However, Allah commanded the fire: “O fire! Be cool and safe for Abraham!” (Qur’an 21:69). This miraculous event demonstrated Allah’s protection of Ibrahim and showed the weakness of the idols worshipped by his people (Qur’an 21:68-70). Prophet Ibrahim’s steadfastness and reliance on Allah are depicts his total submission, which set him apart as a model of patience and faith (Harmaini, Jannah, Salmiyati, & Tahir, 2022).
2. Dialogue with Nimrod
Ibrahim debated the evil king Nimrod, who claimed to be divine. When Ibrahim argued that Allah brings life and death, Nimrod pretended to be able to do that by releasing a prisoner and killing another. Ibrahim then said: “Allah causes the sun to rise from the east. So make it rise from the west.” (Qur’an 2:258). This statement silenced Nimrod, as it was a challenge he could not meet, showcasing Allah’s supreme control over the universe.
3. Revival of Birds:
To strengthen his faith, Ibrahim asked Allah to show him how He gives life to the dead. Allah instructed him to take four birds, cut them into pieces, and place portions of them on different hills. Then, he was commanded to call them, and the birds miraculously came back to life and flew to him (Qur’an 2:260).
This miracle highlighted Allah’s power over life and death and served as a reassurance for Ibrahim.
4. The Birth of a Son in Old Age:
Despite his and his wife Sarah's old age, Allah granted Ibrahim the miracle of a son, Ishaq (Isaac), after giving him Isma’il (Ishmael) through Hajar. The Quran describes this as a gift of divine mercy: "We ˹later˺ gave him good news of Isaac—a prophet, and one of the righteous. “, and "We blessed him1 and Isaac as well. Some of their descendants did good, while others clearly wronged themselves." (Qur’an 37:112-113).
5. Building of the Ka‘ba:
Allah guided Ibrahim and his son Isma’il to construct the Ka‘ba, the first house of worship on Earth, in the valley of Mecca. The building of the Ka‘ba itself was an act of divine guidance. Ibrahim’s prayer during this act reflected his submission: "And ˹remember˺ when Abraham raised the foundation of the House with Ishmael, ˹both praying,˺ “Our Lord! Accept ˹this˺ from us. You are indeed the All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (Qur’an 2:127). The Ka‘ba remains a central symbol in Islamic worship. Just like mentioned by Lumbard (2007), “In accordance with Abraham’s act of complete submission, Muslims continue to celebrate this event every year at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.“
