Abraham in the Koran

1. Presenter: Aurangzeb Zafar Abraham in the Koran

2. Outline • Historical Background • Abraham’s belief in Monotheism • Abraham’s dialog with his father and people • Abraham as a Prophet • Abraham’s sons – the family of prophets • Building of the Ka’bah, and the Pilgrimage (Hajj) • Abraham – a true Muslim and a role model for the whole mankind

3. Some Terms/Keywords • Allah = God in Arabic • Muhammad • Qur’an = Koran • Islam • Ibrahim = Abraham • PBUH = peace be upon him • We = Plural of respect in Arabic • Children of Israel (or People of the Book) = Jews and Christians

4. 1. Historical Background • Abraham; recent discoveries and Hebrew origins, Sir Leonard Woolley, 1935 • Period of Abraham – around 2100 B.C. • He was born in the capital city of Iraq called Ur • Ur – a flourishing industrial and business center of ~250,000 inhabitants • People of Ur were mostly craftsmen and merchants by profession • The society was divided in three classes: • The Amelu – priests, state officials and military officers • The Mushkenu – merchants, craftsmen and farmers • The Ardu – slaves

5. 1. Historical Background • The tablets excavated at Ur mention the names of about 5000 gods • Special deity of each city – the chief god or the city god • The city god of Ur – Nannar (the moon god) • The city god of Larsah (2nd largest city) – Shamash (the sun god) Idol of Nannar King Ur-Nammu atop the Ziggurat at Ur: a Tower unto the Heavens Shamash – the sun god Images, courtesy: http://www.crystalinks.com/sumergods1a.html, http://community.livejournal.com/goddess_files, and http://kata-aletheia.blogspot.com/

6. 1. Historical Background • Idol of Nannar was built in the grand shrine on the highest peak at Ur • Every night a different female worshipper would become his bride • Nannar – the biggest landlord, merchant, craftsmen, chief executive • The royal dynasty derived its sovereignty from Nannar • The dynasty ruling Ur was founded by Ur-Nammu around 2300 B.C. • The dynasty was called Nammu which in Arabic became Namrud King Ur-Nammu making an offering to the moon god, Nannar Image, courtesy: http://ivyganadillo.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/ancient-west-asia-revisited/be061741/

7. 2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism • Abraham questions the legitimacy of gods • His people worship stars, moon and the sun • First he looks at the star • And questions if it is god • But he does not like it when it sets • 6:75. Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he be one of those who have Faith with certainty. • 6:76. When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said: “This is my lord.” But when it set, he said: “I like not those that set.” Image, courtesy: http://www.getreligion.org/2007/12/

8. 2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism • Then he looks at the moon • And questions if it is his god • But it too sets • He concludes it cannot be god • It is his way of telling his people that these things whom they worship as gods are not gods • 6:77. When he saw the moon rising up, he said: “This is my lord.” But when it set, he said: “Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the erring people.” Image, courtesy: http://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-photograph-the-moon

9. 2. Abraham’s belief in Monotheism • Abraham then looks at the sun • It is big and bright… • But it too sets… • Abraham concludes it too can’t be god • He rejects all false gods of his people • And believes in the One Creator • 6:78. When he saw the sun rising up, he said: “This is my lord. This is greater.” But when it set, he said: “O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allah. • 6:79. Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth firmly and truly and I am not of polytheists.” Image, courtesy: http://ndep.nv.gov/photo/rising_sun08.htm

10. 3. Abraham’s dialog with his father • Abraham asks his father why he worships that which hears not, sees not and cannot help in anything • He says that it is sheer ignorance and manifest error to take idols as gods • 19:41. And mention in the Book (the Qur‘an) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. • 19:42. When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?” • 6:74. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as gods? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error.”

11. 3. Abraham’s dialog with his father • Abraham tells his father that he has got the knowledge and guidance • He then asks him to follow Abraham in the Straight Path • And not worship (follow) Satan who is a rebel against God • He also warns him of punishment • 19:43. “O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path.” • 19:44. “O my father! Worship not Satan. Verily! Satan has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah).” • 19:45. “O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent overtake you, so that you become a companion of Satan (in the Hell-fire).”

12. 3. Abraham’s dialog with his father • Abraham’s father rebukes him on rejecting his gods • He warns him that he will stone him if he does not stop talking like this • Finally, he tells him to go away before he punishes him • Abraham agrees to leave and promises to pray for his dad • 19:46. He (father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Abraham? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.” • 19:47. Abraham said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious.” • 19:48. “And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord.”

13. 3. Abraham keeps his promise • Abraham keeps his promise • He continues to pray for his father until he finds out that his father died as an enemy of Allah • The Qur’an testifies that Abraham was very tender-hearted, forbearing • 9:114. And (Abraham’s) invoking (of Allah) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him that he is an enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him. Verily Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.

14. 3. Abraham confronts his people • Abraham asks his people, as he did ask his father, what they worship • He asks if idols hear when they are called or benefit or harm the people • They have no answer but to say that they found their fathers doing so • 26:69. And recite to them the story of Abraham. • 26:70. When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?” • 26:71. They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.” • 26:72. He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)?” • 26:73. “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” • 26:74. They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.”

15. 3. Abraham confronts his people • He tells them that their idols are his enemies • He only believes in the Lord of the universe, who created him, who guides him, feeds him, gives him to drink and cures him when he is ill • Who will resurrect him and Whose forgiveness he hopes for • 26:75-77. 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 universe;” • 26:78-80. “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” • 26:81. “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”

16. 3. Abraham confronts his people • Abraham further tells his people that he is innocent of their idolatry • That he only worships his Creator, Who will guide him • 43:26. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship” • 43:27. “Except Him Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” Images, courtesy: http://freethoughtnation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1543&start=75, and http://www.crystalinks.com/dilmun.html

17. 3. Abraham calls his people to Monotheism • Abraham asks his people to worship Allah – the only true God • He tells them that what they worship are mere idols who have no power to give provision or do anything, so they should worship the Provider • But if they deny, then his job as a messenger is to just convey • 29:16. And (remember) Abraham when he said to his people: “Worship Allah (Alone), and fear Him, that is better for you if you did but know.” • 29:17. “You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allah, and worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be brought back.” • 29:18. “And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly.”

18. 3. His people dispute with him • His people dispute with him and ask him to fear their idols • He tells them to fear the True God instead • 6:80. His people disputed with him. He said: “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me, and I fear not those whom you associate with Allah in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord (Allah) wills something. My Lord comprehends in His Knowledge all things. Will you not then remember? • 6:81. And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.” • 6:83. And that was Our Proof which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

19. 3. Abraham breaks idols • He says that he is the witness that their Lord is the Lord of the universe • He further warns them that he will plot a plan against their idols • On the day of some festival he tells them that he is not feeling well • 21:56. He said: “Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and of that I am one of the witnesses.” • 21:57. “And by Allah, I shall plot a plan for your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs.” • 37:88-89. Then he cast a glance at the stars. And he said: “I am indeed sick”

20. 3. Abraham breaks idols • So his people leave him behind • He goes to the temple and asks the idols why they do not eat the offerings and why they do not speak • Then he breaks them into pieces except the biggest one • 37:90. So they turned away from him, and departed. • 37:91-93. Then he turned to their gods and said: “Will you not eat (of the offering before you)? What is the matter with you that you speak not? Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.” • 21:58. So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it. Image, courtesy: http://www.kevinstilley.com/abraham-vs-idolatry/

21. 3. Abraham breaks idols • His people are furious on seeing their broken gods and wonder who did such a terrible thing to their gods • Some of them remember Abraham speaking against their idols • They demand that he should be brought in front of everyone and be answerable for his action • 21:59. They said: “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be one of the wrong-doers.” • 21:60. They said: “We heard a young man talking (against) them who is called Abraham.” • 21:61. They said: “Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify.”

22. 3. Abraham breaks idols • They ask Abraham in front of everyone if he broke their gods • To make them realize their ignorance, Abraham says it must be the biggest of them who did it, they should ask them if they can speak • This makes them think for a while and see how imbecile they are in worshipping them as gods who neither defend themselves nor speak • 21:62. They said: “Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Abraham?” • 21:63. (Abraham) said: “Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!” • 21:64. So they turned to themselves and said: “Verily, you are the wrong-doers.”

23. 3. Abraham breaks idols • They say, “Indeed you know well that these (idols) do not speak” • Abraham asks them why they worship things that can neither profit nor harm them • He asks, “Do you have no sense?” • 21:65. Then they acted adamantly (they said): “Indeed you (Abraham) know well that these (idols) speak not!” • 21:66. (Abraham) said: “Do you then worship besides Allah, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?” • 21:67. “Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?”

24. 3. Abraham in the king’s court • Abraham is summoned in the King’s court/palace for his action • Abraham says that His Lord is He Who gives life and death • Nimrod says that he does the same • Abraham says, “My Lord causes the sun to rise from the East, cause it to rise from the West” • The king is left speechless • 2:258. Have you not looked at him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said (to him): “My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are wrong-doers.

25. 3. Allah saves Abraham from fire • People demand that Abraham should either be killed or burnt alive • Finally they decide to burn him alive and so he is thrown in the fire • God commands the fire to be cool & harmless • 29:24. So nothing was the answer of (Abraham’s) people except that they said: “Kill him or burn him.” Then Allah saved him from the fire. Verily, in this are indeed signs for a people who believe. • 21:68. They said: “Burn him and help your gods, if you will be doing.” • 21:69. We (Allah) said: “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Abraham!” • 21:70. And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers. Image, courtesy:http://wacptv.ning.com/profile/Ngonea

26. 3. Allah saves Abraham from fire • Abraham tells his people that love among them is for this world only; they will disown and curse each other on the Day of Resurrection • Among all his people, Lot, his nephew believes in him • Abraham migrates for the sake of Allah to the blessed land (Palestine) • 29:25. And (Abraham) said: “You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper.” • 29:26. So Lot believed in him. He (Abraham) said: “I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” • 21:71. And We rescued him and Lot to the land which We have blessed for the whole world.

27. 4. Abraham was made a Prophet • We are told that Abraham was true in his faith and was not a polytheist • He was devoutly obedient to Allah and thankful for His Bounties • He was a leader, a role model, an Ummah (a nation, in himself) • Allah chose Abraham to be the Prophet • 16:120. Verily, Abraham was an Ummah (a leader, a model, a nation in himself), devoutly obedient to Allah, true in faith, and he was not one of those who were associated partners with Allah. • 16:121. (He was) thankful for Allah’s Graces Who chose him and guided him to a Straight Path. • 16:122. And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous. • 19:41. And mention in the Book (the Qur‘an) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

28. 4. And leader of all the people • Abraham was a true and firm believer • He fulfilled every command of Allah • Allah told him that He would make him a leader of the mankind • Abraham inquired about his progeny • Allah told him that His covenant would not include polytheists and wrong-doers • 2:124. And (remember) when the Lord of Abraham tried him with (certain) Commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), “Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind.” (Abraham) said, “And of my offspring?” (Allah) said, “My Covenant includes not polytheists and wrong-doers.”

29. 4. He was chosen and blessed • Abraham and his family (progeny) were chosen above the whole world • They were blessed with the Prophethood, the Scripture and wisdom. • He was chosen in this world, in the Hereafter he will be among the pious • 3:33. Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran (maternal grandfather of Jesus) above the whole world. • 4: 54. Or do they envy men (prophets) for what Allah has given them of His Bounty? Then We had already given the family of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom. • 2:130. 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.

30. 4. Abraham – the father of prophets • The Qur’an mentions Abraham with other prophets many times • E.g. in 38:45-48, 22:42-43, 12:6,38, 9:70, 3:84, 2:136,140, 33:7, 4:163 • He followed Noah’s way in worshipping Allah alone and calling his people towards Monotheism • Many among his progeny were also made prophets and given scriptures • 37:83. And, verily, among those who followed his (Noah’s) way was Abraham. • 57:26. And indeed, We sent Noah and Abraham, and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture, and among them there is he who is guided, but many of them are disobedient (to Allah).

31. 4. All Prophets were among the best • The Qur’an tells us that all prophets were the best among mankind • They used to remember their meeting with their Lord • They were chosen and were among the best • 38:45. And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. • 38:46. Verily, We did choose them by granting them the remembrance of the home. • 38:47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best! • 38:48. And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), all are among the best.

32. 4. Muslims believe in all Prophets • Muslims believe in all the prophets including Abraham and Jesus • Muslims respect and honor all of them and make no distinction among them • 2:136. Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and to the tribes and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted.”

33. 4. Muhammad (PBUH) is also a prophet • Muhammad (PHUH) is a Prophet like Abraham • He is a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael • God’s covenant with Abraham reached him too. • He is the final messenger • 4:163. Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad PBUH) as We inspired Noah and the Prophets after him; We (also) inspired Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. • 33:7. And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad PBUH), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary. We took from them a strong covenant.

34. 4. All Prophets preached Islam • All prophets preached the same religion • Religion of submission to one Creator, without associating any partners • 42:13. He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Noah, and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad PBUH), and that which We ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus saying you should establish religion, and make no divisions in it. • 22:78. And strive hard in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive. He has chosen you (to convey His Message), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur‘an), that the Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform prayer, give charity and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector, what an Excellent Protector and what an Excellent Helper!

35. 4. Abraham was given the scripture • Like Moses and many other Prophets, Abraham was given the scripture • The Qur’an does not mention the name of the scripture given to Abraham, it refers to it as “the pages of Abraham” • 87:16. Nay, you prefer the life of this world; • 87:17. Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting. • 87:18. Verily! This is in the former Scriptures, • 87:19. The Pages (Scriptures) of Abraham and Moses. • 53:36. Or is he not informed with what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Moses, • 53:37. And of Abraham who fulfilled all that (what Allah ordered him to do)

36. 4. Some teachings from his scripture • Sin is not inherited, everyone is responsible for only what one does • Everyone’s deeds will be judged and everyone will be recompensed • Everyone will be returned to their Lord, Who causes death and gives life • And will be answerable for one’s deeds • 53:38-39. That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad) • 53:40-42. And that his deeds will be seen. Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense. And that to your Lord is the End (Return of everything). • 53:43. And that it is He Who makes (whom He wills) laugh, and makes (whom He wills) weep; And that it is He Who causes death and gives life

37. 4. Route of Abraham’s migration for his prophetic mission Image, courtesy: Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abul-AalaMaududi, Vol. 1, pages 108-109 Note: The original image is edited to use English names and highlight important places

38. 5. Abraham is blessed with Ishmael • After his rescue from the fire, Abraham prayed for the offspring • His prayer was answered at a very old age; He was blessed with Ishmael • 37:99-101. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “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. • 14:37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.” • Abraham makes his son Ishmael dwell in Makkah • He prays for safety and food for the dwellers of Makkah for all times Image, courtesy:http://rising-world.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

39. 5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son • When Ishmael was a boy and old enough to help his father in chores, Abraham was commanded in a dream to slaughter him for the sake of Allah • He informed Ishmael, who told him to do as commanded in the dream • 37:99-101. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “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. • 37:102. And, when he 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, God willing, you shall find me of the patient ones.”

40. 5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son • Both submitted to the Command and Will of Allah • Abraham laid him on his forehead and started slaughtering • Allah told Abraham that he had fulfilled the Command • It was indeed a manifest trial, which they passed • Allah provided a ram for slaughtering and saved Ishmael • 37:103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead; • 37:104-105. And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the good-doers. • 37:106-107. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); Image, courtesy:http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/deadsheep/interesting/

41. 5. His great trial – sacrifice of his son • Abraham is remembered and praised by many • Peace be upon Abraham • Muslims hold Abraham in very high regards • They commemorate his act of submission and sacrifice, every year • They also circumcise their male children following Abraham’s practice • 37:108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. • 37:109. Peace be upon Abraham! • 37:110. Thus indeed do We reward the good-doers. • 37:111. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

42. 5. Abraham is blessed with Isaac • Abraham was blessed with another son Isaac at a very old age • His wife, Sarah, had been barren all her life, but God cured her • Allah chose Isaac to be a prophet (like Ishmael) and also his son Jacob • Many Qur’anic verses mention Abraham’s son Isaac and his son Jacob • E.g. 6:84-87, 19:49-50, 21:72-73, 29:27, 37:111-113 • That they were guided and were righteous • That they were the leaders who used to call people towards Allah • That They used to do good deeds, perform prayers and give charity • That Allah ordained the Prophethood and the Book among them and their offspring. That they were rewarded in this world and in the Hereafter they will be among the righteous.

43. 5. Isaac and Jacob • 19:49. So when he (Abraham) had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a Prophet. And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and We granted them lofty honor on the tongue of truth. • 29:27. And We bestowed on him (Abraham), Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book, all from his offspring, and We granted him his reward in this world, and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous. • 21:72. And We bestowed upon him Isaac, and (a grandson) Jacob. Each one We made righteous. • 21:73. And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performing prayer, and the giving of charity and of Us they were worshippers.

44. 5. Abraham’s advice to his sons • Abraham’s whole life was dedicated to Allah and His service • He passed the legacy of Monotheism to his offspring • 2:132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; “Oh my sons! Allah has chosen the faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam (i.e. submitting to Allah)”. • 43:26-28. And (remember) when Abraham said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship. Except Him Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) a Word lasting among his offspring, that they may turn back (to Allah).

45. 6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah • On Allah’s command Abraham and Ishmael build Ka’bah in Makkah • They pray to Allah that He may accept this service from them • 2:127. And (remember) when Abraham and 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.” Image, courtesy:http://www.albumislam.com/2010/11/kaaba-no-cover.html

46. 6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah • Kabah - The first House of worship appointed for mankind • It is full of blessing and guidance for the whole world • In it are signs including the Station (footprints) of Abraham • 3:96. Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the whole world. • 3:97. In it are manifest signs, the Station of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of anyone (or anything) in the whole universe. Images, courtesy:http://forum.urduworld.com/f1006/country-week-*-saudi-arabia*-336967/index3.htmland http://my.opera.com/philamzhu/blog/index.dml/tag/Abraham

47. 6. Abraham builds the Ka’bah • Ka’bah and its surroundings are made secure and peaceful • People are commanded to pray near the Station of Abraham • Allah commanded Abraham and Ishmael to purify the House • For the people who circumambulate, stay, pray, bow and prostrate • 2:125. And (remember) when We made the House a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer and We commanded Abraham and Ishmael that they should purify My House for those who are circumambulating it, or staying, or bowing or prostrating themselves. • 22:26. And (remember) when We showed Abraham the site of the (Sacred) House (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up for prayer, and those who bow, and make prostration”

48. 6. Abraham and the Hajj • Making pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is a right of Allah upon people • Abraham and Ishmael prayed to Allah to teach them rituals of Hajj (2:128) • After he built the Ka’bah, Abraham was asked to call mankind for Hajj • They were taught rituals of Hajj that include circumambulation (22:28-31) • 3:97. In it (Kab’bah) are manifest signs (for example), the Station of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of anyone (or anything) in the whole universe. • 22:27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).

49. 6. Abraham and the Hajj Image, courtesy: http://wharfyouth.org/watch-hajj-2010-live/21124

50. 7. Some of the prayers of Abraham • Abraham prayed for Makkah that Allah may make it safe and peaceful • That He may bless its people with food and make them loveable • He also prayed to Allah to keep him and his progeny away from idols • 14:35. 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. • 14:36. “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.” • 14:37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.”