BOOK -1-

PROPHET ABRAHAM (PBUH)

You have an excellent example in Abraham and those with him.
(Qur'an, 60:4)

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Religion

Similarities between Paganism and Darwinism

he pagan tribes of Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) time worshipped idols that they and their ancestors had made, and believed that their idols could influence the workings of the universe. According to this superstitious belief, idols could make and implement decisions and could punish or reward human beings. In other words, these pagans believed that inanimate matter could create and control human beings. God reveals this terrible mistake and great sin in the Qur'an. For example:

God does not forgive anything being associated with Him, but He forgives whoever He wills for anything other than that. Anyone who associates something with God has committed a terrible crime. (Qur'an, 4:48)

Those who defend Darwin's theory of evolution follow a very similar superstitious concept, for they believe that certain elements (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, and iron) as well as muddy water containing various minerals, somehow acquired a superior power and free will over the course of time and by chance. The Darwinists claim that life emerged from the mud over time and by coincidence. Supposedly, this trio of muddy water, time, and chance decided to form all of the beautiful things in nature, animals, and, most importantly, conscious human beings.

The origins of this superstition lie in the fallacious belief that inanimate substances are actually entities that possess intelligence and willpower, and that can make and act upon decisions. In other words, they regard matter itself as something divine. Based upon this false concept, Darwinists maintain that everything in the universe developed on its own as the result of chance, and that every entity is regarded, together with chance, as divine. However, those who look at all of the animate and inanimate things that surround them, beginning with their own bodies, will see that the universe is the work of an infinitely powerful Creator Who possesses infinite intelligence and knowledge. Every detail, from our own planet to the flawless harmony within our own bodies, from the equilibrium between the galaxies, as well as the stars and all other celestial bodies, to our world with all of its countless blessings, proves the existence of an infinitely compassionate and loving Creator: God, Lord of the worlds.

But they have adopted deities apart from Him which do not create anything but are themselves created. They have no power to harm or help themselves. They have no power over death or life or ressurrection. (Qur’an, 25:3)

Our Lord has revealed this manifest truth, which everyone can discover for themselves, to humanity through such messengers as Prophet Abraham (pbuh). Yet for some reason, many people throughout history have rejected this truth and have insisted on denying His existence. In His final revelation, the Qur'an, God describes the position of such people:

They have sworn by God with their most earnest oaths that if a sign comes to them, they will believe in it. Say: "The signs are under God's control alone." What will make you realize that even if a sign did come, they would still not believe? We will overturn their hearts and sight, just as when they did not believe in it at first, and We will abandon them to wander blindly in their excessive insolence. Even if We sent down angels to them, the dead spoke to them, and We gathered together everything in front of them right before their eyes, they would still not believe unless God willed. The truth is that most of them are ignorant. (Qur'an, 6:109-11)

As we have seen, claiming that unconscious atoms, minerals, and blind chance produced flawless and perfect designs is nothing more than bowing down before wooden totems and begging them for health and abundance. The only difference between the two is the names given to them and the concepts used to describe them.

According to the pagans among whom Prophet Abraham (pbuh) lived, certain idols allegedly regulated the universe, shaped living things, and directed their behavior. Similarly, Darwinists believe that all living things and the universe's flawless design emerged under the effect of inanimate matter (e.g., atoms, molecules, natural forces, and the chemical and physical properties of objects). Just as pagans ascribe such powers to their idols, Darwinists use such concepts as the self-organization of matter and nature's creation of species to ascribe imaginary creative power to lifeless matter and then deify it.

This can be clearly seen in popular publications that support the theory of evolution. Such publications make frequent reference to various Darwinist idols, the greatest idol of which is Mother Nature. Those who defend this misguided belief think that every development and change in the universe (e.g., the countless beauties in living things, the life and death of all living beings, and natural disasters) comes about by the direction and will of Mother Nature. They reveal their misguided beliefs in such expressions as a gift from nature to humanity when speaking of one of nature's beauties, or the wrath of Mother Nature when referring to a disaster. However, they can never explain from where Mother Nature receives her power, nor what she really is. Of course, this is a very ugly and irrational claim to make. Such people ascribe partners to God and attempt to base their perverted beliefs on an allegedly scientific foundation. Professor Philip Johnson, a contemporary critic of Darwinism, describes the theory of evolution and modern materialist philosophy in general as a kind of idolatry:

… denial is always a temptation, and outright atheism is only the most superficial form of denial… Another time-honored strategy [of denial] is to ... [substitute] something we can control. This is called idolatry. Primitive tribes make idols of wood or clay. Sophisticated modern intellectuals make idols of their theories, still employing the word God … but in such a way that it adds nothing to chance and the laws of nature. All who pursue this strategy are substituting the created thing for the Creator, and this is the essence of idolatry.3

Indeed, substituting the created and helpless entities for our Lord, Who created the whole universe from nothing (surely God is beyond all that which they falsely ascribe to Him), has always been one of paganism's main themes. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) struggled against this very worldview, as the Qur'an reveals:

Remember when he [Abraham] asked his father: "Father, why do you worship what can neither hear nor see and is of no use to you at all?" (Qur'an, 19:42)

… when he asked his father and his tribe: "What are these statues you are clinging to?" They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them." He said: "You and your fathers are clearly misguided." (Qur'an, 21:52-54)

Clearly, it is a great mistake to suggest that matter is conscious and, as a result, ascribe consciousness to material things. Atoms, molecules, muddy water, and coincidence have no consciousness or power to make any decisions or to think. Atoms are unconscious, inanimate objects. Everything in the universe can acquire life only because of the existence of a superior consciousness and will. These attributes are unique to God, Lord of the worlds, for He created the whole universe and thereby displays His infinite knowledge. The flawlessness of His creation, His superior intelligence, and His extraordinary wisdom can be seen everywhere in the universe. God has created everything, living and non-living, out of nothing and has endowed each one with features that astonish us.

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) showed his tribe that the Moon, the Sun, and the stars had no creative power, and then called on them to abandon their paganism and believe in God. The path that he followed contains several signposts for us. First of all, he demonstrated, with the inspiration of God and in the wisest and most effective way, why the pagans' beliefs were superstitious and groundless.

This approach is an important guide for all believers. Some present-day circles say that it is unnecessary to expose the fallacious nature of such atheist philosophies as Darwinism and materialism, or the errors of those who expound them. In their view, describing God's superior creation is sufficient. But this point of view is mistaken. One of the most important ways of changing peoples' viewpoints consists of answering, one by one, of all their questions. For that reason, while explaining the proofs of God's existence and the facts about His creation, believers must also explain why the theory of evolution is incorrect. This will help the people understand that their own ideas have no real foundation, and, if God wills, they will abandon these long-held deceptions and see that God's existence is a manifest truth.

God is he Who created you, then provides for you, then will cause you to die and then bring you back to life. Can any of your partner-deities do any of that?.. (Qur’an, 30:40)

Explaining why Darwinism is invalid eliminates all of the supports employed in its defense. In this way, all errors and impossibilities are exposed. Thanks to his superior understanding and foresight, which stemmed from his joyous faith in God, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was able to reveal, with proofs and in the wisest possible way, why human-made idols and celestial bodies are not divine. People who spread the message of God's existence and the truth of His creation can use the same method, for God made Prophet Abraham (pbuh) a role model for others of how to live with proper moral values and strong faith.

Another similarity between Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) tribe and Darwinists is their response to the message. The pagans realized that their statues had no power to do anything and admitted as much, as the Qur'an reveals: "They consulted among themselves and said: 'It is you yourselves who are wrongdoers'" (Qur'an, 21:64). Despite the fact that they saw the truth and accepted it in their hearts, they persisted in their denial and remained loyal to their idols.

Darwinists also know that modern science has exposed the theory of evolution as a fallacy. (For details, see Harun Yahya, Darwinism Refuted, [New Delhi: Goodword Books, 2002].) Every new study that reveals the proofs of God's superior creation pushes them deeper into despair and defeat. Examples of all living things' flawless design and His marvelous creation's details are being made known by scientists, whereas the claims of Darwinism are being dismissed by science. However, while Darwinists do not openly admit this, they do so between the lines and most unwillingly, and even then not in the full sense. In every debate, they blindly continue to defend their theories and ignore the evidence against them.

Believers must not forget one very important fact: The important thing is not to attest to a truth on the surface through words; what really matters is to grasp this truth within one's heart. Darwinists have accepted the truth of creation in their hearts, and their desire to conceal their true thoughts does not alter this fact. Furthermore, this reveals an important truth mentioned in the Qur'an: "Only a small community will believe"(Qur'an, 40:59).

Believers are responsible for explaining the truth as many times as required, to develop new methods and styles in order to reach those who do not understand, and to wage a wide-ranging intellectual struggle to inform people of His religion in the best manner possible. Believers who engage in this struggle must be humble and fully submitted to God, for only God can lead those who listen to them to the true path.

While relaying His message, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was most patient and set an example to others with his humility and submission to God. In all situations, he knew that God was with him, believed that even the most difficult times and situations were created by Him, and that our Lord would always bring everything to the proper conclusion. Therefore, he persisted in the face of the threats from his tribe and placed his trust in God, since he knew that the end result was in His hands. In return for this most pleasing humility, God always granted him strength and success.

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Intellectual Struggle

They took the place where Abraham stood (to pray) as a place of prayer. We contracted with Abraham and Ishmael: “Purify My House for those who circle it, and those who stay there, and those who bow and who prostrate.” (Qur’an, 2:125)

As mentioned earlier, Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) tribe persisted in their denial and tried to engage him in a debate. On the other hand, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was patient in every situation and displayed a superior morality by taking God as his Guardian and giving thanks to Him. When talking with his tribe, he always provided concrete proofs and, thanks to the superior wisdom inspired in him by God, gave the most effective examples and employed a most convincing method. His moral values were pleasing to God, and he always approached people with affection and compassion.

By means of his plan, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) eliminated the fundamental bases of his tribe's pagan superstitions by proving that they were irrational, illogical, and contrary to God's revelation.

Whereas his tribe and his father Azar sought to employ the most unjust methods against him, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) limited himself to working on the level of ideas and demonstrated how important the intellectual struggle was. His opponents sought to stone him, exile him, and even murder him, but he responded to their threats in a balanced and proper manner. Such behavior is part of the morality that pleases God and that He wills believers to adopt:

A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Qur'an, 41:34)

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) complete submission to God, as well as his powerful faith, sincerity, submission, and purity strengthened him in the face of his tribe's hostility and helped him develop effective methods of explaining God's existence. He spent his whole life waging an intellectual struggle against all unbelievers with enormous determination and enthusiasm, all the while expecting no reward other than God's good pleasure, mercy, and Paradise.

It is much easier to believe in a society in which everyone has faith and lives according to God's good pleasure, for people can easily find the true path in such a society. However, living as believers in an unbelieving society requires a much greater determination to live such a life. Therefore, such a life may be more esteemed. (God knows best.) In these terms, too, God made Prophet Abraham (pbuh) superior to all of his tribe.

Some present-day people despair because, seeing their fellows deny God's existence and lead lives far removed from the Qur'an's moral values causes them to lose their enthusiasm for gaining His good pleasure. However, even if the whole world were to deny God, Muslims would still have the duty to submit sincerely to Him and live in the manner that earns His good pleasure. In the verse, "Abraham was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to God, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters" (Qur'an, 16:120), God reveals that this servant turned only to Him and lived according to the true faith all by himself. Therefore, all believers must display the same determination and refuse, no matter what the circumstances, to make concessions when confronted with the unbelievers' deceptions and snares.

The Wish to Burn Prophet Abraham (pbuh)

Angered that their idols had been smashed, the pagans decided to take their revenge upon Prophet Abraham (pbuh) by burning him to death. As the Qur'an recounts:

They exclaimed: "Build a pyre for him and fling him into the blaze!" They tried to outwit him, but We made them the lowest. (Qur'an, 37:98)

Say: “Nothing can happen to us except what God has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in God that the believers should put their trust.” (Qur’an, 9:51)

In another verse, God reveals their hostility, as follows:

The only answer of his [Abraham's] tribe was to say: "Kill him or burn him!" But God rescued him from the fire. There are certainly signs in that for people who believe. (Qur'an, 29:24)

Although they could clearly see the proofs of God's existence, their great anger drove them to throw Prophet Abraham (pbuh) into the fire. This is an important example of their hatred and intolerance of God's prophets and believers. In fact, the Qur'an reveals that a number of other believers were subjected to a similar cruelty:

Cursed be the Companions of the Pit-the fire well stocked with fuel-when they were seated right beside it witnessing what they did to the believers. The only reason they punished them was because they believed in God the Almighty, the All-Praiseworthy. (Qur'an, 85:4-8)

As with all of the unbelievers' other snares, this one was also foiled by God. Those believers who suffer torture gain great merit in His sight, and the unbelievers who inflict it upon them are rewarded with eternal suffering in Hell.

At first sight, it appeared that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) would be burned to death. However, in the same way that death only comes when God wills, fire can only burn if He so wills it. God, the Creator of all things, commanded the fire to be cool at that moment, and thus turned the unbelievers' trap against themselves:

We said: "Fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham." They desired to trap him, but We made them the losers. We delivered both him and Lot to the land that We had blessed for all beings. (Qur'an, 21:69-71)

His command when He desires a thing is just to say to it, “Be!” and it is. Glory be to Him Who has the Dominion of all things in His Hand. To Him you will be returned. (Qur’an, 36:82-83)

Just as God always helps His prophets, He rescued Prophet Abraham (pbuh) in his moment of need and in the finest way. The unbelievers' trap was miraculously foiled, just as He parted the sea and then drowned Pharaoh's army to rescue Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Children of Israel. By keeping his fortitude, courage, and humility in such a situation, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) sets an example for all believers. Due to his exceedingly powerful faith, he was aware that everything that happened to him was due to God's will. He knew, therefore, that God's help and support were always with believers, even in the most difficult-appearing events, for God never permits unbelievers to make progress at the believers' expense: "God will not give the unbelievers any way against the believers." (Qur'an, 4:141)

Taking Prophet Abraham (pbuh), who is praised for his faith in and submission to God, as well as for his pleasing morality, as a role model, believers must submit wholly to God when they encounter difficult circumstances, and must never forget that God creates everything. In fact, all events, even those that appear to be harmful, are actually tests and are auspicious for believers. This being the case, the most appropriate attitude for Muslims to adopt in order to earn God's good pleasure is to be enthusiastic and determined and to place their trust in our Lord.

For that reason, believers should not feel sad or troubled by the unbelievers' traps, plots, and assaults, for they are all means to increase their enthusiasm and draw closer to God. Indeed, God tells our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) the following:

Be patient. But your patience is only by God. Do not be grieved by them and do not be constricted by the plots they hatch. God is with those who fear Him and with those who are good-doers. (Qur'an, 16:127-28)

Signs from the Story of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) for the Present Day

In the verse, "Fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham" (Qur'an, 21:69), God reveals that the fire did not harm Prophet Abraham (pbuh). As a result, the pagans' snares were neutralized and they could not harm him. This verse also contains an important indication for the present day. (God knows best.)

As we know, all kinds of fabrics and materials are now produced by high technology. Among them are fire-proof clothing and vehicles. For instance, fire-resistant clothes protect their wearers against fire, flames, and other effects of burning, for they catch fire less easily, burn slower, and put themselves out when the flame or the fire's source is removed. Such clothing gives people more time to remove their burning clothes or extinguish the blames.

Fabrics made from glass, aramid, novoloid, sulphur, and saran fibres do not catch fire and resist very high temperatures. These fabrics are the result of different fibers joined together, through a series of tests, to protect the wearer against fire. Shirts, pants, jackets, sweaters, shoes, gloves, socks, and headgear designed from such fire-resistant materials are used by workers in oil refineries, chemical substance producing plants, electricity and natural gas facilities, steel and aluminum factories, welding plants, the air and space industry, the construction industry, and emergency and fire-fighting personnel. (American Firewear Product Specifications; http://www.firewear.com/spcgide.htm)

The above verse may be pointing to this major scientific development, which will emerge during the End Times, and indicating the production of these fire-resistant fabrics and materials. (God knows best.)

The Wisdom in Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Method

Indicating the Truth by Asking Questions

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) led his pagan people to accept the fact that their idols possessed no power by asking questions:

Do you then worship, instead of God, that which cannot help or harm you in any way? (Qur'an, 21:66)

Posing questions enables people to understand their own situations by using their own logic. This is a most effective means of communication. Those who deny God suffer a huge defeat in the face of wise, sincere questions, because God's existence and the evidence for it are clear. Therefore, it is a serious mistake to close one's eyes to His religion and build a life in which He is forgotten.

Unbiased people who can grasp God's infinite might and power know that He has power over everything and that He possesses infinite knowledge and wisdom, and so build their entire lives on His good pleasure. One effective manner of awakening the heedless and those who fail, under Satan's influence, to think of these things is to ask questions that will focus their minds. Indeed, many verses invite people to think by asking various questions:

Have you thought about the water that you drink? Is it you who sent it down from the clouds, or are We the Sender? If We had wished, We could have made it bitter. So will you not give thanks? Have you thought about the fire that you light? Is it you who make the trees that fuel it grow, or are We the Grower? We have made it to be a reminder and a comfort for travelers in the wild. So glorify the name of your Lord, the Magnificent! (Qur'an, 56:68-74)

As they explain religion's moral values, believers may experiment with several methods depending on the people being addressed, their degree of openness, and how they behave. If they are open to the truth, then it will be easy, if God so wills, for them to comprehend religion's moral values. If, however, believers are faced with an arrogant and cruel society, such as the one facing Prophet Abraham (pbuh), then it is essential to awaken them in some way, defeat their heedlessness, and rock them intellectually.

“Our people, respond to God’s caller and believe in Him. He will forgive you some of your wrong actions and save you from a painful punishment. Those who do not respond to God’s caller cannot thwart God on Earth and have no protectors apart from Him. Such people are clearly misguided.” (Qur’an, 46:31-32) He said, “My Lord, I have called my people night and day but my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every time I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their ears. Wrapped themselves up in their clothes and were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I addressed them publicly and addressed them privately.” (Qur’an, 71:5-9)

Due to their arrogance, such people cannot see the truth and, if they somehow do manage to see it, they still cannot accept it. They will stubbornly maintain the truth of their own beliefs and refuse to listen to any opposing viewpoint. In such a situation, asking questions designed to undermine the unbelievers' ideas is one of the wisest and most effective methods, for unbelievers will be overwhelmed by contradictions and personally witness their irrationality and how they have adopted a superstitious and misguided belief system.

This method also forces the other side to think about what the believers' arguments are, for, as the Qur'an states, "man is argumentative" (Qur'an, 18:54). For this reason, most people will try to defend their own ideas when confronted with a different idea. The way to prevent such unproductive arguments is to ask questions and lead people to question their own beliefs. Since Satan does not want people to think about God's existence, the Hereafter, Heaven and Hell, and other important matters, he always seeks to turn them away from the truth. This question-and-answer method can be used with such people to guide them to consider such questions as God's existence, the purpose of life, what happens after death, and the Day of Reckoning.

Behaving Courageously and Frankly

Prophet Abraham (pbuh), like all messengers, was granted wisdom by God and charged with calling people to religion so that they may earn His good pleasure, live for the Hereafter, and have proper moral values. The messengers' methods of calling and explaining, as well as their styles of dialogue, must serve as examples to all Muslims.

The societies to which the prophets were sent generally consisted of stubborn people who refused to listen to others. Nevertheless, the prophets presented God's message in ways designed to earn God's good pleasure and demonstrated superior moral virtues, as God commanded in the following verse: "So call and go straight, as you have been ordered to..." (Qur'an, 42:15). Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had to deal with his tribe, who loved to argue and were devoted to the paganism inherited from their ancestors. When he showed them how illogical and irrational their pagan belief system was, they began arguing with him:

His tribe argued with him. He [Abraham] said: "Are you arguing with me about God, when He has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you ascribe to Him, unless my Lord should will such a thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things in His knowledge, so will you not pay heed? Why should I fear that which you have associated with Him, when you yourselves apparently have no fear of associating partners with God, for which He has sent down no authority to you? Which of the two parties is more entitled to feel safe, if you have any knowledge?" Those who believe and do not mix up their faith with any wrongdoing, they are the ones who are safe; it is they who are guided." This is the argument We gave to Abraham against his tribe. We raise in rank anyone We will. Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 6:80-83)

One of the most striking elements in Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) method of communication is his sincerity and frankness. While explaining God's existence, he addresses peoples' consciences and speaks effectively. In addition, he openly warns them and calls on them to fear and respect no one but God. This shows how courageous, perceptive, and determined he was when confronting his pagan society. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) exposed the irrational nature of his tribe's misguided belief system with a sincere explanation and an effective style of presentation. God tells all believers to use this method:

God knows what is in such people's hearts, so turn away from them, warn them, and speak to them with words that are effective. (Qur'an, 4:63)

Although he was opposed by his entire tribe, Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) enthusiasm and determination, as well as his striking, sincere, and intelligent style of presentation, represent a superior attitude capable of influencing all unbiased people. However, since his tribe was far from true religion and was unwilling to abandon their paganism even after realizing the truth of Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) words, he experimented with other methods. As the Qur'an reveals, he responded in the most pleasing way to his argumentative people. In one verse, God issues the following command to believers:

If they argue with you, say: "I have submitted myself completely to God, and so have all who follow me." Say to those given the Book and those who have no Book: "Have you become Muslim?" If they have become Muslim, they have been guided. If they turn away, you are only responsible for transmission. God sees His servants. (Qur'an, 3:20)

Planned Behavior and Sequential Thinking

As we have shown above, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) used several plans and methods when calling his tribe to belief in God. One method was to consider the likely dangers and reactions in order to prepare effective precautions. The Qur'an reveals that God supported all prophets, gave them superior wisdom and understanding, and enabled them, through divine inspiration, to function as servants who took the most rational and effective precautions and who possessed great foresight. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had all of these superior characteristics in the most perfect form. Thus, he fulfilled his God-given responsibility in the best possible manner and did his best to call his tribe to the truth.

We sent a Messenger among every people saying: Worship god and keep clear of all false deities.” Among them were some whom God guided but others received the misquidance they deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final fate of the deniers. (Qur’an, 16:36)

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) tribe, which was quite numerous, threatened him with death, stoning, and exile. However, he sought to keep his distance from them by telling them that he was ill:

And [Abraham] asked his father and his tribe: "What are you worshipping? Is it falsehood-deities besides God-that you desire? So, what are your thoughts about the Lord of all the worlds?" He looked at the stars and said: "I am sick." So they turned their backs on him. (Qur'an, 37:85-90)

This method reflects a most wise and rational attitude, for his tribe left him alone out of fear that they themselves might become ill. Left alone, he gained enough time to smash the idols. This clever plan, designed to free his tribe from the sin of ascribing partners to God, is one of the finest examples of acting based upon his love for and fear (respect) of God and personal faith. He made great efforts to carry out his God-given responsibility and, with great courage and determination, refused to give up in the face of all difficulties. He sought no reward from people, responded to evil with good, and sought only God's good pleasure while doing so.

The Qur'an gives other examples of portraying something as flawed and thus escaping the clutches of the cruel, such as Khidr (pbuh), who traveled with Prophet Moses (pbuh) for a short time. The verses read:

They continued until they boarded a boat, and he [Khidr] caused it to sink. Then Moses said: "Did you cause it to sink so that its owners would be drowned? This is truly a dreadful thing that you have done!" (Qur'an, 18:71)

[Khidr said to Moses:] "As for the boat, it belonged to some poor people who worked on the sea. I wanted to damage it because a king was coming behind them, commandeering every boat." (Qur'an, 18:79)

Khidr (pbuh) was chosen by God and given special knowledge, and his great intelligence and foresight in this instance are worthy of note. The Qur'an praises his profound faith, humility, and submission to God, as well as many of his other qualities, and reveals that he was a servant of God whose every action was founded on guidance and wisdom. By sinking this boat, Khidr (pbuh) prevented the king from taking it and also showed great compassion towards its owners, who were poor. At the same time, he damaged it in such a way that it could be easily repaired.

These verses also describe Khidr (pbuh) as being a wise servant of God who carried out His commands without hesitation, and as being noteworthy for his love and compassion, for his desire to help believers, and for his patience and determination. (For details, see Harun Yahya, Signs of the End Times in Surat Al- Kahf [New Delhi: Goodword Books, 2004].)

“As for the boat, it belonged to some poor people who worked on the sea. I wanted to damage it because a king was coming behind them, commandeering every boat.” (Qur’an, 18:79)

As we saw earlier, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) smashed all but the largest of his tribe's idols. After seeing what he had done, they sought to punish him. At this point, his plan to show them the fallacy of their pagan belief system emerged:

He said: "No, this one, the largest of them, did it. Ask them, if they are able to speak!" (Qur'an, 21:63)

This reply confronted the pagans, who believed that their idols directed the universe and controlled human beings, with a terrible dilemma. As a result, they were humbled and unable to respond. Seeing that their lifeless idols had no power, they had no alternative but to accept Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) words. However, they could not publicly admit these truths, which they believed in their hearts and minds. One reason for this, as God reveals, was their "wrongness and haughtiness" (Qur'an, 27:14).

Another element of Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) method was to undermine his tribe's misguided beliefs before explaining the truth to them. God gave him great wisdom, superior understanding, and the power of effective communication, all of which he employed in the wisest, most effective, and rational style to call his tribe to belief. Under divine inspiration, he exposed the falsity of their pagan belief system and then replaced it, by His will, with a divine perspective based on God's existence and belief in His superior power and might.

This wise method is an important model that all Muslims should use when explaining religion's moral values. By revealing his tribe's pagan belief system as no more than a set of contradictions and inconsistencies, he followed the wisest and most effective mode of guiding his tribe to truth. Such an approach will, if Gods wills, help unbelievers see that their beliefs rest on illogical and irrational foundations, after which they may grasp religion's superior nature and understand that God created the universe from nothing, possesses infinite might and power, and pervades all things.

The Angels Who Visited Prophet Abraham (pbuh)

One of God's greatest blessings to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was to support him with angels. According to the Qur'an, two angels came to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) in human guise and stayed in his house:

Has the story reached you of the honored guests of Abraham? When they entered his dwelling and said: "Peace," he replied: "Peace, to people we do not know." (Qur'an, 51:24-25)

Our angels brought the good news to Abraham. They said: "Peace," and he too said: "Peace" and brought in a roasted calf without delay. (Qur'an, 11:69)

As we see, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) realized immediately that these guests were not ordinary guests. He showed a superior hospitality to them, although he had never seen before, and immediately offered them pleasant refreshments. Such an act symbolizes his superior moral values. And, offering such refreshments before his unknown guests made any requests is an example of the fine thinking that Muslims need to adopt. Another model worthy of adoption is the way he prepared the refreshments without giving any indication that he was doing so:

So he slipped off to his household and brought a fattened calf. He offered it to them and then exclaimed: "Do you not then eat?" (Qur'an, 51:26-27)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) did not ask his guests whether they were hungry or tell them that he had made any preparations. This is the height of good manners, for a guest may feel shy to request some refreshments, and his or her self-respect may prevent such a request from being made. Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) handling of this situation indicates his respect for and interest in his guests.

He offered them a roasted, fattened calf, which people of that time considered to be a most pleasing and delicious meal. His request that they eat is one of the finest examples of his superior morality and thought.

The Angels' Glad Tidings

However, his guests did not eat the food placed before them, because:

When he saw that their hands were not reaching for it, he suspected them and felt afraid of them. They said: "Have no fear. We have been sent to the tribe of Lot." (Qur'an, 11:70)

The way that his guests declined to eat, even though he had treated them very warmly and offered them food, showed Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that something extraordinary was happening. These angels, who came to him in human guise, displayed a most noble and blameless morality. Indeed, he treated them with such enormous hospitality because he realized that they were most worthy guests. The angels then revealed their true identities and gave him the glad tidings of a righteous son:

When they came in to him, they said: "Peace." He replied: "Truly we are afraid of you." They said: "Do not be afraid. We bring you the good news of a boy of great knowledge." (Qur'an, 15:52-53)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his wife were astonished, for both of them were quite old. In addition, his wife was barren. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) replied with the following words:

He asked: "Do you bring me this good news despite the fact of old age having reached me? What kind of good news are you bringing me?" They said: "We bring you good news of the truth, so do not be among those who despair." (Qur'an, 15:54-55)

His wife was standing there, and she laughed out loud. So We gave her the good news of Isaac, and beyond Isaac, Jacob. She exclaimed: "Woe is me! How can I give birth when I am an old woman and my husband is an aged man? This is indeed an astonishing thing!" (Qur'an, 11:71-72)

This was news of a great miracle. In response to his wife's question, "They said: 'That is what your Lord says. He is the All-Wise, the All-Knowing'" (Qur'an, 51:30). As revealed in another verse, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his wife were told not to be astonished:

They said: "Are you astonished at God's command? May God's mercy and His blessings be upon you, People of the House. He is Praiseworthy, All-Glorious." (Qur'an, 11:73)

The angels also reminded Prophet Abraham (pbuh) of something else:

They said [to Abraham]: "We bring you good news of the truth, so do not be among those who despair." (Qur'an, 15:55)

Losing faith in God is a spiritual state prevalent among people who live far removed from God. When their expectations fail to materialize, they despair and believe that their wishes will never come true. Thus, they cannot show the requisite appreciation of God. On the other hand, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) always exhibited proper moral values by placing his hope in God.

Believers, who are aware of God's power, seek everything from Him and place their hope in Him. They do this because they know that only God creates causes and the ensuing effects, and only He controls the world through His laws. If He wills something to be, He merely says, Be! and it will immediately come about. Since everything is possible in God's sight, believers make their requests full of hope. The Qur'an reveals His infinite might in following terms:

The Originator of the heavens and Earth. When He decides on something, He just says to it, "Be!" and it is. (Qur'an, 2:117)

People who grasp this great truth know that even apparently insurmountable obstacles exist because of His wisdom. God creates sterility and so can turn it into fertility in a moment. That is what happened to Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his barren wife, despite their great age. Only God, Who gave them a righteous son, can give and take life, and then bring anything to life once again.

In the Qur'an, God relates a miraculous event and reveals that He will cause Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his wife to have a righteous son. There may also be an indication in this verse of present-day sterility treatments and advances in medical science. (God knows best.)

Other News Brought by the Angels

The angels then informed Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that Prophet Lot's (pbuh) tribe would soon be destroyed because of their homosexual lifestyle. (This will be discussed in greater detail later on.) The Qur'an states:

He [Abraham] inquired: "What, then, is your business, O emissaries from God?" They said: "We have been sent to a tribe of evildoers to unleash upon them lumps of clay earmarked by your Lord for the profligate." (Qur'an, 51:32-34)

The Qur'an also gives more details about this conversation in other passages. For example:

When Our emissaries came with the good news to Abraham, they said: "We are going to destroy the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are wrongdoers." He said: "Lot is in it." They said: "We know very well who is in it. We are going to rescue him and his family-except for his wife. She will be one of those who stay behind." (Qur'an, 29:31-32)

When the feeling of fear left Abraham and the good news reached him, he disputed with Us about the tribe of Lot. Abraham was forbearing, compassionate, and penitent. "Abraham, turn away from this! Your Lord's command has come. A punishment is coming to them that cannot be repelled." (Qur'an, 11:76)

They said: "We have been sent to a people who are evildoers-with the exception of the family of Lot, all of whom We will save, except for his wife. We have decreed her to be one of those who stay behind." (Qur'an, 15:58-60)

The Qur'an reveals that God will never destroy a society that contains believers. For that reason, the angels told Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Lot (pbuh) to leave the region.

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Sons: Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) and Prophet Isaac (pbuh)

The angels told Prophet Abraham (pbuh) that God had accepted his prayer for a righteous child:

"My Lord, bestow on me a righteous child!" (Qur'an, 37:100)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) did not ask God for a child from his own line especially, but rather for a righteous son. His prayer was for a devout Muslim who would keep the religion alive after his death. The fact that he was not expecting a son can be seen from his reply: "Do you bring me this good news despite the fact of old age having reached me? What kind of good news are you bringing me?" (Qur'an, 15:54). However, God willed to create a righteous line of descent for Prophet Abraham (pbuh), and so made his elderly and barren wife fertile. As we stated earlier, He sent angels to inform Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his wife of this miracle:

And We gave him the good news of a forbearing boy. (Qur'an, 37:101)

“… Originator of the heavens and Earth, You are my Friend in this world and Next. So take me as a Muslim at my death and Join me to people who are righteous.” (Qur’an, 12:101)

This example also applies to Prophet Zachariah (pbuh), one of Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) descendents. In the Qur'an, God mentions Prophet Zachariah's (pbuh) prayer and of his being given the glad tidings that his wife will bear a righteous son:

Remembering your Lord's mercy to His servant Zachariah, when he called on his Lord in secret and said: "My Lord, my bones have lost their strength and my head is crowned with white, but in calling on You, my Lord, I have never been disappointed. I fear my relatives when I am gone and my wife is barren, so give me an heir from You to be my inheritor and the inheritor of the family of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, pleasing to You." "O Zachariah. We give you the good news of a boy named John, a name we have given to no one else before." He asked: "My Lord! How can I father a son when my wife is barren and I have reached advanced old age?" He [God] replied: "It will be so. Your Lord says: 'That is easy for me to do. I created you before, when you were nothing.'" (Qur'an, 19:2-9)

Like Prophet Abraham (pbuh), Prophet Zachariah (pbuh) asked for a devout son. As stated above, only God can guide someone to the true path. Indeed, God reveals: "... God guides those He wills. He has best knowledge of the guided" (Qur'an, 28:56). Our Lord also gives the example of Prophet Noah's (pbuh) son. This person had such a worthy father, a role model of sincerity, patience, submission, and pleasing moral values. However, since he did not comply with his father's call to the true path, but rather followed the unbelievers, God drowned him in the flood along with the other unbelievers (Qur'an, 11:43).

Our Lord gave Prophet Abraham (pbuh) the glad tidings that he would have righteous children. In the Qur'an, God reveals that these esteemed sons were Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) and Prophet Isaac (pbuh), whom He raised to the rank of prophethood because of their devotion and submission to Him, as well as their pleasing moral values. After receiving this welcome news, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) prayed and thanked God:

Praise be to God Who, despite my old age, has given me Ishmael and Isaac. My Lord is the Hearer of Prayer. (Qur'an, 14:39)

When his Lord said to Him, “Become a Muslim!” he said, “I am a Muslim who has submitted to the Lord of all the worlds.” Abraham directed his sons to this, as did Jacob: “My sons! God has chosen this religion for you, so do not die except as Muslims.” (Qur’an, 2:131)

The Qur'an describes Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) as being "among the best of chosen men" (Qur'an, 38:48) and "favored over all beings" (Qur'an, 6:86). In addition, he is said to be a man "true to his promise and was a Messenger and a Prophet" (Qur'an, 19:54). Our Lord also reveals His pleasure with Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) to all people.

While Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was still alive, our Lord presented Prophet Isaac (pbuh) with a son, Jacob (pbuh), who was also a sincere believer endowed with prophethood. God reveals that He has perfectly fulfilled His blessing on this elect servant (Qur'an: 12:6). Prophet Jacob (pbuh) is a blessed person, one praised for his sincere faith in God, and for being a sincere servant with pure remembrance of his true home in the Hereafter (Qur'an, 38:46). God reveals Prophet Isaac's (pbuh) and Prophet Jacob's (pbuh) superior moral qualities in the following verses:

We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the abode. In Our eyes, they are among the best of chosen men. (Qur'an, 38:46-47)

And in addition to that, We gave him [Abraham] Isaac and Jacob and made both of them righteous. We made them leaders, guiding them by Our command, and revealed to them how to do good actions, perform prayer, and give alms. And they worshipped Us. (Qur'an, 21:72-73)

We gave him [Abraham] the good news of Isaac, a Prophet, one of the righteous. (Qur'an, 37:112)

The Qur'an praises Prophet Abraham (pbuh) for turning to God in everything he did, his sincere and genuine prayers, and his determined faith. Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) submissive attitude in the face of all troubles and difficulties is an example for all believers. His sincere prayer for his children is a clear indication of this:

"Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring by Your Sacred House in an uncultivated valley. Our Lord, let them perform prayer. Make the hearts of humanity incline toward them and provide them with fruits, so that, hopefully, they will be thankful." (Qur'an, 14:37)

God describes the great blessing He has placed on Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) descendents in the following terms:

"Accordingly, your Lord will pick you out and teach you the true meaning of events and perfectly fulfill His blessing on you, as well as on the family of Jacob, just as He fulfilled it perfectly before upon your forebears Abraham and Isaac. Most certainly, your Lord is Knowing, Wise." (Qur'an, 12:6)

In other verses, God reveals the following information about this blessed line:

We gave him [Abraham] Isaac and Jacob, and placed prophethood and the Book among his progeny. We gave him his reward in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. (Qur'an, 29:27)

And remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, men of true strength and inner sight. We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the abode. In Our eyes, they are among the best of chosen men. (Qur'an, 38:45-47)

When he [Abraham] separated himself from them and what they worshipped besides God, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, making each of them a prophet. We endowed them with Our mercy and made them highly honored. (Qur'an, 19:49-50)

Our Lord further informs us that He has made Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) family superior to the worlds, supported them with wisdom and the Book, and provided them with considerable assets:

God chose Adam and Noah, as well as the family of Abraham and the family of `Imran, over all other beings. (Qur'an, 3:33)

Or do they, in fact, envy other people for the bounty God has granted them? We gave the family of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and We gave them an immense kingdom. (Qur'an, 4:54)

"Those who believe and do not mix up their faith with any wrongdoing, they are the ones who are safe; it is they who are guided." This is the argument We gave to Abraham against his tribe. We raise in rank anyone We will. Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 6:82-83)

And left the later people saying of him: "Peace be upon Abraham." That is how We recompense good-doers. Truly, he was one of Our believing servants. (Qur'an, 37:108-111)

God rewarded Prophet Abraham (pbuh) with a pleasing, guided, and unsullied line of descent. Although his tribe was disobedient, proud, and insistent upon denying God, his sons, whom God selected as prophets, were his true legacy:

We gave him Isaac and Jacob, each of whom We guided. And before him We had guided Noah. And among his descendents were David and Solomon, Job and Joseph, Moses and Aaron. That is how We recompense the good-doers. (Qur'an, 6:84)

Prophet Abraham (pbuh), Prophet Ishmael (pbuh), and Prophet Isaac (pbuh) all called on people to believe in God. Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) and Prophet Abraham (pbuh) built the Ka`bah.

Building the Ka`bah

The Qur'an reveals that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) built the Ka`bah. Located in Makkah, the Ka`bah was the first structure built solely to worship God, for:

The first House established for humanity was that at Bakka*, a place of blessing and a guidance for all beings. In it are Clear Signs-the place where Abraham stood [to pray]. All who enter it are safe. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by all humanity-those who can find a way to do it. But if anyone does not believe, God is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (Qur'an, 3:96-97)

* Makkah

These two prophets built the Ka`bah, a task that God had entrusted to Prophet Abraham (pbuh), as the following verses reveal:

And We located the position of the House for Abraham: "Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My House for those who circle it and for those who stand and bow and prostrate. Announce the Pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot and on every sort of lean animal, coming by every distant road so that they can be present at what will profit them, and invoke God's name on specific days over livestock He has provided for them. Eat of them and feed those who are poor and in need." (Qur'an, 22:26-28)

God told Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to cleanse the Ka`bah. This may represent a physical cleaning or may have a spiritual meaning. Thus, God commanded that the Ka`bah be cleansed both physically and spiritually (from pagan practices). In another verse, God reveals the tasks He assigned to these two prophets:

And when Abraham built the foundations of the House with Ishmael: "Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." (Qur'an, 2:127)

As they engaged in building the Ka`bah and thereby fulfilling their religious duty, these two prophets constantly prayed to our Lord. Following this pleasing practice, we can pray and seek God's help in any matter, and praise and call on His name. This is because God knows what is hidden in peoples' hearts, hears them at all times, and sees and knows what they do. Believers know that He will respond to their prayers, and so regard prayer as a means of drawing closer to Him. People sometimes think that prayer can only be performed at certain times or places, and therefore seek to mold it into a specific form. Yet the prophets' prayers show that believers can turn to God at any time (e.g., when working, going to bed, or sitting down). As there is no rule concerning this, believers may turn to God at all moments, recall Him in their hearts at all times, and praise our Lord with His most beautiful names.

At the end of their prayers, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Ishmael (pbuh) praised God. After stating what they sought from Him, the two prophets praised Him, expressing the fact that He knows and hears everything. This demonstrates that it is acceptable to recall His names during prayer and to use them when praying to Him. Indeed, in one verse God reveals that:

To God belong the Most Beautiful Names, so call on Him by them and abandon those who desecrate His Names. They will be repaid for what they did. (Qur'an, 7:180)

Believers should express the fact, as did the prophets, of God's greatness, that He sees and hears everything, controls everything, and is the Lord of power and wisdom. Many verses concerning the prophets' prayers shed light on how believers should actually pray.

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Test

We ransomed him (Abraham) with a mighty sacrifice. (Qur’an, 37:107)

One of the many tests that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had to face was that of sacrificing Prophet Ishmael (pbuh). As the Qur'an relates:

And We gave him [Abraham] the good news of a forbearing boy. When he [Ishmael] was of an age to work with him, he [Abraham] said: "My son, I saw in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think about this?" He said: "Do as you are ordered, father. God willing, you will find me patient." Then when they had both submitted and he had lain him face down on the ground, We called out to him: "Abraham! You have discharged your vision." That is how We recompense good-doers. This was indeed a most manifest trial. We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice. (Qur'an, 37:101-07)

In the above verses, God relates how He tested Prophet Abraham (pbuh). Islamic scholars generally interpret these verses in the same way. For example, in his commentary on the Qur'an, Hamdi Yazir of Elmali states that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) saw a revelation in his dream and was told to fulfill it. He explains the relevant verses in the following terms:

According to the Old Testament, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his wife were interred in the Machpelah cave in al-Khalil (Hebron).

"…He did not seek to do this by force. Rather, he indicated that by asking his son's views on how to bring this about, thus seeking his obedience and submission and enabling him to acquire merit in God's sight. One can only imagine what a great feeling of love must beat in a father's heart when he says: 'O, my dear son,' and how his great passion for duty and love for God overcame even his love for his son… That gentle-hearted son, who understood that this was God's command and that God was with those who were patient, replied: 'O, my dear father, do whatever you are commanded. By God's will, you shall find me patient."4

In his commentary, Omer Nasuhi Bilmen offers the following account:

"Prophet Abraham and his son obeyed and submitted to God's command, and Prophet Abraham (laid his [son's] head to one side) and accepted the task of cutting his throat… Understanding that his dream was a divine command, he was eager to discharge his duty, and showed great fortitude and obedience to God's command. Then God blessed him, ordering him to sacrifice an animal instead of his son, and thereby saved Prophet Abraham from a self-sacrifice."5

Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) and Prophet Ishmael's (pbuh) sincere obedience, submission, and devotion to God can be seen clearly from these verses and commentaries. Their superior behavior is an excellent example and a matchless guide for all believers. Therefore, all believers must follow this path and become known for their scrupulous implementation of God's commands, and for showing strong resolution when facing troubles or difficulties and maintaining their patient and humble natures. In the following verses, God further reveals that:

And left the later people saying of him: "Peace be upon Abraham." That is how We recompense good-doers. He truly was one of Our believing servants. (Qur'an, 37:108-11)