THE RELIGION OF IBRĀHĪM

 FAJR REMINDER: THE RELIGION OF IBRĀHĪM 

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 4, 1447 (21-May-2026)

There are remarkable similarities between Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) and his noble successor, Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). Just as Allāh Himself guided Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) to Tawḥīd (Islāmic Monotheism), He also guided Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) to the truth. Even before revelation descended upon him, the Prophet (ﷺ) distanced himself from the practices of the Mushrikūn (polytheists) of Makkah and would retreat to the cave of Hira, reflecting deeply upon his Lord and seeking the truth. Concerning this guidance, Allāh (ﷻ) says: “Say (O Muḥammad): ‘Truly, my Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, a right religion, the religion of Ibrāhīm, Ḥanīfa [i.e. the true Islāmic Monotheism – to believe in One God (Allāh i.e. to worship none but Allāh, Alone)] and he was not of Al-Mushrikūn.’” [Sūrah Al-An’ām (6): 161]

Although Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) is regarded by both the Jews and Christians as the father of faith, an important question remains: which faith did he truly follow—Judaism, Christianity, or Islām? The Jews and Christians disputed with the Muslims, with each group claiming that Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) belonged to them. However, Allāh (ﷻ) decisively settled this matter, saying: “Ibrāhīm was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Ḥanīfa (Islāmic Monotheism – to worship none but Allāh Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikūn. Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrāhīm are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muḥammad) and those who have believed (Muslims)…” [Sūrah Aal-‘Imrān (3): 67-68]

In relation to this noble verse, ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas’ūd (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Verily, every Prophet has an ally among the Prophets and surely my ally is my father, Ibrāhīm, the intimate friend of my Lord, upon him be peace.” Then, the Prophet recited the verse, “Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrāhīm are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muḥammad) and those who have believed, for Allāh is the ally of the believers.” (3:68) [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2995]

Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) was the leader of the Ḥunafā’—the sincere Monotheists who worshipped Allāh Alone without associating any partners with Him. He devoted all acts of worship purely to Allāh with complete sincerity and never called upon anyone besides Him. Not even for a moment did he commit Shirk. He openly rejected every false deity worshipped besides Allāh and courageously opposed his people in this regard. Allāh (ﷻ) informs us: “He said: ‘I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allāh. Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth Ḥanīfa (Islāmic Monotheism, i.e. worshipping none but Allah Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikūn (see V. 2:105).’” [Sūrah Al-An’ām (6): 78-79]

For anyone who still doubts the truth of Islām, they should reflect deeply upon whose legacy the Muslims uphold during Ḥajj and the sacrifice of Uḍḥiyah. It is the legacy of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām). During ‘Eid al-Aḍḥa, Muslims sacrifice animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrāhīm’s unwavering obedience and submission to Allāh. This act revives his noble tradition and stands as a powerful symbol of Islāmic Monotheism. The moment of sacrifice reminds believers of the complete surrender shown by both Prophet Ibrāhīm and his son, Prophet Ismā‘īl (‘Alayhimā Salām), to the Command of Allāh, making them shining examples of true Muslims.

Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but rather the hearts. The disbelievers are blind, deaf, and dumb to the truth despite its clarity. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And who turns away from the religion of Ibrāhīm (i.e. Islāmic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 130]

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to protect us from Shirk and Kufr and to keep our hearts firm upon Tawḥīd until we meet Him. Aameen.