For too long, the nations of the world remain divided under the guise of separate religions, dogmas and sects. In the beginning, mankind was not but one nation of a single religion under Lord-GOD Almighty ALLAH.
Then we differed.
Thirsty for the vain materialism of this world, men corrupted revelations and teachings which was sent by Lord God Almighty. We follow and obey religious mercenaries, clergies and monks, men of so-called faith, instead of looking back to reflect on the original scriptures. We have separated religion due to our communal interest,arrogance and animosity amongst ourselves.
Judaism. Christianity. Islam.
Mankind has segregated the religion of Abraham through these self-imposed categories, and filled them with corruption with varying degrees.
We have deviated from scripture and have been ignoring the true commands of Lord-God Almighty Allah.
Is it not clear that we follow the same books revealed by the same God? The central message of all scriptures are the same: to worship ONE LORD-GOD Almighty ALLAH.
We are not ‘brand’ Jews. We are not ‘brand’ Christians. We are not ‘brand’ Muslims. Rather, we follow the religion of Abraham, seeking the truth and Almighty’s revelation. He was a true monotheist and the original leader of the submitters. Do you argue about Lord- God while He is our Lord and your Lord?
Our beliefs:
– We believe in One Lord- God Almighty ALLAH and what has been revealed to us.
– We believe in what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants.
-We believe in what was given to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord.
-We make no distinction between any of them, and we submit to Lord-God Almighty ALLAH alone.
One Lord-God Almighty ALLAH, now and forever.
What and why in the religion of Abraham?
The time has come to re-understand the life philosophy of the great Prophet and Messenger of Abraham (peace be upon him).
Because, in the great book, the Lord of the worlds has declared him the leader of the world and the leader of Muslims. The last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has asked the Messenger of Allah to follow the ideals of Abraham and has ordered him to declare his words before the people. The last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), came from the descendants of Abraham (peace be upon him).
Anyone who makes a distinction between the numerous prophets and messengers of Allah in terms of honor and status will essentially be expelled from the Islamic world. Allah calls such a distinction “Kafiruna Haqq” or true deniers.
Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allāh and His messengers and wish to discriminate between Allāh and His messengers and say, “We believe in some and disbelieve in others,” and wish to adopt a way in between ch.4 V.150
Those are the disbelievers, truly. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment. Ch.4 V.151
In this situation, we must show sincere respect, honor and love for all the Messengers of Allah Almighty. In addition, we must learn from the Messengers whose lives are described in the Quran.
It can be seen that while describing the difficult situation of the Battle of Ahzab in the Quran, Allah was encouraging the followers of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, and telling the believing warriors – Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example (hasnatun) – whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. When the believers saw the combined forces….. 33:21,22
On the other hand, Allah has made it clear that there are many good examples (models) for us in Ibrahim and his companions.
There has already been for you an excellent pattern[1] in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, “Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allāh…..Ch.60 Verse4
Besides, the Quran repeatedly says about Hazrat Ibrahim – he was a Hanifa – and he was not a polytheist. That is, being Hanifa (single-minded/loyal) towards the religion is the opposite of being a polytheist. What is a polytheist? He who believes in Allah and also associates others with Him – is a polytheist.
Most people believe in Allah, but also associate others with Him. 12: 106
Say, “Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allāh.” Ch.6 V161
Therefore, if there is any difference in love and respect between the last Prophet Muhammad Rasulullah and the Prophet Ibrahim Rasulullah, there is a great risk of being a criminal (kafir) in the eyes of the Quran. Where the last Prophet Muhammad Rasulullah is being told to follow the religion of Ibrahim – there is a clear and clear thing for you and me to do.
Therefore, first of all, we must know about Ibrahim Rasulullah, who left the earth thousands of years ago. How can we know – if Allah the Almighty does not speak about that distant past?
As always, we have to go back to the Holy Book. Let’s find out what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, proclaimed to the people about his revered ancestor, the beloved Messenger of Allah, Ibrahim.
Allah Almighty commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to spread the news of Abraham (peace be upon him) to the people. He also commands Muhammad (peace be upon him) to follow the example of Abraham (peace be upon him):
And mention Abraham in the Book, as it is narrated. He was a truthful prophet. Ch.19 V.41
And again – recite to them the story of Abraham. Ch.26 V.69
For Abraham was a people – obedient to Allah, single-minded (Hanifa) and he was not a polytheist; and We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he was among the righteous.
Then We inspire you to follow the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not a polytheist. Ch16, V.120-123
For the knowledge of all of us, Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, says:
Know that the nearest of people to Abraham among mankind are those who followed him and this Prophet (Muhammad); and those who believe; Allah is the Protector of the believers. Ch.3 V.68
Say: We believe in Allah. We believe in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes; and what was revealed to Moses and Jesus; and what was given to the other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. We have submitted to Him. Ch.2V.136
Allah Almighty said about the status of Abraham (peace be upon him):
Allah chose from among the worlds Adam, Noah, the descendants of Abraham and the descendants of Imran. Ch.3 V.33
When his Lord tested Abraham with certain words and he fulfilled them, his Lord said to him: “I have made you a leader of mankind.” He said: “My children?” He said: “My promise is not for the wrongdoers.” Ch.2 V.124
Who turns away from the religion of Abraham except he who has made a fool of himself? We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, “Submit,” he said, “I submit to the Lord of the worlds.” Ch.2 V.130,131
And who is best in religion – he who submits himself to Allah and does good deeds and follows the religion of Abraham, the upright (Millata Ibrahim Hanifa); and Allah took Abraham for a friend (Khalil). Ch.4 V.125
And We gave Abraham these arguments against his people. We raise to a high rank whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise, Knowing. Ch.6 V.83
Thus We showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth – that he might have firm faith. Ch.6 V.75
We had already guided Abraham, and We were well-aware of him. Ch.21 V.51
Allah the Almighty has narrated various incidents of Abraham (peace be upon him):
And when We made this House a place of return and a place of safety for mankind, and accept from Abraham his standing (wattakhadhu min maqmi Ibrahima musalla); And We took a covenant from Abraham and Ishmael, saying: “You shall purify My House, those who circumambulate it, those who stand and those who bow down in prostration.” Ch.2 V.125
In it are clear signs – the station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim). Whoever enters it – he is safe. And Allah is powerful over mankind – the pilgrimage to the House (Hijj al-Bayt); and whoever disbelieves – then surely Allah is not in need of the worlds. Ch.3V.97
And Abraham enjoined upon his sons and Jacob, saying, “O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the religion, so do not die except in submission.”
Were you present when Jacob was dying? When he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, the One God, and to Him we submit.” Ch.2 V132,133
Have you not seen the man who argued with Abraham about his Lord? Because Allah had given him the kingdom; when Abraham said: My Lord is He who gives life and causes death. He said: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Allah causes the sun to rise from the east, so cause it to rise from the west. The disbeliever was shocked at that; Allah does not guide the wrongdoers. Ch.2 V.258
Then his people argued with him. He said to them: Do you argue with me about Allah?
While He has guided me. I do not fear those whom you associate with Him, except if my Lord wills. My Lord has knowledge of all things. Will you not then understand?’ Ch.6 V80
Regarding the dispute between the People of the Book and Abraham (peace be upon him), Allah the Almighty says:
And they say: Be Jews or Christians, that you may be guided. Say: Rather, follow the example of Abraham, and he was not a polytheist. Ch.2 V.135
Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better, or does Allah?” Who is more unjust than one who conceals a clear proof from Allah after it has come to him? Allah is not unaware of what you do. Ch.2 V140
O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason? Ch.3 V.65
Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allāh]. And he was not of the polytheists.[1] Ch. V.67
Instructions to Prophet Muhammad:
Say, “We have believed in Allāh and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants [al-Asbāṭ], and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” Ch.3 V.84
Say, “Allāh has told the truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of the polytheists.”Ch.3 V 95
Say, “Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allāh.”Ch. V161
What did Abraham (peace be upon him) do? He would ask questions. He would investigate; he would reason:-
And remember when Abraham said: My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.
He asked, “Do you not believe?” He said, “Yes; but I want peace in my heart…” Ch.2 V.260
Abraham said: “Do they hear you when you pray?”Ch.26 V.72
Abraham said: “Will you not consider what you worship?” Ch.26 V.75
He said to his father: “Father! Why do you worship something that neither sees nor hears nor benefits you?” Ch.19 V.42
When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?” Ch.26 V.70
He said: Do they hear you when you call upon them? Or can they benefit you or harm you? Ch.26 V.72,73
He said: Do you not see what you worship? Ch.26 V.75
Then when the darkness of the night came upon him, he saw a star and said: This is my Lord! But it set; he said: I do not like those who set.
Then he saw the bright moon rising; he said: This is my Lord! Then when the moon set; he said: If my Lord does not guide me, I will surely be among the astray!
Then when he saw the sun rising, he said, “This is my Lord! This is the Greatest of all.” But when it also set, he (Abraham) said, “O my people! I am free from those whom you associate with Allah.” Ch.6 V.76-78
Abraham (peace be upon him) used to say:
I have submitted myself to Him Who created the heavens and the earth. I am not of the polytheists.
Then his people argued with him. He said to them: Do you dispute with me about Allah?
While He has guided me. I do not fear those whom you associate with Him, except if my Lord wills. My Lord has knowledge of all things. Will you not then understand?
Those who believe and do not mix their faith with wrongdoing, for them is security, and it is they who are guided. Ch.6V.79-82
Abraham said: “You worship idols instead of Allah, in the life of this world, for the sake of friendship among yourselves. But on the Day of Resurrection, you will deny one another and curse one another. Your abode will be Hell, and you will have no helpers.” Ch.29V.25
O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan is the most disobedient of the Most Gracious. O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful so you would be to Satan a companion [in Hellfire].Ch.19 V. 44,45
I am leaving you and those whom you call upon besides Allah. I will call upon my Lord. I hope that I will not fail in calling upon my Lord. Ch.19 V.48
They are all my enemies, except the Lord of the Worlds.
For He created me and He guides me. He gives me food and drink. When I am sick, He cures me. He will cause me to die and give me life again. I hope that He will forgive me my sins on the Day of Judgment. My Lord! Grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous. Grant me good reputation among the later generations. Make me among the inheritors of the Gardens of Bliss.
Forgive my father, for he is one of the misguided. Do not disgrace me on the Day of Resurrection, a Day when neither wealth nor children will avail, but he who comes with a pure heart will be benefited.
On that Day, Paradise will be brought to the righteous, and Hell will be opened to the misguided. Ch.26 V.78-91
He has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Noah and which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad!). This is the religion which We ordained for Abraham and Moses and Jesus. Establish it and make no division therein. Hard indeed is the polytheist religion to which you call. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Him who turns back (Yunib).Ch. 42 V.13
And when Abraham said to his father and his people, “Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship” Ch.43 V.26
Ibrahim (A.S.) and his companions include Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, and a good example or Uswatun Hasana for us.
There is an excellent example for you in Abraham and his companions. They said to their people: We are free from you and from those whom you worship besides Allah. We disobey you. There has arisen between us and you enmity and hatred for ever until you believe in Allah alone.
Except for this statement of Abraham to his father: “I will ask forgiveness from Allah for you, but I have no right to do anything to Allah about you.”
…Our Lord! In You we have put our trust, and to You we have turned, and to You is the return. Ch.60 V. 4
In conclusion,
Besides these verses, there are various statements about Ibrahim in the Holy Book. The above discussion has highlighted various features of the religion or the religion of the Messenger of Allah, Ibrahim.
His characteristics were – he did not follow the religious beliefs and paths he had received from his father and grandfather. He stood alone against all the conventional prayer methods, blind obedience and religious fanaticism.
He alone turned his back on the entire society and surrendered himself solely to the great Lord of the worlds. He alone was as dignified as the entire Ummah or the entire nation!
He questioned everything. Nothing was beyond his curiosity.
He spoke from an inquisitive perspective with logic, intelligence, and conscience, and tried to open everyone’s eyes.
He searched for the great Lord/Creator/Sovereign through analysis and contemplation of the moon-sun-planets-stars, found Him and accepted Him as Lord.
He left his descendants established on the correct system (religion) – he created an entire Ummah or nation.
This is Islam. A clear, pure, free from formal rituals, founded on reason and common sense, a system of life of the most modern standard.
The descendant of the beloved Prophet Muhammad Rasulullah, who came to earth with the great mission of following the religion and establishing it in society, is the one who came to this world.
Written by Md Mosharraf Hossain
