The Religion of Ibrahim (AS)

By Aniqa Yasser

Prophet Ibrahim (AS), often referred to as the “Father of the Prophets” has a long lineage of prophets after him. Because of this, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all called “Abrahamic religions.” All three religions believe that they can claim him as part of their own because of this, but only one of these is Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) true religion. By looking at his lineage, his life, and verses of the Quran, we can understand what Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion was.

In addition, Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) name, “Father of the Prophets” is correct because he has an extensive lineage of prophets through his two sons, Ismael (AS) and Ishaq (AS). Subsequently, Prophet Musa (AS), the prophet of Judaism, was a descendant of Prophet Ishaq (AS). Prophet Isa (AS), the prophet of Christianity, is also a descendant of Prophet Ishaq (AS). Finally, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the prophet of Islam, is a descendant of Prophet Ismael (AS). This is why all three religions claim him. But, at the time of Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS), both their religions were originally Islam. At the time, they were unchanged, so at the end of the day, both prophets belong to Islam. Their ancestor, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is no different. Ibrahim (AS) is mentioned in the Quran as a monotheist before everyone else who prayed to idols. He followed Allah’s (SWT) true message and path, which eventually led him to become one of the most notable prophets in the Quran.

Furthermore, there is more evidence that Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion was truly Islam. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made the Kabah as per Allah’s (SWT) orders with his son. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and every muslim prays to this Kabah, which is in Mecca, not Israel. However, his impact to Islam doesn’t stop there. To this day, Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha are directly connected to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismael’s (AS) story. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is one of the most important prophets of Islam. Therefore, there is no question as to what his religion is.

Finally, in Surah Imran, Allah (SWT) has cleared the confusion of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion.

مَا كَانَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah], and he was not of the polytheists” (67).

In conclusion, other than the evidence that Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion was Islam, this Ayah has crushed all doubts about it. As the “Father of the Prophets”, each religion can eventually be traced back to him, but none other than Islam can claim him. In Surah Imran, Allah (SWT) also revealed an ayah about the followers of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion.

إِنَّ أَوْلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِإِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers” (68).

May Allah (SWT) give us ease in following Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) religion and becoming a true believer.