Prophet Ibrahim: Jew or Muslim?

10-8-1999 | IslamWeb

Question:

I want to ask about the Prophet Ibrahim if he was Jewish or Muslim ?

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

 

Allaah Says (what means): {Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allaah]. And he was not of the polytheists.}  [Quran 3:67]              

In the above verse, Allaah clarifies that Ibraheem [Abraham]  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention was neither a Jew nor a Christian.

Undoubtedly, Ibraheem  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention came before Moosa [Moses]  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention   because the latter was from the descendants of Ya'koob [Jacob], the son of Ishaq, who was the son of Ibraheem, may Allaah exalt their mention.

Indeed Ibraheem, may Allaah exalt their mention, was a Muslim monotheist [believing and submitting himself to Allaah Alone] exactly like all other prophets before him. Allaah Says (what means): {Truly, the religion with Allaah is Islam.} [Quran 3:19]              

Allaah Says about the queen of Sheba (what means): {She said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allaah, Lord of the worlds.”} [Quran 27:44]           

Moreover, Allaah Says on the tongue of Yoosuf [Josef]  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention (what means): {''Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”} [Quran 12:101]              

Also, Allah says about Ya'koob [Jacob]  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention (what means): {Indeed Allaah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims.”} [Quran 2:132].              

Allaah revealed Books and sent Prophets among the descendants of Ibraheem  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention but all of them were sent with his [Ibraheem's] religion; Allaah Says (what means): {Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention )], to follow the religion of Abraham inclining toward truth and he was not of those who associate with Allaah.} [Quran 16:123]              

Allaah also Says (what means): {Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allaah] and this prophet [i.e. Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘'alayhi wa sallam] and those who believe [in his message]. And Allaah is the ally of the believers.} [Quran 3:68]

Allaah Knows best.

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