Prophet Abraham(PBUH)is better known as the father of prophets and founder of monotheism.
The Qur’an states:
Abraham was a man who combined within himself all virtues.
Qur’an 16:120
Abraham’s name has been mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an sixty-nine (69) times.
Abraham (PBUH) came to Makkah (which was a barren desert at the time) along with his Egyptian wife Hajar (ABPWH) and their son Ishmael (PBUH). Abraham (PBUH) left the mother and the son alone in the desert and went back to his homeland. On his way back, he stopped at someplace, faced Makkah, and made the following prayer:
O Lord! I have made some of my family members dwell in this barren valley by Your Sacred House (Al-Ka’bah at Makkah). Lord! They will perform prayers. So, fill the hearts of the people who come to pass by them with love towards them and provide for them so that they may give thanks to You.
Qur’an 14:37 and Al-Bukhari 3364
Soon after Abraham (PBUH) left the place, Hajar (ABPWH) ran out of water and she and her baby were about to die of thirst. Thereupon, Allah Almighty sent down Angel Gabriel (PBUH) to their help; Gabriel (PBUH) dug into the ground with his heel until underground water gushed forth all around the place, forming the present Zamzam Well (Al-Bukhari 3364).
Later on, Abraham (PBUH) came back to visit Ishmael (PBUH) many times. During one of his visits to Ishmael (PBUH), Abraham (PBUH) was commanded to reclaim the damaged foundations of Allah’s Ancient House which weas once established in the same area where Hajar and Ishmael first settled (Al-Bukhari 3364). Following the reconstruction work, Abraham (PBUH) was then commanded to call upon people to perform pilgrimage to the rebuilt House of Allah Almighty.
In this regard, the Qur’an relates:
As Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the Temple (the House of Allah), they prayed saying: ‘O our Lord! Please accept this work from us: for You alone are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’
Qur’an 2:127
The Qur’an also recounts:
Allah directed Abraham to the place of Allah’s House and said to him: ‘(O Abraham!) Associate no partners with Me in worship and purify My House for those who come to visit and those who come to stand in prayer.
Qur’an 22:26
The Qur’an also states Allah’s command to Abraham (PBUH) after he completed the rebuilding of the House as follows:
(Allah said to Abraham) call people to come on pilgrimage to my House and they will respond to your call coming to the House from all corners of the globe.
Qur’an 22:27
The First Masjid (i.e. Mosque) on Earth:
In the Quran, Allah Almighty says:
The first Sanctuary to be established for humanity was that at Makkah; it is a blessed place and a source of guidance for all people; there are clear divine signs in it. It is where Abraham stood to pray.
Qur’an 3:96-97
Abu Dharr (ABPWH) asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which mosque was first built. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Al-Masjid-ul-Haram” (i.e. The Sacred Mosque in Makkah). Abu Dharr (ABPWH) then asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) what next. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Al-Masjid-ul-Aqsa” (i.e. The Farthest Mosque in Jerusalem). Abu Dharr (ABPWH) asked again how long it was between the two constructions. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Forty years!” (Al-Bukhari 3366, Muslim 520)
Abraham’s Prayer:
At the location where Allah’s House was rebuilt, Abraham (PBUH) made the following prayer:
O Lord! Make a prophet raise among the people who will come to settle in this place around Your Sacred House. Make this prophet come from among themselves, recite Your Words to them, teach them the Scripture and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise!
Qur’an 2:129
Allah Almighty answered Abraham’s sincere prayers; a nation came from the line of Ishmael (PBUH), son of Abraham (PBUH) and from this nation came Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the final Prophet whom Abraham (PBUH) prayed for. Once, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked: “When did your prophecy commence?” He said: “I am the prayer that Abraham made.” (Ahmad 22261)
The Prophet’s Love and Praise of Abraham (PBUH):
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us a special supplication to recite for Prophet Abraham (PBUH) at At-Tashahhud (i.e. the last sitting position in the
Muslim prayer). The supplication reads as follows:
O Allah! Send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have sent blessings upon Abraham and the family of Abraham; for You are worthy of praise and You areGracious!
Al-Bukhari 3370 and Muslim 406
Once, a man praised Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) calling him as the best human ever to be created. Responding to such praise, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to the man: “That’s not me; it must be Abraham (who is the best human ever). ” (Muslim 2369)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) named his first son Abraham (ABPWH); as he was announcing the birth of his son Abraham (ABPWH), the Prophet (PBUH) said:
I have been given a baby boy tonight and I gave him the name of my father Abraham.
Muslim 2315
Ibn ‘ Abbas (ABPWT) also narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Verily, the first of all humans to be clothed on the Day of Resurrection will be Prophet Abraham (PBUH).
Al-Bukhair 4625 and Muslim 2860/58