Who Was Ibrahim (AS): The Three Great Trials

April 28, 2025

Who was Prophet Ibrahim (AS)?

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was one of the greatest prophets in Islam. Born in Babylon (modern-day Iraq), he was chosen by Allah to guide his people toward monotheism and truth. From a young age, Ibrahim (AS) questioned the practice of idol worship even though his own father was a craftsman of idols. His commitment to Tawheed (the oneness of Allah) led him through a series of immense trials, each one proof of his love for Allah.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Allah chose Ibrahim as a close friend.” (Surah An-Nisa:124)

He was given the titles Hanif (upright) and Khalil Allah (Friend of Allah), and he is known for his unwavering faith in Allah during three defining tests: the fire, the desert, and the sacrifice.

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The Story of Fire:

Prophet Ibrahim (AS), with unwavering courage, challenged the beliefs of his people—including their king, Nimrod. Outraged by Ibrahim’s rejection of idols, Nimrod ordered the ultimate punishment: a blazing fire, built so large and fierce that it could be seen from miles away.

Ibrahim (AS) was chained and brought before the pit, ready to be thrown into the flames. Even in that moment, Ibrahim's heart was full of pure trust in Allah.

But what happened next defied every law of nature.

Allah, in His mercy, commanded the fire to cool.

“We said, 'O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim.” (Surah Al-Anbiya: 69)

The fire, created to destroy, became a place of peace.

Ibrahim (AS) was unharmed, protected by the One he trusted completely.

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The Story of Desert:

In another test, Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim AS to leave his wife Hajar (RA) and infant son Ismail (AS) in the barren desert of Makkah.

After some time, the scorching heat in the desert made Ismail (AS) thirsty. His mother Hajar (RA) searched for water. She ran around the two mountains of Safa and Marwa but could not find any water.

In that moment, Jibreel (AS) came, and he dug a hole in the desert. Water came flowing through the desert. Hajar (RA) said “Zam, Zam” to the water which means “Stop, Stop”. That is why this water is called Zamzam to this day.

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The Story of the Sacrifice:

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a dream from Allah, commanding him to sacrifice what he loved most, his son, Ismail (AS). Ibrahim (AS) shared the dream with his son, and in full submission, young Ismail (AS) replied:

“O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.” (Surah As-Saffat: 102)

As Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the command, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram. This event became the foundation of Eid al-Adha.

Status of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in Quran:

The Quran says:

"Indeed, Ibrahim was a whole ummah by himself devout to Allah, unswervingly upright, and he was not of the associators, (Those who associate others with Allah) (He was) thankful for Allah’s Graces. He selected him, and He guided him to a straight Path. And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous. Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad ﷺ saying): “Follow the way of Ibrahim with exclusive devotion to Allah. and he was not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers, etc.)"

(Surah Nahl, 16:120-123)

Allah says in another place in the Quran:

"And who is better in faith than those who fully submit themselves to Allah, do good, and follow the Way of Abraham, the upright? Allah chose Abraham as a close friend."

(Surah An-Nisa 124)

These verses show the status of Ibrahim (AS). Allah has elevated the status of Ibrahim (AS) in the Qura’n. He was an upright Muslim who worshipped one God. He was the preacher of Tawheed. He was the chosen one. Allah loves those who preach tawheed and hence he loves Ibrahim (AS).

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