As Muslim faithful celebrate Eid al-Adha across the globe on Friday, it is essential to reflect on the main cause and the central figure of the festival—Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his life.
The greatness of Prophet Ibrahim was attested to by the holy Qur’an in Chapter 60:4 when it says, “Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him when they said to their people, “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah…”
In Islam, Qur’an 16:120, Prophet Ibrahim is referred to as an “Ummah,” a nation or a community. This is because he is considered a model of righteousness and obedience to God, epitomising his role as a leader and his comprehensive adherence to the noble principles of Islam. He was also described as the first Muslim who submitted wholeheartedly to his Lord.
Why is Prophet Ibrahim so revered and cherished by all? Why is he renowned as the father of Nations? And why are religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism called Abrahamic faiths? The foremost reason is as a result of his strong belief and faithfulness to the Almighty. His belief in Allah was unshaken. He never associated partners with Allah, never betrayed Allah in his faithfulness, never compromised his belief despite the allure of materialism and assurances of fleeting benefits. Hence, he was called the Father of Faith and celebrated for this noble legacy.
Monotheistic religions
Ibrahim’s unwavering rejection of polytheism and his dedication to monotheism make him a model for all Muslims. He is also considered a prophet with a significant role in shaping the foundations of monotheistic religions.
Closely related to that is Prophet Ibrahim’s patience, endurance and steadfastness in the face of trials and tribulations. His faith was tested when he was thrown into a raging flame, yet he remained steadfast. Despite being a prophet of God, he was tested with childlessness till old age and remained steadfast until Allah gave him a son from his younger wife. And before he was gifted the second child, his Creator, Allah, commanded him to sacrifice the same child. It was his faithfulness, his steadfastness, that was rewarded with a big ram that has now become a symbol of sacrifice and celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The patriotism of Prophet Ibrahim was second to none. His love for his country was profound. He never engaged in any nefarious activities against his nation. He loved Iraq, Jerusalem and Makkah, where he lived, and the Qur’an recorded all his prayers for Makkah. The acceptance of his prayers for his nation culminated in the blessings, peace and tranquillity being witnessed in Saudi Arabia today. He prayed for his country today like an average American does, saying God bless America. This is a noble example of Nigerians and Africans always believing in and praying for their countries as well as their continent.
Prophet Ibrahim was a bundle of character. He was virtuous, righteous, patient, faithful and patriotic to his family and nation. He was not only a distinct child who never disobeyed his parents despite his fundamental disagreement with them on adultery, but he was also the best father. He was a perfect trainer of virtuous children. He birthed nations through the Prophet Ismail and Is-haq, or Isaac. He cared for his wives and children, cared for their virtuous growth and upbringing and remained faithful and committed to them till death.
Prophet Ibrahim was a perfect monogamist as well as an ideal polygamist. He remained faithful to his wife despite childlessness till old age, and never abandoned any of his wives, even as a polygamist. He managed his polygamous home very well, and the products of his household came out outstandingly. No wife or child was abandoned or preferred over another.
And as the world joins over 2 billion Muslims in celebrating Eid al-Adha and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, we must all remember that he was an ideal personality and a paragon of virtues. He was faithful, steadfast and patient in the face of trials, adversity and tribulations. He was patriotic and loyal to his family and his nation. Above all, he was prayerful.
Corroborating the words of the Qur’an 60:4: indeed, there are in Ibrahim and those with him the best, glorious and excellent examples for mankind to emulate. So, should every citizen and nation of the world emulate the life and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, no human or nation will oppress the other, and the world will be a beautiful place to live for all.