Ulul 'Azm (Firm Resolve)
Ibrahim peace be upon him
Khalil Allah the intimate friend of Allah
The father of the prophets and a pure monotheist (hanif). He broke his people's idols, was saved from the fire, and built the Ka'bah with his son Isma'il.
Ulul 'Azm means "those of firm resolve": the five greatest messengers, known for their exceptional patience and determination Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, 'Isa and Muhammad (46:35; 33:7). Nabi (prophet): one who receives revelation from Allah. Every messenger is a prophet, but not every prophet is a messenger.
- Sent to
- The people of Iraq, then the lands of Sham and Hijaz
- Region
- Iraq → Palestine → Makkah
- Scripture
- The Scrolls (Suhuf) of Ibrahim (87:19)
- Named in the Quran
- 69 times by name
Key events
- Reflected on the star, the moon and the sun to show his people that only the Creator deserves worship (6:76-79).
- Broke his people's idols except the largest, then told them to ask it (21:58-63).
- Thrown into a great fire, which Allah made "coolness and safety" for him (21:69).
- Blessed in old age with Isma'il and then Ishaq (14:39).
- Ready to sacrifice his son at Allah's command; a great sacrifice was given in his place (37:102-107). Most scholars hold that this son was Isma'il.
- Raised the foundations of the Ka'bah with Isma'il and called people to Hajj (2:127; 22:27).
Lesson
Complete submission to Allah, even in the hardest of tests.