Abraham: The Granddaddy of Monotheism
- Ziyad Bulbulia
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Abraham, or Ibrahim in Arabic, is one of the most revered figures in the world’s major faiths. Known as the father of monotheism, he holds a central place in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Given how long ago he lived, it’s even endearing to think of him as the granddaddy of monotheism, a spiritual ancestor whose example continues to guide billions of people across generations.
Abraham in the Quran
The Quran honors Abraham with great reverence. It states:
“And who would reject the faith of Abraham except a fool! We certainly chose him in this life, and in the Hereafter he will surely be among the righteous.” (Quran 2:130)
Abraham’s faith is presented as a model of devotion and submission to God. His religion is not something to reject; it is a path of righteousness that continues through the line of prophets, culminating in the final prophet, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this way, Islam is a continuation of Abraham’s faith, a timeless commitment to monotheism.
Abraham in the Old Testament
The Jewish scriptures, which form the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, depict Abraham as a central figure blessed directly by God. In Genesis 12:1–3, God says to Abram (later called Abraham):
“The Lord had said to Abram,’Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
This promise emphasizes Abraham’s universal significance. The blessing extends not only to his direct descendants but ultimately to all humanity, a promise that Islam understands as fulfilled through the coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael.
Abraham in the New Testament
The New Testament also teaches that true connection to Abraham is not merely a matter of ancestry but of following his example. John the Baptist challenges those who rely on lineage alone:
“And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9)
Similarly, Jesus states:
“If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did.” (John 8:39)
The message is clear: being a spiritual descendant of Abraham requires living as he lived: faithful, obedient, and devoted to God.
Following Abraham Today
Islam emphasizes that Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian, but an upright person who submitted fully to God. The term “Muslim” means one who submits to God, and Abraham exemplified this submission. For Muslims, following Abraham involves both spiritual and practical acts: prayer, devotion, and embodying his unwavering faith.
For example, in prayer, Muslims prostrate themselves, echoing Abraham’s humility before God. In the Durood Ibrahim, a daily prayer, Muslims ask God to bless the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family as He blessed Abraham and his family, continuing the divine blessing promised in Genesis.
By following the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims also honor all the prophets before him, especially Abraham, becoming spiritual descendants of the grand patriarch of monotheism.
A Shared Legacy Across Faiths
Abraham’s legacy is a point of convergence for the world’s major monotheistic religions. He is beloved in Judaism, revered in Christianity, and honored as a prophet and friend of God in Islam. This shared heritage provides a powerful opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Perhaps it is more than fitting to think of Abraham not just as the father of monotheism, but as the granddaddy of monotheism, a spiritual ancestor whose devotion, courage, and faith continue to inspire believers across centuries.
Learn More: Watch the eleventh episode of our Ramadan series to explore this topic further
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