Story of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S)

One of the prophets given the most attention in the Quran is the prophet Ibrahim (A.S).  The Quran tells of him and his unwavering belief in Allah, first calling him to reject his people and their idolatry, and later to prove true to various tests which Allah places before him.

In Islam, Ibrahim (A.S) is seen as a strict monotheist who calls his people to the worship of Allah alone.  For this belief, he bears great hardships, even disassociating himself with his family and people through migration to various lands.  He is one who fulfills various commandments of Allah through which he is tested, proving true to each one.

Due to this strength of faith, the Quran attributes the one and only true religion to be the "Path of Ibrahim (A.S)", even though prophets before him, such as Noah, called to the same faith.  Because of his tireless act of obedience to Allah, He gave him the special title of "Khaleel", or beloved servant, not given to any other Prophet before.  Due to the excellence of Ibrahim (A.S), Allah made prophets from his progeny, from them Ishmael Isaac, Jacob (Israel) and Moses, guiding people to the truth.

The lofty status of Ibrahim (A.S) is one shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike.  The Jews see him to be epitome of virtue as he fulfilled all the commandments although before they were revealed, and was the first to come to the realization of the One True Allah.  He is seen as the father of the chosen race, the father of prophets due to which Allah started his series of revelations.  In Christianity, he is seen as the father of all believers (Romans 4:11) and his trust in Allah and sacrifice is taken as a model for later saints (Hebrews 11).

As Ibrahim (A.S) is given such importance, it is worthy that one study his life and investigate those aspects which raised him to the level which Allah gave him.

Although the Quran and the Sunnah do not given the details of the whole life of Ibrahim (A.S), they do mention certain facts worthy of note.  As with other Quranic and biblical figures, the Quran and Sunnah detail aspects of their lives as a clarification of some misguided beliefs of previous revealed religions, or those aspects which contain certain mottos and morals worthy of note and emphasis.

His Name

In the Quran, the only name given to Ibrahim (A.S) is "Ibraheem" and "Ibrahaam", all sharing the original root, b-r-h-m.  Although in the Bible Ibrahim (A.S) is known as Abram at first, and then Allah is said to change his name to Ibrahim (A.S), the Quran has kept silent on this subject, neither affirming nor negating it.  Modern Judeo-Christian scholars do doubt, however, in story of the changing of his names and their respective meanings, calling it "popular world play".  Assyriologists suggest that the Hebrew letter Hê (h) in the Minnean dialect is written in stead of a long ‘a’ (ā), and that the difference between Ibrahim (A.S) and Abram is merely dialectical.[1] The same can be said for the names Sarai and Sarah, as their meanings are also identical.[2]

His Homeland

Ibrahim (A.S) is estimated to have been born 2,166 years before Jesus in or around the Mesopotamian[3]  city of Ur[4], 200 miles southeast of present-day Baghdad[5].  His father was ‘Aazar’, ‘Terah’ or ‘Terakh’ in the Bible, an idol worshipper, who was from the descendants of Shem, the son of Noah.  Some scholars of exegesis suggest that he may have been called Azar after an idol he was devoted to.[6]  He is likely to have been Akkadian, a Semitic people from the Arabian Peninsula who settled in Mesopotamia sometime in the third millennium BCE.

It seems as if Azar migrated along with some of his relatives to the city of Haran in the early childhood of Ibrahim (A.S) before the confrontation with his people, although some Judeo-Christian traditions[7]  tell it to be later in his life after he is rejected in his native city.  In the Bible, Haran, one of the brothers of Ibrahim (A.S) is said to have died in Ur, "in the land of his nativity" (Genesis 11:28), but he was much older than Ibrahim (A.S), as his other brother Nahor takes Haran’s daughter as a wife (Genesis 11:29).  The bible also makes no mention of the migration of Ibrahim (A.S) to Haran, rather the first command to migrate is that out of Haran, as if they had settled there before (Genesis 12:1-5).  If we take the first command to mean the emigration from Ur to Canaan, there seems to be no reason that Ibrahim (A.S) would dwell with his family in Haran, leaving his father there and proceeding to Canaan thereafter, not to mention its geographical improbability [See map].

The Quran does mention the migration of Ibrahim (A.S), but it does so after Ibrahim (A.S) disassociates himself from his father and tribesmen due to their disbelief.  If he had been in Ur at that time, it seems unlikely that his father would go with him to Haran after disbelieving and torturing him along with his townspeople.  As to why they chose to migrate, archaeological evidence suggests that Ur was a great city which saw its rise and fall within the lifetime of Ibrahim (A.S)[8], so they may have been forced to leave due to environmental hardships.  They may have chosen Haran due to it sharing the same religion as Ur[9].

The Religion of Mesopotamia

Archeological discoveries from the time of Ibrahim (A.S) paint a vivid picture of the religious life of Mesopotamia.  Its inhabitants were polytheists who believed in a pantheon, in which each Allah had a sphere of influence.  The large temple dedicated to the Akkadian[10]  moon Allah, Sin, was the main centre of Ur.  Haran also had the moon as the central Allahhead.  This temple was believed to be the physical home of Allah.  The chief Allah of the temple was a wooden idol with additional idols, or ‘Allahs’, to serve him.

The Great Ziggurat of Ur, the temple of moon Allah Nanna, also known as Sin.  Shot in 2004, the photograph is courtesy of Lasse Jensen.

Knowledge of Allah

Although Judeo-Christian scholars have differed as to when Ibrahim (A.S) came to know Allah, at the age of three, ten, or forty-eight[11], the Quran is silent in mentioning the exact age at which Ibrahim (A.S) received his first revelation.  It seems it was, however, when he was young in age, as the Quran calls him a young man when his people try to execute him for rejecting their idols, and Ibrahim (A.S) himself said to have knowledge not available to his father when he called him to worship Allah alone before his call spread to his people (19:43).  The Quran is clear, however, in saying that he was one of the prophets to whom a scripture was revealed:

"Verily!  This is in the former Scriptures.  The Scriptures of Ibrahim (A.S) and Moses." (Quran 87:18-19)

Ibrahim (A.S) and His Father

Like those around him, Ibrahim (A.S)’s father Azar (Terah or Terakh in the Bible), was an idol worshipper.  Biblical tradition[1]  tells of him actually being a sculptor of them,[2]  hence Ibrahim (A.S)’s first call was directed to him.  He addressed him with clear logic and sense, understood by a young man like himself as well as the wise.

"And mention in the Book (the Quran) Ibrahim (A.S), indeed he was a man of truth, a Prophet.  When he said to his father: "O my father!  Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?  O my father!  Verily!  There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you.  So follow me.  I will guide you to a Straight Path." (Quran 19:41-43)

The reply from his father was rejection, an obvious reply by any person challenged by another much younger than them, a challenge made against years of tradition and norm.

"He (the father) said: ‘Do you reject my Allahs, O Ibrahim (A.S)?  If you do not stop, I will indeed stone you.  So get away from me safely before I punish you.’" (Quran 19:46)

Ibrahim (A.S) and His People

After incessant attempts in calling his father to leave the worship of false idols, Ibrahim (A.S) turned to his people seeking to warn others, addressing them with the same simple logic.

"And recite to them the story of Ibrahim (A.S).  When he said to his father and his people:  "What do you worship?"  They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted." He said: "Do they hear you, when you call (on them)?  Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?" They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing so." He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping, you and your ancient fathers?  Verily!  They are enemies to me, save the Lord of all that exists; Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink.  And when I am ill, it is He who cures me; And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again)." (Quran 26:69-81)

In furthering his call that the only deity which deserved worship was Allah, Almighty, he struck another example for his people to ponder.  The Judeo-Christian tradition tells a similar story, but portrays it in the context of Ibrahim (A.S) himself coming to the realization if Allah through the worship of these beings[3], not of him using it as an example for his people.  In the Quran, none of the Prophets are said to have associated others than Allah, even if they were uninformed of the correct way before they were commissioned as prophets.  The Quran tells of Ibrahim (A.S):

"When the night grew dark upon him, he beheld a star, and said, ‘This is my Lord!’  But when it set, he said: ‘I love not things that set.’" (Quran 6:76)

Ibrahim (A.S) put forth to them the example of the stars, a creation truly incomprehensible to humans at time, seen as something greater than humanity, and many times having various powers attributed to them.  But in the setting of the stars Ibrahim (A.S) saw their inability to appear as they desired, but rather only at night.

He then struck the example of something even greater, a heavenly body more beautiful, larger, and that could appear at daytime as well!

"And when he saw the moon rising up, he exclaimed: ‘This is my Lord.’  But when it set, he said: ‘Unless my Lord guides me, I surely shall become one of the folk who are astray.’" (Quran 6:77)

Then as his culminating example, he struck an example of something even bigger, one of the most powerful of creation, one without which life itself was an impossibility.

"And when he saw the sun rising, he cried: ‘This is my Lord!  This is greater!’  But when the sun set, he said, ‘O my people!  Surely I am free from that which you associate with Allah. Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth, away from idolatry, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.’" (Quran 6:78)

Ibrahim (A.S) proved to them that the Lord of the worlds was not to be found in the creations that their idols represented, but was, rather, the entity who created them and everything which they could see and perceive; that the Lord does not necessarily need to be seen in order to be worshipped.  He is an All-Able Lord, not bound by limitations as the creations found in this world are.  His message was simple:

"Worship Allah, and keep your duty to Him; that is better for you if you did but know.  You worship instead of Allah only idols, and you only invent a lie.  Lo!  Those whom you worship instead of Allah own no provision for you.  So seek your provision from Allah, and worship Him, and give thanks to Him, (for) to Him you will be brought back." (Quran 29:16-19)

He openly questioned their adherence to mere traditions of their forefathers,

"He said: ‘Verily you and your fathers were in plain error.’"

Ibrahim (A.S)’s path was to be filled with pain, hardship, trial, opposition, and heartache.  His father and people rejected his message.  His call fell on deaf ears; they would not reason.  Instead, he was challenged and mocked,

"They said: ‘Bring you to us the truth, or are you some jester?’"

In this stage in his life, Ibrahim (A.S), a young man with a prospective future, opposes his own family and nation in order to propagate a message of true monotheism, belief in the One True Allah, and rejection of all other false deities, whether they be stars and other celestial or earthly creations, or depictions of Allahs in the form of idols.  He was rejected, outcaste and punished for this belief, but he stood firm against all evil, ready to face even more in the future.

"And (remember) when his (Ibrahim (A.S)’s) Lord tried Ibrahim (A.S) with (various) commandments, to which he proved true..." (Quran 2:124)

Then the time came when preaching had to be accompanied with physical action.  Ibrahim (A.S) planned a bold and decisive blow at idolatry.  The Quranic account is slightly different than what is mentioned in Judeo-Christian traditions,   as they say for Ibrahim (A.S) to have destroyed his father’s personal idols.[1]  The Quran tells that he destroyed the idols of his people, kept at a religious altar.  Ibrahim (A.S) had hinted at a plan involving the idols:

"And, by Allah, I shall circumvent your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs." (Quran 21:57)

It was time for a religious festival, perhaps dedicated to Sin, for which they left the town.  Ibrahim (A.S) was invited to attend the festivities, but he excused himself,

"And he glanced a glance at the stars.  Then said: ‘Lo!  I feel sick!’"

So, when his peers left without him, it became his opportunity.  As the temple was deserted, Ibrahim (A.S) made his way there and approached the gold-plated wooden idols, which had had elaborate meals left in front of them by the priests.  Ibrahim (A.S) mocked them in disbelief:

"Then turned he to their Allahs and said: ‘Will you not eat?  What ails you that you speak not?’"

After all, what could have deluded man to worship Allahs of his own carving?

"Then he attacked them, striking with his right hand."

The Quran tells us:

"He reduced them to fragments, all except the chief of them."

When the temple priests returned, they were shocked to see the sacrilege, the destruction of the temple.  They were wondering who could have done this to their idols when someone mentioned the name of Ibrahim (A.S), explaining that he used to speak ill of them.  When they called him to their presence, it was for Ibrahim (A.S) to show them their foolishness:

"He said: ‘Worship you that which you yourselves do carve when Allah has created you and what you make?’"

Their anger was mounting; in no mood for being preached to, they got straight to the point:

"Is it you who has done this to our Allahs, O Ibrahim (A.S)?"

But Ibrahim (A.S) had left the largest idol untouched for a reason:

"He said: ‘But this, their chief has done it.  So question them, if they can speak!’"

When Ibrahim (A.S) so challenged them, they were cast into confusion.  They blamed each other for not guarding the idols and, refusing to meet his eyes, said:

"Indeed you know well these speak not!"

So Ibrahim (A.S) pressed his case.

"He said: ‘Worship you then instead of Allah that which cannot profit you at all, nor harm you?  Fie on you and all that you worship instead of Allah!  Have you then no sense?’"

The accusers had become the accused.  They were accused of logical inconsistency, and so had no answer for Ibrahim (A.S).  Because Ibrahim (A.S)’s reasoning was unanswerable, their response was rage and fury, and they condemned Ibrahim (A.S) to be burned alive,

"Build for him a building and fling him in the red hot fire."

The townspeople all helped in gathering wood for the fire, until it was the largest fire they had ever seen.  The young Ibrahim (A.S) submitted to the fate chosen for him by the Lord of the Worlds.  He did not loose faith, rather the trial made him stronger.  Ibrahim (A.S) did not flinch in the face of a fiery death even at this tender age; rather his last words before entering it were,

"Allah is sufficient for me and He is the best disposer of affairs." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Here again is an example of Ibrahim (A.S) proving true to the trials he faced.  His belief in the True Allah was tested here, and he proved that he was even prepared to surrender his existence to the call of Allah.  His belief was evidenced by his action.

Allah had not willed that this be the fate of Ibrahim (A.S), for he had a great mission ahead of him.  He was to be the father of some of the greatest prophets known to humanity.  Allah saved Ibrahim (A.S) as a sign for him and his people as well.

"We (Allah) said: ‘O fire, be coolness and peace for Ibrahim (A.S).’  And they wished to set a snare for him, but We made them the greater losers."

Thus did Ibrahim (A.S) escape the fire, unharmed.  They tried to seek revenge for their Allahs, but they and their idols were in the end humiliated.

Modern archeological discoveries suggest the high priestess was the emperor’s daughter.  Naturally, she would have made a point to make an example of the man who defiled her temple.  Soon Ibrahim (A.S), still a young man[1], found himself on trial, standing all alone in front of a king, most probably King Nimrod.  Even his father was not on his side.  But Allah was, as He always had been.

Dispute with a King

While Judeo-Christian traditionists clearly assert that Ibrahim (A.S) was sentenced to the fire by the king, Nimrod, the Quran does not elucidate this matter.  It does however mention the dispute which a king had with Ibrahim (A.S), and some Muslim scholars suggest that it was this same Nimrod, but only after an attempt was made by the masses to kill Ibrahim (A.S)[2].  After Allah had saved Ibrahim (A.S) from the fire, his case was presented to the king, who out of him pompousness, vied with Allah himself due to his kingdom.  He debated with the young man, as Allah tells us:

"Have you not considered him who had an argument with Ibrahim (A.S) about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom?" (Quran 2:258)

 Ibrahim (A.S)’s logic was undeniable,

"‘My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death.’  He answered: ‘I give life and cause death.’" (Quran 2:258)

The king brought forth two men sentenced to death.  He freed one and condemned the other.  This reply of the king was out of the context and utterly stupid, so Ibrahim (A.S) put forth another, one which would surely silence him.

"Ibrahim (A.S) said: ‘Lo!  Allah causes the sun to rise in the east, so you cause it to come up from the west.’  Thus was the disbeliever absolutely defeated.  And Allah guides not wrongdoing folk." (Quran 2:258)

Ibrahim (A.S) in Migration

After years of ceaseless calling, faced with the rejection of his people, Allah commanded Ibrahim (A.S) to disassociate from his family and people.

Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (A.S) and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allah Alone." (Quran 60:4)

At least two persons in his family did, however, accept his exhortation - Lot, his nephew, and Sarah, his wife.  Thus, Ibrahim (A.S) migrated along with the other believers.

"So Lot believed in him (Ibrahim (A.S)).  He (Ibrahim (A.S)) said: ‘I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord.  Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.’" (Quran 29:26)

They migrated together to a blessed land, the land of Canaan, or Greater Syria where, according to Judeo-Christian traditions, Ibrahim (A.S) and Lot divided their people west and east of the land they had migrated to[3].

"And We rescued him and Lot to the land which We have blessed for the worlds." (Quran 21:71)

It was here, in this blessed land, that Allah chose to bless Ibrahim (A.S) with progeny.

"…We (Allah) bestowed upon him Isaac, and (a grandson) Jacob.  Each one We made righteous." (Quran 21:72)

"And that was Our Proof which We gave Ibrahim (A.S) against his people.  We raise whom We will in degrees.  Certainly your Lord is All Wise, All Knowing.  And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob, each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron.  Thus do We reward the good doers.  And Zachariah, and John and Jesus and Elias, each one of them was of the righteous.  And Ishmael and Elisha, and Jonah and Lot, and each one of them We preferred above the worlds (of men and jinn).  And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a Straight Path.  This is the Guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves.  But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.  They are those whom We gave the Book, the Understanding, and Prophethood…" (Quran 6:83-87)

Prophets, chosen for the guidance of his nation:

"And We made them leaders, guiding (humankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performing prayers, and the giving of Zakat and of Us (Alone) they were worshippers." (Quran 21:73)

Ibrahim (A.S) in Canaan & Egypt

Ibrahim (A.S) stayed in Canaan for several years going from city to city preaching and inviting people to Allah until a famine forced him and Sarah to migrate to Egypt.  In Egypt was a despotic Pharaoh who had the passionate desire to take possession of married women.[1]  This Islamic account is strikingly different than Judeo-Christian traditions, which say that Ibrahim (A.S) claimed that Sarah[2]  was his sister in order to save himself from the Pharaoh[3].  The Pharaoh took Sarah into his harem and honored Ibrahim (A.S) for it, but when his house was stricken with severe plagues, he came to know that she was the wife of Ibrahim (A.S) and chastised him for not telling him so, thus banishing him from Egypt.[4]

Ibrahim (A.S) had known that Sarah would catch his attention, so he told her that if the Pharaoh asked her, that she should say that she is the sister of Ibrahim (A.S). When they entered his kingdom, as expected, the Pharaoh asked about his relationship with Sarah, and Ibrahim (A.S) replied that she was his sister.  Although the answer did alleviate some of his passion, he still took her captive.  But the protection of the Almighty saved her from his evil plot.  When Pharaoh summoned Sarah to act on his demented passions, Sarah turned to Allah in prayer.  The moment Pharaoh reached for Sarah, his upper body stiffened.  He cried to Sarah in distress, promising to release her if she would pray for his cure!  She prayed for his release.  But only after a failed third attempt did he finally desist.  Realizing their special nature, he let her go and returned her to her supposed brother.

Sarah returned while Ibrahim (A.S) was praying, accompanied by gifts from the Pharaoh, as he had realized their special nature, along with his own daughter Hagar as well, according to Judeo-Christian traditions, as a handmaiden[5].  She had delivered a powerful message to the Pharaoh and the pagan Egyptians.

After they had returned to Palestine,  Sarah and Ibrahim (A.S) continued to be childless, despite divine promises that he would be granted a child.  As the gifting of a handmaid by a barren woman to her husband in order to produce offspring seems to be a common practice of that day[6], Sarah suggested to Ibrahim (A.S) that he take Hagar as his concubine.  Some Christian scholars say of this event that he actually took her as his wife[7].  Whichever case it may be, in Jewish and Babylonian tradition, any offspring born to a concubine would be claimed by the concubine’s former mistress and be treated exactly the same as a child born to her[8], including matters of inheritance.  While in Palestine, Hagar bore him a son, Ishmael.

Ibrahim (A.S) in Mecca

When Ishmael was still nursing, Allah yet again chose to test the faith of his beloved Ibrahim (A.S) and commanded him to take Hagar and Ishmael to a barren valley of Bakka 700 miles southeast of Hebron.  In later times it would be called Mecca.  Indeed it was a great test, for he and his family had longed for such a time for offspring, and when their eyes were filled with the joy of an heir, the commandment was enacted to take him to a distant land, one known for its barrenness and hardship.

While the Quran affirms that this was yet another test for Ibrahim (A.S) while Ishmael was still a baby, the Bible and Judeo-Christian traditions assert that it was a result of the rage of Sarah, who requested Ibrahim (A.S) to banish Hagar and her son when she saw Ishmael "mocking"[9]  at Isaac[10]  after he was weaned.  Since the typical age for weaning, at least in Jewish tradition, was 3 years[11], this suggests that Ishmael was approximately 17 years of age[12] when this event occurred.  It seems logically impossible, that Hagar would be able to carry a young man on her shoulders and take him hundreds of miles until she had reached Paran, only then laying him, as the Bible says, down under a bush[13].  In these verses Ishmael is referred to by a different word than the one used describing his banishment.  This word indicates that he was a very young boy, possibly a baby, rather than a youth.

So Ibrahim (A.S), after having sojourned with Hagar and Ishmael, left them there with a skin of water and leather bag full of dates.  As Ibrahim (A.S) began walking away leaving them behind, Hagar became anxious as to what was happening.  Ibrahim (A.S) did not look back.  Hagar chased him, ‘O Ibrahim (A.S), where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we can enjoy, nor is there anything here?’

Ibrahim (A.S) hurried his pace.  Finally, Hagar asked, ‘Has Allah asked you to do so?’

Suddenly, Ibrahim (A.S) stopped, turned back and said, ‘Yes!’

Feeling a degree of comfort in this answer, Hagar asked, ‘O Ibrahim (A.S), to whom are you leaving us?’

‘I am leaving you to Allah’s care,’ Ibrahim (A.S) replied.

Hagar submitted to her Lord, ‘I am satisfied to be with Allah!’[14]

While she traced her way back to little Ishmael, Ibrahim (A.S) proceeded until he reached a narrow pass in the mountain where they would not be able to see him.  He stopped there and invoked Allah in prayer:

"Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a valley barren from any cultivation, by you Sacred House, our Lord, so they may establish the prayer.  So make the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with all types of fruits that they may be grateful." (Quran 14:37)

Soon, the water and dates were gone and Hagar’s desperation increased.  Unable to quench her thirst or to breastfeed her little baby, Hagar began searching for water.  Leaving Ishmael under a tree, she began climbing the rocky incline of a nearby hill.  ‘Maybe there is a caravan passing by,’ she thought to herself.  She ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa seven times looking for signs of water or help, later personified by all Muslims in Hajj.  Fatigued and distraught, she heard a voice, but could not locate its source.  Then, looking down in the valley, she saw an angel, who is identified as Gabriel in Islamic sources[15], standing next to Ishmael.  The angel dug into the ground with his heel next to the baby, and water came gushing out.  It was a miracle!  Hagar tried to make a basin around it to keep it from flowing out, and filled her skin.[16]  ‘Do not be afraid of being neglected,’ the angel said, ‘for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects his people.’[17]  This well, called Zamzam, is flowing to this day in the city if Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula.

It was not long afterwards that the tribe of Jurham, moving from southern Arabia, stopped by the valley of Mecca after seeing the unusual sight of a bird flying in its direction, which could only mean the presence of water.  They eventually settled in Mecca and Ishmael grew up among them.

A similar account of this well is given in the Bible in Genesis 21.  In this account,  the reason for moving away from the babe was to avoid seeing him die rather than a search for help.  Then, after the baby had begun wailing with thirst, she asked Allah to relieve her of seeing him die.  The appearance of the well was said to be in response to the crying of Ishmael, rather than her supplication, and no effort from Hagar to find help is reported there.  Also, the Bible tells that the well was in the wilderness of Paran, where they dwelt afterwards.  Judeo-Christian scholars often mention that Paran is somewhere north of the Sinai Peninsula, due to the mention of Mt. Sinai in Deuteronomy 33:2.  Modern biblical archaeologists, however, say that Mt. Sinai is actually in modern day Saudi Arabia, which necessitates that Paran be there as well.

Ibrahim (A.S) Sacrifices His Son

It had been close to ten years since Ibrahim (A.S) had left his wife and baby in Mecca in the care of Allah.  After a two month journey, he was surprised to find Mecca a lot different than how he had left it.  The joy of reunion was soon interrupted by a vision which was to be the ultimate test of his faith.  Allah commanded Ibrahim (A.S) through a dream to sacrifice his son, the son he had had after years of prayers and had just met after a decade of separation.

We know from the Quran that the child to be sacrificed was Ishmael, as Allah, when giving the glad tidings of the birth of Isaac to Ibrahim (A.S) and Sarah, also gave the glad tidings of a grandson, Jacob (Israel):

"…But we gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob." (Quran 11:71)

Similarly, in the biblical verse Genesis 17:19, Ibrahim (A.S) was promised:

"Your wife Sarah shall bear you a son whose name shall be Isaac.  I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant [and] with his seed after him."

Because Allah promised to give Sarah a child from Ibrahim (A.S) and grandchildren from that child, it is neither logically nor practically possible for Allah to command Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice Isaac, since Allah neither breaks his promise, nor is He the "author of confusion."

Although Isaac’s name is explicitly mention as the one who was to be sacrificed in Genesis 22:2, we learn from other Biblical contexts that it is clear interpolation, and the one to be slaughtered was Ishmael.

"Thine Only Son"

In the verses of Genesis 22, Allah commands Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his only son.  As all scholars of Islam, Judaism and Christianity agree, Ishmael was born before Isaac.  From this, it would not be fit to call Isaac the only son of Ibrahim (A.S).

It is true that Judeo-Christian a scholars often argue that since Ishmael was born to a concubine, he is not a legitimate son.  However, we have already mentioned earlier that according to Judaism itself, the gifting of concubines from barren wives to their husbands in order to produce offspring was a common, valid and acceptable occurrence, and the child produced by the concubine would be claimed by the wife of the father[1], enjoying all rights as her, the wife’s, own child, including inheritance.  Furthermore, they would receive a double the share of other children, even if they were "hated"[2].

In addition to this, it is inferred in the Bible that Sarah herself would regard a child born to Hagar as a rightful heir.  Knowing that Ibrahim (A.S) had been promised that his seed would fill the land between the Nile and the Euphrates (Genesis 15:18) from his own body (Genesis 15:4), she offered Hagar to Ibrahim (A.S) in order that she be the means to fulfill this prophecy.  She said,

"Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her." (Genesis 16:2)

This is also similar to Leah and Rachel, the wives of Jacob son of Isaac, giving their maids to Jacob to produce offspring (Genesis 30:3, 6. 7, 9-13).  Their children were Dan, Nepthali, Gad and Asher, who were from the twelve sons of Jacob, the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israelites, and therefore valid heirs[3].

 From this, we understand that Sarah believed that a child born to Hagar would be a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Ibrahim (A.S), and be as if he was born to her own self.  Thus, according to this fact alone, Ishmael is not illegitimate, but a rightful heir.

Allah Himself regards Ishmael as a valid heir, for, in numerous places, the Bible mentions that Ishmael is a "seed" of Ibrahim (A.S).  For example, in Genesis 21:13:

"And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

There are many other reasons which prove that it was Ishmael and not Isaac who was to be sacrificed, and Allah willing, a separate article will be dedicated to this issue.

To continue with the account, Ibrahim (A.S) consulted his son to see if he understood what he was commanded by Allah,

"So We gave him the good news of a forbearing son.  And when (his son) was old enough to help in his daily affairs, (Ibrahim (A.S)) said: O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you.  So look, what think you?  He said: O my father!  Do that which you are commanded.  Allah willing, you shall find me of the patient." (Quran 37:101-102)

Indeed if a person was told by their father that they were to be killed due to a dream, it would not be taken in the best of manners.  One may doubt the dream as well as the sanity of the person, but Ishmael knew the station of his father.  The pious son of a pious father was committed to submit to Allah.  Ibrahim (A.S) took his son to the place where he was to be sacrificed and laid him face down.  For this reason, Allah has described them in the most beautiful of words, painting a picture of the essence of submission; one which brings tears to the eyes:

"And when they both submitted (to the command of Allah), and he (Ibrahim (A.S)) laid him (Ishmael) face down upon his forehead (in order to be sacrificed)." (Quran 37:103)

Just as Ibrahim (A.S)’s knife was poised to descend, a voice stopped him

"We called to him: O Ibrahim (A.S): You have indeed fulfilled the vision.  Lo!  Thus do We reward the good.  Lo!  That verily was a clear test." (Quran 37:104-106)

Indeed, it was the greatest test of all, the sacrificing of his only child, one born to him after he had reached an old age and years of longing for progeny.  Here, Ibrahim (A.S) showed his willingness to sacrifice all his belongings for Allah, and for this reason, he was designated a leader of all humanity, one whom Allah blessed with a progeny of Prophets.

"And when his Allah tested Ibrahim (A.S) with various commands, and he proved true to each one." He (Allah) said, indeed I have made you a leader of humanity.  He (Ibrahim (A.S)) said (requesting of Allah), ‘and from my progeny." (Quran 2:124)

Ishmael was ransomed with a ram,

‘…then We redeemed him with a momentous sacrifice.’ (Quran 37:107)

It is this epitome of submission and trust in Allah which hundreds of millions of Muslims reenact every year during the days of Hajj, a day called Yawm-un-Nahr – The Day of Sacrifice, or Eid-ul-Adhaa - or the Celebration of Sacrifice.

Ibrahim (A.S) returned to Palestine, and upon doing so, he was visited by angels who give him and Sarah the good news of a son, Isaac,

"Lo!  We bring you good tidings of a boy possessing wisdom." (Quran 15:53)

It is at this time that he is also told about the destruction of the people of Lot.

Ibrahim (A.S) and Ishmael Build the Kaaba

After a separation of several years, again the father and son met.  It was on this journey that the two built the Kaaba on Allah’s command as a permanent sanctuary; a place laid for the worship of Allah.  It was here, in this same barren desert where Ibrahim (A.S) had left Hagar and Ishmael earlier, that he supplicated to Allah to make it a place where they would establish the prayer, free from idol worship.

"My Lord!  Make safe this territory, and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols.  My Lord!  Lo!  They have led many of people astray.  But whoever follows me, he verily is of me.  And whoever disobeys me, still You are Forgiving, Merciful.  Our Lord!  Lo!  I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near to Your Holy House, our Lord!  That they may establish proper worship; so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn toward them, and provide You them, with fruits in order that they may be thankful.  Our Lord!  Lo!  You know that which we hide and that which we proclaim.  Nothing in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah.  Praise be to Allah Who has given me, in my old age, Ishmael and Isaac!  Lo!  My Lord is indeed the Hearer of prayer.  My Lord!  Make me establish regular prayer, and some of my posterity (also), our Lord!  And accept my prayer.  Our Lord!  Forgive me and my parents and believers on the Day when the account is cast." (Quran 14:35-41)

Now, years later, Ibrahim (A.S) again in reunion with his son Ishmael, were to establish the honored House of Allah, the center of worship,  to which direction people would their face when offering prayers, and make it a site of pilgrimage.  There are many beautiful verses in the Quran describing the sanctity of the Kaaba and the purpose of its building.

"And when we assigned to Ibrahim (A.S) the place of the House: ‘Do not associate with Me anything, and purify My House for those who circumambulate it, who stand in prayer, and who bow, and prostrate themselves (all in prayer).’  And proclaim the Pilgrimage (Hajj) among people, and they shall come to you on foot, and on every lean camel.  They shall come to you from every deep and distant mountain highways." (Quran 22:26)

"And when We made the House (the Kaaba) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Ibrahim (A.S) stood (to pray).  And We took a covenant with Ibrahim (A.S) and Ishmael that they should purify My House (the Kaaba) for those who compass it round, devote themselves (to worship) in it, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)." (Quran 2:125)

The Kaaba is the first place of worship appointed for all of humanity for the purpose of guidance and blessing:

"Indeed the first House (of worship) appointed for humanity is that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds.  In it are Signs Manifest; (such as), the Station of Ibrahim (A.S); whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who have the ability." (Quran 22:26-27)

Prophet Muhammad , may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

"Indeed this place has been made sacred by Allah the day He created the heavens and the earth, and it will remain so until the Day of Judgment." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

The Prayers of Ibrahim (A.S)

Indeed, the building of a sanctuary to be held by all latter generations was one of the best forms of worship men of Allah could do.  They invoked Allah during their feat:

"Our Lord!  Accept from us (this duty).  Lo!  You, only You, are the Hearer, the Knower.  Our Lord!  And make us Muslims (submissive to You) and of our seed a Muslim nation (submissive to You), and show us our ways of worship, and forgive toward us.  Lo!  You, only You, are the Forgiving, the Merciful.  Our Lord!" (Quran 2:127-128)

"And (remember) when Ibrahim (A.S) said, "My Lord, make this city (Mecca) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day..." (Quran 2:126)

Ibrahim (A.S) also prayed that a prophet be raised from the progeny of Ishmael, who would be the inhabitants this land, as the progeny of Isaac would inhabit the lands of Canaan.

"And raise up in their midst a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall purify them of their sins.  Lo!  You, only You, are the Mighty, the Wise." (Quran 2:127-129)

The Kaabah built by Ibrahim (A.S) and Ishmael and the Station of Ibrahim (A.S), which houses the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S).

Ibrahim (A.S)’s prayer for a Messenger was answered several thousand years later when Allah raised Prophet Muhammad among the Arabs, and as Mecca was chosen to be a sanctuary and House of Worship for all humanity, so too was the Prophet of Mecca one sent to all humanity.

It was this pinnacle of the life of Ibrahim (A.S) which was the completion of his purpose: the building of a place of worship for all of humanity, not for any chosen race or color, for the worship of the One True Allah.  Through the establishment of this house was the guarantee that Allah, the Allah to Whom he called and for Whom he made endless sacrifices, would be worshipped forever, without the association of any other Allah with him.  Indeed it was one of the greatest of favors bestowed upon any human.

Ibrahim (A.S) & the Hajj Pilgrimage

Yearly, Muslims from around the world gather from all walks of life, the answer to the prayer of Ibrahim (A.S) and the call to Pilgrimage.  This rite is called Hajj, and it commemorates many events of Allah’s beloved servant Ibrahim (A.S) and his family.  After circling the Kaaba, a Muslim prays behind the Station of Ibrahim (A.S), the stone on which Ibrahim (A.S) stood to build the Kaaba.  After the prayers, a Muslim drinks from the same well, called Zamzam, which flowed in answer to the Prayer of Ibrahim (A.S) and Hagar, providing sustenance for Ishmael and Hagar, and was the cause for the inhabitation of the land. The rite of walking between Safaa and Marwah commemorates Hagar’s desperate search for water when she and her baby were alone in Mecca.  The sacrifice of an animal in Mina during Hajj, and by Muslims around the world in their own lands, is after the example of Ibrahim (A.S)’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake.  Lastly, the stoning of the stone pillars at Mina exemplifies Ibrahim (A.S)’s rejection of satanic temptations to prevent him from sacrificing Ishmael.

The ‘Beloved servant of Allah’ about whom Allah said, "I will make you a leader to the nations,"[1]  returned to Palestine and died there.

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Story of Hazrat Nooh (A.S)

The accounts of the flood in the Jewish and Christian traditions acknowledge Noah as being a righteous man in a world crushed under the weight of sin and disbelief.  The Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him, teach us that Prophet Noah was a beacon of hope among the descendants of Adam in an era where sin and lawlessness had overtaken the people.

Mankind had been one community believing in the Oneness of Allah, but confusion and deviation had crept in.  Noah was a calm, patient man who called his people to return to the worship of the One True Allah.  He was an exceptional speaker, enjoining those around him to leave the worship of idols, and to hear his warning of a terrible punishment for those who venerated idols and statues.

“And indeed We sent Noah to his people and he said O my people!  Worship Allah!  You have no other Allah but Him.” (Quran 23:23)

Noah narrated stories about the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe.  He described how the day, which gives sunlight and activity, followed the night that gives coolness and rest.  He spoke of Allah, the Divine Creator Who owned heaven and earth, and he pointed out the wideness and beauty of the earth.  Noah explained that the creation of the world was for the well being of mankind; but that man also had an obligation to understand this and direct his worship to Allah, not false deities.  When Noah began to speak of the punishment that awaited idolaters, his people became resentful and angry.[1]

How Idolatry Began

Prophet Muhammad informed us that there were ten generations between Prophets Adam and Noah.[2]  We know that this was a very large period of time, as Noah himself lived over a century, and people before lived even longer.

In those years, between Adam and Noah there were generations of people that remembered the laws taught by Adam and worshipped Allah correctly.  The years passed and the people forgot; at times, the righteous men amongst them reminded the people of their obligations to Allah.  As time continued to move on, the righteous men began to die, and Satan came whispering to the people who had looked up to them, putting thoughts into their minds in his sly, cunning way.

Satan inspired the good people to make statues of the righteous men.  In this way, Satan said, they would remember the righteous people and thus remember to worship Allah.  The good people built statues in their meeting places and their homes, and Satan left them alone until everyone had forgotten the reason the statues existed.  Many years later, the devious Satan appeared amongst the people again, this time suggesting that they worship the idols directly.

An authentic narration of Prophet Muhammad sums up the beginning of idolatry in the following way.  Ibn Abbass, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad said:

“The names (of the idols) formerly belonged to some pious men of the people of Noah, and when they died Satan inspired their people to prepare and place idols at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names.  The people did so, but the idols were not worshipped till those people (who initiated them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people began worshipping them.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Noah’s Call

The word Prophet (Nabi in Arabic) is derived from the word Naba, meaning news.  Revelation is given by Allah and, in turn, the Prophet spreads the news amongst his people.  A Messenger, on the other hand, is sent with a specific mission, usually to convey a new ordainment from Allah.  Every Messenger is a Prophet, but every Prophet is not a Messenger.[3]  Since this was mankind’s first deviation from the correct worship of Allah as taught by Prophet Adam, Allah, in his infinite Kindness and Mercy, fulfilled His promise to Adam to send messengers as guidance for mankind.  Allah sent Noah, the first of His Messengers.[4]  Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said:

“On the day of Judgement, the people will come to Noah and say ‘Oh Noah, you are the first of the Messengers sent to earth, and Allah called you a thankful slave.’”(Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Worshipping anything other than Allah has grave consequences, the least of which is a lack of freedom; for Satan enslaves man, destroys his mind and renders him unable to distinguish between right and wrong.  When Noah warned his people of the torment that awaited them if they did not give up their idolatry, his warning fell mostly on deaf ears.  Noah explained Satan’s deceit, but his people turned away and refused to listen.  Noah warned them day and night; he announced his message in public and he spoke quietly to people privately; yet all, but a few, denied his words.  Noah cried out to Allah.

“He said: ‘O my Lord!  Verily, I have called my people night and day (secretly and openly to accept the doctrine of Islamic Monotheism), but all my calling added nothing but to their flight from the truth.  Verily!  Every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride.” (Quran 71:5-7)

Those who responded to Noah’s call were the weakest and poorest of his people; the leaders and those with power responded arrogantly and rejected the call.  They said:

“Verily we see you in plain error” (Quran 7:60)

Noah continued to appeal to his people, day after day and year after year.  For 950 years he endured their taunts and mockery.

Noah continued to appeal to his people and they became divided into two groups.  His words spoke to the heart of the weak, poor, and oppressed, but the wealthy influential people distrusted those words and could think only of the possible erosion of their power and status.  A war of words began between Noah and the disbelievers.  They accused Noah of being nothing but any other human, of being nothing special.  Noah agreed with this observation and said that, indeed, he was only a human being, but one who brought a clear warning.  And Allah, the Almighty told us:

“Indeed We sent Noah to his people (he said): ‘I have come to you as a plain Warner that you worship none but Allah, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.’  The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: ‘We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they too followed you without thinking.  And we do not see in you any merit above us in fact we think you are liars.’” (Quran 11:25-27)

Noah explained to his rebellious people that they would receive benefits by turning to Allah and begging His forgiveness.  He (Allah) would bestow rain on them, as well as children and wealth, He would grant them bounteous gardens and flowing rivers.  However, the disbelievers rebuffed his words; they felt secure in their arrogance and pride.

The Conflict Intensified

Those against Noah and his call began to bargain with him.  They told him, that these two diverse groups, the meek and poor and the rich and powerful, could not exist together in the same faith.  Although continuously taunted and bullied by the disbelievers, Noah reacted in a kind gentle manner.  He explained that he would never turn away the humble and weak believers who had heeded his call.  These people, he would inform them, were the guests of Allah.  Noah appealed to his people.  He tried to reason with them and make them see the reality of their situation.  Without personal gain and with a humble but heavy heart Noah refuted their arguments.

“O my people!  I ask of you no wealth for it; my reward is from none but Allah.  I am not going to drive away those who have believed.  Surely, they are going to meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people that are ignorant.  O my people!  Who will help me against Allah if I drove them away?  Will you not then give a thought?  And I do not say to you that the Treasures of Allah are (only) with me or that I know the unseen, nor do I say I am an angel; and I do not say that Allah will not bestow any good on those whom your eyes look down upon.  Allah knows what is in their inner selves (in regard to Belief).  In that case, I would indeed be among the unjust.” (Quran 11:29-31)

The disagreements continued until the disbelievers had run out of arguments.  They mocked Noah and the believers, but Noah continued to deliver his message.  Finally, he could bear no more and turned to Allah with heartfelt supplication.  Noah did not run out of patience; he remained a patient, kind and gentle man.  But he had come to realise that the disbelievers would do nothing but spread corruption and disbelief throughout the land.  They would mislead and corrupt the believers and deliver a legacy of disbelief to their children.  Noah prayed to Allah.  He said:

“My Lord!  Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth.  If you leave them, they will mislead Your slaves and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers.” (Quran 71:27)

So Allah accepted Noah’s prayer.

The Ark

Allah instructed Noah to build the ark and passed judgement on the disbelievers in the form of a flood.

“And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.” (Quran11:37)

Noah chose a place outside the city and far away from the sea to build his ark.  The disbelievers mocked and laughed, making comments about the ship’s location, far from any water source.  The disbelievers had no comprehension of the power and magnificence of Allah, so they could not understand why Noah would build a ship, on the top of a hill, far away from the ocean.  They called him crazy and laughed out loud.  The ship began to take shape and when it was finished, Noah patiently waited for the command from Allah.

“Until when Our Command came and the lowlands gushed forth, overflowing,  We said: ‘Load it with two of each kind of animal (male and female), and embark your family, except against whom the Word has already gone forth, and those who believe.’  And none believed him except a few.” (Quran 11:40)

When the water started to gush from the earth and fall from the sky, Allah instructed Noah to enter the ark with his family and the believers.  Allah also commanded Noah to take a pair (male and female) of every animal, bird and insect with him.  The disbelievers watched him incredulously, asking what he intended to do with all the animals.

Noah’s wife did not join him, for she had never believed in the message that Noah had been preaching; nor did his oldest son, who preferred to flee to a high mountain.  The scholars of Islam hold different opinions about the number of people on the ark, but the highest estimate is 80.  As the believers and animals entered the ark, the water gushed from every crack in the earth, and the rain fell from the sky in quantities never seen before.  Hour after hour the water levels rose, and the seas and rivers invaded the land.

The believers entered the ark in the name of Allah, just as Muslims today begin everything they do, in the name of Allah.

“Embark therein; in the Name of Allah will be its course and its anchorage.  Surely, my Lord is Oft Forgiving, most Merciful.  So it sailed with them amidst waves like mountains...” (Quran 11:41)

Noah had built the ark according to Allah’s instructions, from planks and nails, and it kept the believers safe from the deluge of rain and from the water gushing out of the earth.  Then the earth’s interior moved in unusual ways, and the bottom of the oceans rose in sudden bursts causing waves to flood the earth.  These waves, as big as mountains, submerged everything; they lifted up the ark, making it appear as fragile as a matchbox tossed in the ocean.  This construction, made of wood, became a ship of safety and security, for its passengers had true belief and trust in Allah.

From his secure place on the ark, Noah could see one of his sons overwhelmed by the water.  Noah cried out to his son, imploring him to come aboard the ark and to leave the non-believers to their fate.  The son, however, was thinking in terms of this world, and not with heartfelt trust in Allah.  He replied that he would take himself to a mountain, never imagining that waves could swallow a mountain.  Noah pleaded with his son saying “nothing can save you on this day except the mercy of Allah”.  The son refused, and  he drowned.

“And Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (apart), ‘O my son!  Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers.’  The son replied, ‘I will betake myself to a mountain; it will save me from the water.’  Noah said: ‘This day there is no saviour from the Decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.’  And a wave came in between them so he (the son) was among the drowned.” (Quran 11:42-43)

The Flood Ends

“‘O Earth!  Swallow up your water, and O sky!  Withhold (your rain).’  The water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of Allah) was fulfilled (the destruction of the people of Noah).  And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: ‘Away with the people who are wrongdoing.’” (Quran 11:44)

Unlike Christian and Jewish traditions Islam, does not mention Noah sending a bird (neither a dove nor raven) to search for dry land. Rather, at Allah’s command, the rain stopped and the water ceased to gush from all the cracks in the earth.  Calm returned and the sun began to shine.  The flood had cleansed the earth of idolatry and disbelievers.  Not a single person who had disbelieved in Allah remained on the earth.  The earth swallowed up the water and the ark rested upon Mt. Judi (what is believed to be in present day Turkey).

Noah was a Prophet and leader of men, but he was also a father.  He turned to Allah with sadness and cried,

“O my Lord!  Verily my son is of my family!  And certainly your promise is true and you are the Most Just of the judges.” (Quran 11:45)

Noah remembered that Allah had promised to save his family.  Noah did not doubt the word or promises of Allah, but he wanted to understand.  Thus Allah taught Noah a lesson.

As human beings we use words to mean certain things, but Allah can often give them new, more comprehensive meanings.  For instance, the word prayer originally meant making supplication to Allah, but Islam came and gave it new meaning – it became the ritual prayer preformed five times a day.  When we use the word family, we think of blood ties and relationships, and Noah was imploring Allah that his son was of his family.  Allah told Noah that his son was definitely not part of his family because he was unrighteous.  True family are the righteous believers in Allah.

“He said: ‘Oh Noah!  Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge!  I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorants.’” (Quran 11:46)

Noah understood.  He said;

“O my Lord!  I seek refuge with You from asking from You that of which I have no knowledge.  And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers.” (Quran 11:47)

Noah released the animals, the birds and the insects and they scattered over the earth.  Noah and his family (the believers) disembarked, whereupon Noah touched his head to the ground in prostration.  At this point the Quran and the narrations of Prophet Muhammad leave the story of Noah.  We do not know how his affairs with his people continued, nor do we know what happened to his family.  All we can ascertain is that on his death bed Noah drew his sons close to him and called on them to worship One Allah: The Creator and Sustianer of the Universe.

Prophet Muhammad said:

“When the death of the Messenger of Allah, Noah, approached, he admonished his sons: ‘Indeed I would give you far reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against doing two things as well.  I charge you to believe that there is no Allah but Allah and that if the seven heavens and the seven earths were put on one side of a scale and the words “there is no Allah but Allah” were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former.  I warn you against associating partners with Allah and against pride.” (Sahih al Bukhari)

Most of Noah's people rejected his message, but the message survives in the hearts and minds of Muslims to this day. The comforting words, and the hopes of salvation Noah conveyed to his sons while on his death bed, remain part of a Muslim's belief and confirm his attitude towards Allah.  For the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him, also told us that Allah undertakes a covenant with the believers: If we do not worship other Allahs beside Allah, then He will not refuse us heaven.

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Story of Hazrat Adam (A.S) and Amma Hawa

Islam provides us with the astonishing details of the creation of Adam[1].  Both Christian and Jewish traditions are remarkably similar yet importantly different to the Quran.  The Book of Genesis describes Adam as being made from “the dust of the earth,” and in the Talmud, Adam is described as being kneaded from mud.

And God said to the angels:

“‘Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.’  They said: ‘Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You.’  God said: ‘I know that which you do not know.’” (Quran 2:30)

So begins the story of Adam, the first man, the first human being.  God created Adam from a handful of soil containing portions from all its varieties on Earth.  Angels were sent to earth to collect the soil that was to become Adam.  It was red, white, brown, and black; it was soft and malleable, hard and gritty; it came from the mountains and the valleys; from infertile deserts and lush fertile plains and all the natural varieties in between.  The descendants of Adam were destined to be as diverse as the handful of soil from which their ancestor was created; all have different appearances, attributes and qualities.

Soil or Clay?

Throughout the Quran, the soil used to create Adam is referred to by many names, and from this we are able to understand some of the methodology of his creation.  Each name for soil is used at a different stage of Adam’s creation.  Soil, taken from the earth, is referred to as soil; God also refers to it as clay.  When it is mixed with water it becomes mud, when it is left to stand the water content reduces and it becomes sticky clay (or mud).  If it is again left for some time it begins to smell, and the colour becomes darker – black, smooth clay.  It was from this substance that God moulded the form of Adam.  His soulless body was left to dry, and it became what is known in the Quran as sounding clay.  Adam was moulded from something akin to potter’s clay.  When it is rapped it produces a ringing sound.[2]

The First Man is Honoured

And God said, to the Angels:

“And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘I am going to create a human (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.  So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him.” (Quran 38:71-72)

God honoured the first humman, Adam, in countless ways.  Allah blew his soul into him, He fashioned him with His own hands and He ordered the Angels to bow down before him.  And God said to the Angels:

“....Prostrate to Adam and they prostrated except Iblees (Satan)....” (Quran 7:11)

While worship is reserved for God Alone this prostration by the Angels to Adam was a sign of respect and honour.  It is said that, as Adam’s body trembled into life, he sneezed and immediately said ‘All praise and thanks is due to God;’ so God responded by bestowing His Mercy upon Adam.  Although this account is not mentioned in either the Quran or the authentic narrations of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, it is mentioned in some commentaries of the Quran.  Thus, in his first seconds of life, the first man is recognized as an honoured creature, covered with the infinite Mercy of God.[3]

It was also said by the Prophet Muhammad that God created Adam in His image.[4] This does not mean that Adam was created to look similar to God, as God is unique in all His aspects, we are unable to comprehend or form an image of Him.  It does mean, however, that Adam was given some qualities which also God has, although incomparable.  He was given qualities of mercy, love, free will, and others.

The First Greeting

Adam was instructed to approach a group of Angels sitting near to him and greet them with the words Assalamu alaikum (May God’s peace be upon you), they answered ‘and also upon you be God’s peace, mercy and blessings’.  From that day forward these words became the greeting of those submitted to God.  From the moment of Adam’s creation, we his descendents were instructed to spread peace.

Adam, the Caretaker

God told mankind that He did not create them except that they should worship Him.  Everything in this world was created for Adam and his descendants, in order to aid us in our ability to worship and know God.  Due to God’s infinite Wisdom, Adam and his descendants were to be the caretakers on earth, so God taught Adam what he needed to know to perform this duty.  God mentions:

“He taught Adam all the names of everything.” (Quran 2:31)

God gave Adam the ability to identify and designate names to everything; He taught him language, speech and the ability to communicate.  God imbued Adam with an insatiable need for and love of knowledge.  After Adam had learned the names and uses for all things God said to the Angels...

“‘tell me the names of these if you are truthful.’  They answered ‘Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us.  Verily it is You the All Knower, the All Wise.’” (Quran 2:31-32)

God turned to Adam and said:

“‘O Adam!  Inform them of their names,’ and when he had informed them of their names, He said:  Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?” (Quran 2:33)

Adam tried to speak with the Angels, but they were occupied worshipping God.  The Angels were given no specific knowledge or freedom of will, their sole purpose being to worship and praise God.  Adam, on the other hand, was given the ability to reason, make choices and identify objects and their purpose.  This helped to prepare Adam for his coming role on earth.  So Adam knew the names of everything, but he was alone in Heaven.  One morning Adam awoke to find a woman gazing at him.[5]

Adam opened his eyes and looked into the beautiful face of a woman gazing down at him.  Adam was surprised and asked the woman why she had been created.  She revealed that she was to ease his loneliness and bring tranquillity to him.  The Angels questioned Adam.  They knew that Adam possessed knowledge of things they did not know about and the knowledge mankind would need to occupy the earth.  They said ‘who is this?’  and Adam replied ‘this is Eve’.

Eve is Hawwa in Arabic; it comes from the root word hay, meaning living.  Eve is also an English variant of the old Hebrew word Havva, also deriving from hay.  Adam informed the Angels that Eve was so named because she was made from a part of him and he, Adam, was a living being.

Both Jewish and Christian traditions also maintain that Eve was created from Adam’s rib, although in a literal translation of the Jewish tradition, rib is sometimes referred to as side.

“And God said: ‘O Mankind!  Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from Him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women.’” (Quran 4:1)

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad relate that Eve was created while Adam was sleeping from his shortest left rib and that, after sometime, she was clothed with flesh.  He (Prophet Muhammad) used the story of Eve’s creation from Adam’s rib as a basis for imploring people to be gentle and kind to women.  “O Muslims!  I advise you to be gentle with women, for they are created from a rib, and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part.  If you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked; so I urge you to take care of the women.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Dwelling in Paradise

Adam and Eve dwelt in tranquillity in Paradise.  This, too, is agreed upon by Islamic, Christian and Jewish traditions.  Islam tells us that all of Paradise was theirs to enjoy and God said to Adam, “eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will...” (Quran 2:35) The Quran does not reveal the exact location of where this Paradise was; however, commentators agree that it is not on the earth, and that the knowledge of the location is of no benefit to mankind.  The benefit is in understanding the lesson from the events that took place there.

God continued his instructions to Adam and Eve by warning them “...come not near this tree or you both will be of the wrongdoers.” (Quran 2:35)  The Quran does not reveal what type of tree it was; we have no details and seeking such knowledge also produces no benefit.  What is understood is that Adam and Eve lived a tranquil existence and understood that they were forbidden to eat from the tree.  However, Satan was waiting to exploit the weakness of mankind.

Who is Satan?

Satan is a creature from the world of the Jinn.  The Jinn are a creation of God made from fire.  They are separate and different from both the Angels and mankind; however, like mankind, they possess the power of reason and can choose between good and evil.  The Jinn existed before the creation of Adam[1]  and Satan was the most righteous among them, so much so that he was elevated to a high position amongst the Angels.

“The Angels prostrated themselves all of them together.  Except Satan, he refused to be among the prostrators.  God said: ‘O Satan! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?  ‘Satan said: ‘I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.’  God said: ‘Then get out from Here for verily you are an outcast or cursed one.  Verily the curse shall be upon you till the Day of Resurrection.’” (Quran 15:30-35)

The Role of Satan

Satan was there in the Paradise of Adam and Eve and his vow was to misguide and deceive them and their descendents.  Satan said: “…surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path.  Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left…” (Quran 7:16-17)  Satan is arrogant, and considered himself better then Adam, and thus mankind. He is crafty and cunning, but ultimately understands the weakness of human beings; he recognises their loves and desires.[2]

Satan did not say to Adam and Eve “go eat from that tree” nor did he out rightly tell them to disobey God.  He whispered into their hearts and planted disquieting thoughts and desires.  Satan said to Adam and Eve, “...Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save that you should become Angels or become of the immortals.” (Quran 7:20)  Their minds became filled with thoughts of the tree, and one day they decided to eat from it.  Adam and Eve behaved as all human beings do; they became preoccupied with their own thoughts and the whisperings of Satan and they forgot the warning from God.

It is at this point that the Jewish and Christian traditions differ greatly from Islam.  At no point do the words of God – the Quran, or the traditions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad - indicate that Satan came to Adam and Eve in the form of a snake or serpent.

Islam in no way indicates that Eve was the weaker of the two, or that she tempted Adam to disobey God.  Eating the fruit of the tree was a mistake committed by both Adam and Eve.  They bear equal responsibility.  It was not the original sin spoken about in Christian traditions.  The descendents of Adam are not being punished for the sins of their original parents.  It was a mistake, and God, in His infinite Wisdom and Mercy, forgave them both.

Islam rejects the Christian concept of original sin and the notion that all humans are born sinners due to the actions of Adam.  God says in the Quran:

“And no bearer of burdens shall bear another’s burden.” (Quran 35:18)

Every human being is responsible for his or her actions and is born pure and free from sin.  Adam and Eve committed a mistake, they repented sincerely and God in His infinite wisdom forgave them.

“Then they both ate of that tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering.  Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray.  Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance.” (Quran 20:121-122)

Mankind has a long history of committing mistakes and forgetting.  Even so, how was it possible for Adam to have committed such a mistake?  The reality was that Adam did not have any experience with the whisperings and ploys of Satan.  Adam had seen the arrogance of Satan when he refused to follow the commands of God; he knew that Satan was his enemy but had no familiarity with how to resist Satan’s tricks and schemes.  The Prophet Muhammad told us:

“Knowing something is not the same as seeing it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

God said:

“So he (Satan) misled them with deception.” (Quran 7:22)

God tested Adam so that he could learn and gain experience.  In this way God prepared Adam for his role on earth as a caretaker and a Prophet of God.  From this experience, Adam learned the great lesson that Satan is cunning, ungrateful and the avowed enemy of mankind.  Adam, Eve and their descendants learned that Satan caused their expulsion from heaven.  Obedience to God and enmity towards Satan is the only path back to Heaven.

God said to Adam:

“Get you down (upon the earth), all of you together, from Paradise, some of you are an enemy to some others.  Then, if there comes to you guidance from Me, whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery.” (Quran 20:123)

The Quran tells us that Adam subsequently received from his Lord some words; a supplication to pray, which invoked God’s forgiveness.  This supplication is very beautiful and can be used when asking for God’s pardon of your sins.

“Our Lord!  We have wronged ourselves.  If you forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (Quran 7:23)

Mankind continues to commit mistakes and wrong doing, and through them  we only harm ourselves.  Our sins and mistakes have not harmed, nor will it harm God.  If God does not forgive us and have mercy on us, it is we who will surely be among the losers.  We need God!

“‘On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, for a time.’  He said: ‘Therein you shall live and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected).’” (Quran 7:24–25)

Adam and Eve left heaven and descended upon earth.  Their descent was not one of degradation; rather it was dignified.  In the English language we are familiar with things being either singular or plural; this is not the case for Arabic.  In the Arabic language there is singular, then an extra grammatical number category denoting two.  Plural is used for three and more.

When God said: “Get you down, all of you” He used the word for plural indicating that he was not speaking to Adam and Eve alone but that He was referring to Adam, his wife  and his descendants – mankind.  We, the descendants of Adam, do not belong to this earth; we are here for a temporary time, as is indicated by the words: “for a time.”  We belong to the hereafter and are destined to take our place in either Heaven or Hell.

The Freedom to Choose

This experience was an essential lesson and demonstrated free will.  If Adam and Eve were to live on earth, they needed to be aware of the tricks and schemes of Satan, they also needed to understand the dire consequences of sin, and the infinite Mercy and Forgiveness of God.  God knew that Adam and Eve would eat from the tree.  He knew that Satan would strip away their innocence.

It is important to understand that, although God knows the outcome of events before they happen and allows them, he does not force things to happen.  Adam had free will and bore the consequences of his deeds.  Mankind has free will and thus is free to disobey God; but there are consequences.  God praises those who obey his commands and promises them great reward, and He condemns those who disobey him and warns them against doing so.[1]

Where Adam and Eve descended

There are many reports on the subject of where on earth Adam and Eve descended, although none of them come from the Quran or Sunnah.  We thus understand that the location of their descent is something that is of no importance, and there is no benefit in this knowledge were we to have it.

We do know however that Adam and Eve descended to earth on a Friday.  In a tradition narrated to inform us of the importance of Fridays, the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

“The best of days on which the sun has risen is Friday.  One this day Adam was created, and on this day he was descended to earth.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Adam and Eve left Paradise and began their life on earth.  God had prepared them in many ways.  He gave them the experience of struggling against the whisperings and schemes of Satan.  He taught Adam the names of everything and instructed him in its properties and usefulness.  Adam took up his position as caretaker of the earth and Prophet of God.

Adam, the first Prophet of God was responsible for teaching his wife and offspring how to worship God and seek His forgiveness.  Adam established the laws of God and set about trying to support his family and learning to subdue and care for the earth.  His task was to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate; he was to raise children who would live according to God’s instructions and care for and improve the earth.

Adam’s First Four Children

Adam and Eve’s first children, Cain and his sister, were twins,; Abel and his sister, another set of twins, soon followed.  Adam and his family lived in peace and harmony.  Cain ploughed the earth while Abel raised livestock.  Time passed and the occasion came for the sons of Adam to marry.  A group of the companions of Prophet Muhammad including Ibn Abbas and Ibn Masud related that inter-marriage of the male of one pregnancy with the female of another had been the practice among Adam’s children. Therefore we know that God’s plan to fill the earth included each of Adam’s sons marrying the twin sister of the other.

It seems that beauty has played a part in the attraction of men and women since the beginning.  Cain was not pleased with the partner chosen for him.  Cain began to envy his brother and refused to obey the command of his father and, in doing so, he disobeyed God.  God created man with both good and bad tendencies, and the struggle to over come our baser instincts is part of His test for us.

God commanded that each son was to offer a sacrifice.  His judgement would favour the son whose offer was the most acceptable.  Cain offered his worst grain, but Abel offered his best livestock.  God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, so Cain became enraged, threatening to kill his brother.

“And (O Muhammad) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Abel and Cain) in truth; when each offered a sacrifice to God, it was accepted from the one but not from the other.  The latter said to the former; ‘I will surely kill you.’” (Quran 5:27)

Abel advised his brother that God would accept good deeds from those that fear and serve Him, but  reject the good deeds of those who are arrogant, selfish and disobedient towards God.

“The former said: ‘Verily God accepts only from those who are pious.  If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear God; the Lord of mankind, jinn, and all that exists.’” (Quran 5:27-28)

The First Murder

“So the self  (base desires) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers.” (Quran 5:30)

Prophet Muhammad informed us that Cain became angry and hit his brother over the head with a piece of iron.  It was also said in another narration that Cain hit Abel over the head while he was sleeping.

“God sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother.  He (the murderer) said: ‘Woe to me!

Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?’  Then he became one of those who regretted.” (Quran 5:31)

Adam was devastated; he had lost both his first and second born sons.  One had been murdered; the other was won over by mankind’s greatest enemy – Satan.  Patiently, Adam prayed for his son, and continued to care for the earth.  He taught his many children and grandchildren about God.  He told them of his own encounter with Satan and advised them to beware of Satan’s tricks and schemes.  Years and years passed, and  Adam grew old and his children spread out across the earth.

Adam’s Death

All of mankind are the children of Adam.  In one narration, the Prophet Muhammad informed us that God showed Adam his descendants.  Adam saw a beautiful light in Prophet David’s eyes and loved him, so he turned to God and said: “Oh God.  Give him forty years from my life.”  God granted Adam his request, and it was written down and sealed.

Adam’s life span was supposed to be 1000 years but after 960 years the Angel of death came to Adam.  Adam was surprised and said “but I still have 40 years to live”.  The angel of death reminded him of his gift of 40 years to his beloved descendant Prophet David, but  Adam denied it.  Many, many years later, the last Prophet Muhammad said: “Adam denied so the children of Adam deny, Adam forgot and his children forget; Adam made mistakes and his children make mistakes.” (At-Tirmidhi)

In Arabic the word for mankind is insan and it comes from the root word nisyan  to forget.  This is part of human nature, mankind forgets, and when we forget we deny and reject.  Adam forgot (he was not lying), and God forgave him.  Adam then submitted to the will of God and died.  The Angels descended and washed the body of Prophet Adam an odd number of times; they dug the grave and buried the body of the father of mankind, Adam.

Adam’s successor

Before his death Adam reminded his children that God would never leave them alone or without guidance.  He told them God would send other Prophets with unique names, traits and miracles, but they would all call to the same thing – the worship of the One True God.  Adam appointed as his successor his son Seth.

In Islam, there is no conflict between faith in God and modern scientific knowledge.  Indeed, for many centuries during the Middle Ages, Muslims led the world in scientific inquiry and exploration.  The Quran itself, revealed around 14 centuries ago, is filled with facts and imagery that are supported by modern scientific findings.  Three of those will be mentioned here. Of them, the development of language and mitrochondrial Eve (genetics) are relatively new areas of scientific research.

The Quran instructs Muslims to “contemplate the wonders of creation” (Quran 3:191)

One of the items for contemplation is the statement:

“Truly, I am going to create man from clay...” (Quran 38:71)

Indeed, many elements present in the earth are also contained in the human body.  The most critical component to land-based life is the top soil; that thin layer of dark, organically rich soil in which plants spread out their roots.  It is in this thin, vital layer of soil that microorganisms convert raw resources, the minerals that constitute the basic clay of this topsoil, and make them available to the myriad forms of life around and above them.

Minerals are inorganic elements that originate in the earth which the body cannot make.  They play important roles in various bodily functions and are necessary to sustain life and maintain optimal health, and thus are essential nutrients.[1]  These minerals cannot be man made; they cannot be produced in a laboratory nor can they be manufactured in a factory

With cells consisting of 65-90% water by weight, water, or H2O, makes up most of the human body.  Therefore most of a human body’s mass is oxygen.  Carbon, the basic unit for organic molecules, comes in second.  99% of the mass of the human body is made up of just six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus.[2]

The human body contains trace amounts of almost every mineral on earth; including sulphur, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, aluminium, molybdenum, chromium, platinum, boron, silicon   selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, manganese, cobalt,  lithium, strontium, aluminium, lead, vanadium, arsenic, bromine  and more.[3]  Without these minerals, vitamins may have little or no effect.  Minerals are catalysts, triggers for thousands of essential enzyme reactions in the body.  Trace elements play a key role in the functioning of a healthy human being.  It is known that insufficient iodine will induce a disease of the thyroid gland and a deficiency of cobalt will leave us without vitamin B12, and thus unable to manufacture red blood cells.

           Another verse to contemplate is:

“He taught Adam all the names of everything.” (Quran 2:31)

Adam was taught the names of everything; the powers of reasoning and free will were given to him.  He learned how to categorise things and understand their usefulness.  Thus, God taught Adam language skills.  He taught Adam how to think – to apply knowledge to solve problems, make plans and decisions and to achieve goals.  We, the children of Adam, have inherited these skills in order that we can exist in the world and worship God in the best manner.

Linguists estimate that more than 3000 separate languages exist in the world today, all distinct, so that speakers of one cannot understand those of another, yet these languages are all so fundamentally similar that it is possible to speak of a “human language’ in the singular.[4]

Language is a special form of communication that involves learning complex rules to make and combine symbols (words or gestures) into an endless number of meaningful sentences.  Language exists because of two simple principles, - words and grammar.

A word is an arbitrary pairing between a sound or symbol and a meaning.  For example, in English the word cat does not look or sound or feel like a cat, but it refers to a certain animal because all of us memorised this pairing as children.  Grammar refers to a set of rules for combing words into phrases and sentences.  It may seem surprising, but speakers of all 3000 separate languages learned the same four rules of language.[5]

The first language rule is phonology – how we make meaningful sounds.  Phonemes are basic sounds.  We combine phonemes to form words by learning the second rule: morphology. Morphology is the system we use to group phonemes into meaningful combinations of sounds and words.  A morpheme is the smallest, meaningful combination of sounds in a language.  After learning to combine morphemes to produce words, we learn to combine words into meaningful sentences.  The third language rule governs syntax or grammar.  This set of rules specifies how we combine words to form meaningful phrases and sentences.  The fourth language rule governs semantics – the specific meaning of words or phrases as they appear in various sentences or contexts.

All children, regardless of where in the world they are, go through the same four language stages because of innate language factors. These factors facilitate how we make speech sounds and acquire language skills. The renowned linguist Noam Chomsky says that all languages share a common universal grammar, and that children inherit a mental programme to learn this universal grammar.[6]

A third verse to ponder is about progeniture:

“O Mankind!  Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from Him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women.” (Quran 4:1)

The realisation that all mtDNA lineages (Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas) can be traced back to a single origin is popularly called the “mitochondrial Eve” theory.  According to top scientists[7]  and cutting-edge research, everyone on the planet today can trace a specific part of his or her genetic heritage back to one woman through a unique part of our genetic makeup, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).  The mtDNA of “mitochondrial Eve” has been passed down through the centuries from mother to daughter (men are carriers, but don’t pass it on) and exists within all people living today. It is popularly known as the Eve theory because, as can be deduced from the above, it is passed down through the X chromosome.  Scientists are also studying DNA from the Y chromosome (perhaps to be dubbed the “Adam theory”), which is passed only from father to son and is not recombined with the mother’s genes.

These are but three of  the many wonders of creation God suggests we contemplate through his verses in the Quran.  The entire universe, which was created by God, follows and obeys His laws.  Therefore Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, explore the universe, and find the “Signs of God” in His creation.

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