The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 31)
Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his family
The biography of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) is one of the most fruitful and profound narratives in the sacred texts of the Abrahamic religions, which, beyond a historical story, contains an unparalleled treasure trove of educational and moral teachings. This story, which has inspired humans for centuries on the path to perfection and happiness, not only depicts the evolution of a divine prophet; but also reflects in a surprising way the challenges, tests, and fateful choices of human life. Analyzing this story is, in fact, entering an ocean of wisdom that can be a beacon for the generations of today and tomorrow.
At the center of the story of Abraham (peace be upon him), lofty concepts such as pure monotheism, pure submission to the will of Allah, courage in the face of falsehood, steadfastness in the path of truth, and unwavering sacrifice are manifested. This narrative begins with Abraham’s birth among the pagan people, and by abandoning idolatry and searching for the truth, it paves the way for him to reach monotheism. His challenges with Nimrod, the tyrannical king who claimed to be a God, and his courageous stand against oppression and ignorance, are outstanding examples of resistance to oppression and calling for justice. This part of the story teaches us a great lesson about the importance of intellectual and practical jihad in establishing truth and negating falsehood. Abraham, peace be upon him, strives to educate people and eradicate polytheism not only with his words, but also with his actions and the sacrifice of his life.
However, the educational dimensions of the story of Abraham (peace be upon him) are not limited to confrontation with falsehood. This story, with particular delicacy, also considers the internal and spiritual dimensions of education. Abraham’s migration by the command of Allah, leaving his homeland and living in unfamiliar lands, is a symbol of emigration from worldly attachments and moving towards divine perfection. This emigration teaches us that in order to achieve lofty goals, it is sometimes necessary to abandon our comforts and long-standing habits and, by trusting in Allah, set foot on an unknown path.
Another educational turning point in this story is the story of the sacrifice of Ishmael. This great test, which demonstrates the peak of Abraham’s submission and servitude, is a great lesson about absolute trust in Allah and freedom from worldly attachments. Although this event was symbolic and, by divine command, the sacrifice was transformed into a sheep, its lesson remained forever in the history of humanity: nothing should take the place of Allah in the heart of human, not even a beloved child. This part of the story teaches human that in order to achieve truth, one must go beyond sensual desires and even deep human emotions, and the will of Allah is prioritized above everything else.
Also, the founding of the Kaaba by Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them) is not only a historical event; it is also a symbol of the establishment of a center for the monotheism and unity of humans. This act expresses the importance of collective spirituality and the role of worship in individual and social education. From this perspective, the story of Abraham (peace be upon him) shows us that worship is not simply performing rituals, but also a means of connecting to the origin of existence and strengthening moral and social foundations.
Finally, the analysis of the story of Abraham (peace be upon him) leads us to the insight that education is a dynamic and continuous process that continues throughout human life. This story is a comprehensive guide for all those who are in search of truth, spirituality, courage, and submission to the will of Allah by providing transcendent behavioral and intellectual models. This introduction is a call to further ponder this unique narrative, so that we can benefit from its teachings to build a better life and achieve human perfection. What lessons can we learn from Abraham (peace be upon him) in facing the challenges of our time?
The Son’s Call to the Father
Hazrat Abraham (peace be upon him) faced a father who was harsh, violent, had misleading and sinful actions, and had an ugly and persistent behavior. However, he approached him with utmost respect and honor. In his call to his father, he gathered all the meanings of kinship and belonging and kept in mind the highest meanings and the best goals. In his conversations with his father, he used all the methods of reasoning that indicate the existence of Allah Almighty and lead healthy minds to guidance towards Him and firm faith in His Oneness. His goal was to avoid idolatry and its consequences. He did this with methods full of wisdom, full of good manners, good advice, and arguing in the best way.
In the Qur’an, Almighty Allah informs us about the conversation that took place between Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his father in this regard: “وَاذْكُرْ فِی الْكِتَابِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّیقاً نَّبِیاً * إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِیهِ یا أَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا یسْمَعُ وَلَا یبْصِرُ وَلَا یغْنِی عَنكَ شَیئاً * یا أَبَتِ إِنِّی قَدْ جَاءنِی مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَمْ یأْتِكَ فَاتَّبِعْنِی أَهْدِكَ صِرَاطاً سَوِیاً * یا أَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ الشَّیطَانَ إِنَّ الشَّیطَانَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَنِ عَصِیاً * یا أَبَتِ إِنِّی أَخَافُ أَن یمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِّنَ الرَّحْمَن فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّیطَانِ وَلِیاً * قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنتَ عَنْ آلِهَتِییا إِبْراهِیمُ لَئِن لَّمْ تَنتَهِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ وَاهْجُرْنِی مَلِیاً * قَالَ سَلَامٌ عَلَیكَ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّی إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِی حَفِیاً * وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَأَدْعُو رَبِّی عَسَى أَلَّا أَكُونَ بِدُعَاء رَبِّی شَقِیاً * فَلَمَّا اعْتَزَلَهُمْ وَمَا یعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَیعْقُوبَ وَكُلّاً جَعَلْنَا نَبِیاً” Translation: “And mention in the Book (the Qur’an, a part of the story) Abraham, he was a man of upright conduct and speech, a prophet (of Allah). When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which neither hears nor sees, nor does it protect you from harm?” O my father! I have been given knowledge that will benefit you, so follow me, I will guide you to the right path. O my father! Do not worship Satan, for he has always been rebellious against the Most Gracious. O my father! I fear that a severe punishment from the Most Gracious will befall you (i.e., the Fire of Hell), and that you will be a companion of Satan (in the curse of Allah and the burning torment). (Abraham’s father became angry and) said: “Will you turn away from my gods, O Abraham? If you do not desist (from this act of monotheism and blasphemy against idols), I will surely stone you. Go away from me for a long time (until the fire of my hatred and anger subsides, and I do not shed your blood). (Abraham calmly and kindly) said: (Farewell, father! I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, He is very kind and loving to me. And I will withdraw from you (O father! And O idolaters!) and from what you worship besides Allah, and I will worship my Lord alone. It is hoped that in the worship of my Lord (my obedience and worship will be accepted and) I will not be in despair. When he withdrew from them and from what they worshipped besides Allah (and migrated from among them), We gave him Isaac and Jacob (from Isaac), and We made each of them a great prophet”. [1]
Exemplary behavior
This way of behavior that Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) adopted when calling his father to worship Allah alone and abandoning the worship of others is a very thoughtful matter and worthy of being passed down to generations. This model should be repeated and its example should be constantly remembered, for this reason the Great Quran refers to it and says:
«وَاذْكُرْ فِی الْكِتَابِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ…» Translation: “And mention in the Book (the Qur’an, a part of the story) Abraham…” (i.e.: Mention it specifically among the stories of Abraham). This reference is due to the importance and dignity of this issue and the expression of his truthfulness and sincerity; Because he only rebelled against the customs of his people and the religion of his parents.
