Azahari Hassim
In the Quran Surah 3, verse 67, Allah says to the people of the scripture:
”Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was an upright man, a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists.“
Also, in Surah 2, verse 124, Allah says:
”And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them. Allah said, ‘Behold, I make you a leader for the people.’ Said Abraham, ‘And of my seed?’ Allah said ‘My covenant shall not reach the evildoers.’
Was Abraham considered to be Jewish in the context of Judaism?
Yes, in the context of Judaism, Abraham is considered to be the first Jew. He is recognized as the founding patriarch of the Israelites, from whom the Jewish people trace their ancestry. His covenant with God (the Abrahamic Covenant) is viewed as a central event in Jewish history.
This covenant included the promise that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, later understood to be Israel. The details of this covenant, including circumcision and the belief in one God (monotheism), are fundamental principles in Jewish faith and practice.
In light of the fact that the word “Jew” is derived from the word “Judah”, who was Abraham’s great-grandson, how could Abraham have been the first Jew?
Abraham is considered the first Jew because he is recognized as the founding patriarch of the Israelite people, who later became known as the Jews.
While the name “Jew” may be derived from “Judah”, one of Abraham’s great-grandsons, it is Abraham who is credited with making a covenant with God and following his commands, which set the foundation for the Jewish faith and people. Therefore, Abraham is often referred to as the first Jew due to his pivotal role in the establishment of the Jewish religion and identity.
Were Adam, Enoch, and Noah regarded as Jewish within the realm of Judaism?
In Judaism, Adam, Enoch, and Noah are considered righteous men and prophets, but they are not identified as Jewish in the way Abraham and his descendants are. This is because Judaism as an organized religion, began with God’s covenant with Abraham. Therefore, figures like Adam, Enoch, and Noah, who appear in the Bible before Abraham, are considered pre-Jewish or existing before the establishment of Judaism.
Abraham and the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem
Why was the Jewish temple so vital to be attached to the person of Abraham?
The Jewish temple was so vital to be attached to the person of Abraham because Abraham was the founder of Judaism and the first person to make a covenant with God. The covenant was a promise that God made to Abraham and his descendants, that they would be God’s chosen people and inherit the land of Canaan, also known as the Promised Land.
The temple was the place where the Jews worshipped God and offered sacrifices, as well as the symbol of their connection to God and the Promised Land. The temple was also believed to be the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth, also known as the Shekhinah. Therefore, the temple was a vital link between Abraham, the father of Judaism, and God, the creator and protector of Judaism.
The temple was renowned for its grandeur, featuring intricate designs and materials, including cedar wood from Lebanon and gold. It played a central role in Jewish worship and rituals until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, which marked a significant event in Jewish history.
The site of the temple is believed to be where the Dome of the Rock currently stands in Jerusalem. The Second Temple, built after the Babylonian Exile, later replaced the First Temple but was also destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans. The legacy of Solomon’s Temple continues to hold great religious and cultural significance in Judaism and beyond.
Did Abraham know that the temple would be built on the site where he almost sacrificed his son?
There is no definitive answer to whether Abraham knew that the temple would be built on the site where he almost sacrificed his son. Different traditions and interpretations have different views on this question. Here are some possible perspectives:
According to Jewish tradition, Abraham was aware of the future significance of Mount Moriah, as he named it “the Lord will provide” (Genesis 22 verse 14), implying that God would provide a place for His presence and worship there. Some Jewish sources also suggest that Abraham saw a vision of the future temple when he ascended the mountain with Isaac.
According to Christian tradition, Abraham did not know the exact location of the future temple, but he had faith that God would fulfill His promises to him and his descendants. Some Christian sources also see Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac as a foreshadowing of God’s sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.
According to Islamic tradition, Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac, but Ishmael, his firstborn son by Hagar. Muslims believe that Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaaba, the house of God, in Mecca, which is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims do not consider the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as the place where Abraham offered his son, but rather as the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven during his night journey.
Abraham: The Father of Monotheism and Paragon of Virtue in Jewish Thought
Jewish sages throughout history have frequently cited Abraham as a central figure and role model. They highlighted various aspects of his character, actions, and faith to impart important lessons in Jewish thought and practice. Below are a few examples from notable Jewish sages and classical texts that discuss Abraham’s significance:
1. Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
The sages in Pirkei Avot emphasize Abraham’s virtues, contrasting his qualities with those of Balaam, a prophet known for negative traits.
“Whoever possesses these three qualities is of the disciples of our father Abraham, and whoever possesses the opposite three qualities is of the disciples of the wicked Balaam: A good eye, a humble spirit, and a moderate appetite are the traits of the disciples of our father Abraham…”
(Pirkei Avot 5:19)
This teaching underscores Abraham’s generosity, humility, and self-restraint, establishing him as a model of ethical behavior.
2. Midrash Tanchuma
The Midrash Tanchuma provides stories and commentary on Abraham’s faith and his rejection of idolatry. It describes how he came to believe in one God independently and how he influenced others.
“Abraham recognized his Creator when he was three years old… He said, ‘It is impossible that this world should have no guide,’ and he began to seek after God.”
(Midrash Tanchuma, Lech Lecha 2)
This midrash shows Abraham as a seeker of truth who rejected the idolatry around him, becoming a model of discovery and monotheism.
3. Bereshit Rabbah (Genesis Rabbah)
The Midrash Bereshit Rabbah elaborates on Abraham’s hospitality and kindness, particularly the famous scene in Genesis 18 where he welcomes strangers.
“Rabbi Yochanan said: Greater is hospitality than receiving the Divine Presence, for it is written: ‘And he [Abraham] saw three men and ran to greet them’ (Genesis 18:2) even though he was conversing with God.”
(Bereshit Rabbah 48:9)
This commentary highlights Abraham’s dedication to hospitality, even above his personal spiritual experience, presenting him as an example of placing the needs of others first.
4. Maimonides (Rambam)
Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon), in his work Mishneh Torah, discusses Abraham’s role in spreading monotheism, portraying him as the first person to teach and bring others to the worship of one God.
“Abraham began to stand and call in a loud voice to all the people, and he informed them that there is one God for the entire world… he taught the people, and he showed them the proper path. As a result, thousands gathered around him.”
(Mishneh Torah, Laws of Idolatry 1:3)
Maimonides sees Abraham as a spiritual teacher who laid the groundwork for monotheism and the Jewish faith.
5. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the Zohar
The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, describes Abraham as the archetype of Chesed (loving-kindness). In Kabbalistic thought, Abraham embodies this divine attribute in the way he lived and interacted with others.
“Abraham personified kindness and love. He spread God’s love to the world and showed people the way to kindness, becoming a reflection of the divine attribute of Chesed.”
(Zohar, Lech Lecha 1:82a)
The Zohar portrays Abraham not only as a historical figure but as a channel for divine attributes, making his life an embodiment of Chesed.
6. Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi in the Kuzari
In The Kuzari, Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi presents Abraham as the prototype of faith through reason and revelation. He describes Abraham’s path to monotheism and his role as the father of the Jewish nation.
“Abraham, in his search for truth, rejected the worship of stars, the elements, and idols… he desired to reach the One behind it all and was rewarded with divine revelation and the promise that he would become a great nation.”
(Kuzari, Part I, 95)
Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi views Abraham as a model of someone who, through intellectual and spiritual inquiry, arrives at a true relationship with God.
7. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Rabbi Nachman, a Chassidic master, saw Abraham as the ideal model of faith and commitment. He taught that Abraham’s unwavering trust in God, even during the Akeidah (binding of Isaac), serves as an example of pure faith (emunah).
“Abraham is our example of true faith—emunah shelemah. Even when commanded to sacrifice Isaac, he trusted completely. Faith like Abraham’s is what we must strive for.”
(Likutei Moharan, Torah 32)
Rabbi Nachman emphasizes Abraham’s deep faith as a spiritual goal for others to emulate.
8. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
Rabbi Hirsch, in his commentary on the Torah, focuses on Abraham as a model of ethical monotheism, showing that Abraham’s life represents the union of faith and moral action.
“Abraham… brought to humanity the insight that belief in God necessitates ethical action and love for others. He taught that a relationship with God requires justice and kindness.”
(Commentary on Genesis 18:19)
Rabbi Hirsch sees Abraham’s faith as inherently ethical, showing that belief in God must lead to compassion and righteousness.
Conclusion
Jewish sages regard Abraham as the father of monotheism, the paragon of faith, and the epitome of kindness and justice. His journey of discovering God, spreading monotheism, and practicing righteousness and hospitality is consistently highlighted. These sages see Abraham’s life as an enduring source of lessons on faith, morality, and devotion to God and humanity.
What is the position of Abraham within the Islamic faith?
In Islam, Abraham (known as Ibrahim in Arabic) is a highly revered prophet and a key figure in the faith. He is considered one of the greatest prophets and is often referred to as a “Friend of God” (Khalilullah). His significance in Islam can be summarized in several key points:
- Father of Monotheism: Abraham is regarded as the patriarch of monotheism. He is seen as a model of faith and submission to the one God (Allah), and his commitment to monotheism is emphasized in Islamic teachings.
- Prophet and Messenger: Abraham is recognized as one of the major prophets who received divine revelation. He is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, which highlights his role in calling people to worship the one true God and reject polytheism.
- Ancestral Figure: Abraham is considered a spiritual ancestor of many nations. He is acknowledged as the forefather of both the Israelites through his son Isaac (Ishaq) and the Ishmaelites through his son Ishmael (Ismail). Muslims trace their lineage back to Ishmael.
- Hajj and Rituals: The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, includes rituals that commemorate events in the life of Abraham and his family. For example, the act of standing in the plain of Arafat and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina are associated with Abraham’s rejection of evil.
- Sacrifice: The festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God’s command and God’s provision of a ram as a substitute. This act is celebrated as a demonstration of faith and submission.
- Example of Faith: Abraham’s unwavering faith, his trials, and his obedience to God serve as an inspirational example for Muslims. His life and actions are explored in various Islamic teachings, and he is often cited in discussions about faith and righteousness.
Overall, Abraham holds a central position in Islam as a prophet, a model of monotheistic faith, and an important figure in the historical and spiritual lineage of Muslims.
ABRAHAMIC THEOLOGY 