THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 002 ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH By Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH Prophet Abraham and the First House of Allah on Earth Prophet Abraham was born to honorable parents descended from Prophet Noah. He was born in the city of Hara, Iraq during the reign of King Nimrod and is often referred to as “The Friend of Allah” and "The Father of the Prophets". There had been a void in guidance since the death of Prophet Noah and the people of Hara reverted to idolatry. Hara was renowned for its ornate, pagan temples and its citizens took great pride in the idols housed within them. Offerings were sacrificed to the idols and ritual ceremonies wishfully invoking their favors performed before them. A lucrative commerce had grown around the activities of the temples. Carved replicas of the idols were a much sought after possession and it was to this profession that Azar, Abraham’s father directed his talents. Who is my Lord Abraham was unlike his contemporaries, he grew to be an upright, caring young man repulsed by idol worship and sought the answer to a question that had consumed him for many years -- who was his Lord? In the process of his guidance, Allah in His Mercy caused Abraham to contemplate upon the kingdoms of the heavens and earth. One evening, as he gazed up into the night sky, he saw a planet shinning more brightly than the others and exclaimed, "This is surely my Lord!" But, as the morning light came and the planet set, he rejected his thought saying, "I do not like the setting ones!" On another occasion as he saw the moon rise he said once again, "This is my Lord!" But like the planet, as the light of the morning broke it disappeared, whereupon he said, "If my Lord does not guide me, I shall be amongst the astray nation!" Then, when he saw the sun rise upon the horizon he said, "This must be my Lord, it is larger!" But as it set he turned to his people saying, "O nation, I am quit of what you associate (with Allah, the Creator) I have turned my face to He who created the heavens and the earth, uprightly, and I am not among the idolaters!" Koran, Chapter 6 verses 76-79 Abraham is chosen by Allah and becomes His Prophet Some time later Allah sent the Arch Angel Gabriel to inform Abraham that He had chosen him to be His Messenger. Abraham was deeply humbled by the news. Over a period of forty-two visits Gabriel brought him ten Holy Scrolls. Prophet Muhammad (praise and peace be upon him) informed his Companions later on that the contents of the Scrolls were examples. Abraham's open rejection of idolatry caused a commotion, no one had ever challenged the deity of the idols of Hara; to his fellow citizens the notion was deemed blasphemous. However, Abraham was resolved; he had no doubt that Allah was the only One to be worshipped because he was convinced that it was He alone who had created everything. The Logic of Abraham Abraham tried reasoning with those around him in the best manner, but they refused to accept his logic even after he had drawn their attention to the obvious fact their idols had either been hewn from stone or carved from wood by people such as themselves. Abraham never stopped challenging his people and asked if their idols could do anything else other than just stand motionless, year after year, in the same place -- the place in which they themselves had been positioned many years before! He reminded his people the idols neither ate nor drank from the offerings placed before them nor could they harm or benefit anyone. But still the people refused to abandon their idolatry. Over the course of time, the idolaters became outraged and told Abraham it was he who was wrong and that he must fear their gods. Abraham shook his head and asked, "And how should I fear what you have associated when you yourselves are not afraid that you have associated with Allah that which He did not send down for it upon you an authority.” Koran, Chapter 6 verse 81 Abraham and King Nimrod The news of Abraham's preaching reached King Nimrod who considered himself to be a deity. Abraham feared no one except Allah, so when he was presented to the king he challenged him saying, "My Lord is He who revives and causes to die." But the artful king scoffed at Abraham and told him, "I revive and cause to die." The king knew exactly what Abraham meant, but tired to outwit him with his reply by referring to the power he had as king to either spare the life of a guilty criminal, or put to death an innocent person -- whichever suited his whim. Abraham challenged him yet again saying, "Allah brings up the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west." Koran Chapter 2 verse 258. This time the king knew he had been revealed and the color drained from his face, and Abraham waited to see if he would surrender to Allah but he did not and so Abraham returned home. Abraham and the Miracle of the Four Birds One day, Abraham asked Allah to show him how He revived the dead. Allah asked Abraham, "Haven't you believed?" Abraham told Him that it was not that rather it was just to satisfy his heart. So Allah told him to take four birds, sacrifice them, then cut them into pieces then mix their bits and pieces together, and go to the neighboring hills and place some of the mixed pieces on each of them. After he had done this, Allah told Abraham to call the birds and their severed parts would reassemble and fly to him. Abraham did exactly as he was told: he sacrificed a peacock, an eagle, a crow, and a rooster. Then, after he had mixed their body parts together, he placed them upon the neighboring hills, keeping only their heads with him. Once this had been done he called to them whereupon their mixed parts were brought back to life, reassembled, and flew to join themselves to their respective heads which Abraham still held in his hand. (Koran Chapter 2 verse 260 and explained by Sawi.) Abraham and Azar Part Company At the time of Abraham’s birth both his father and mother were faithful but as time progressed his father was deceived by the idolaters and now Azar was among those who refused to accept Allah as his Lord and Abraham as His Prophet. Abraham asked him why he was so devoted to the idols but Azar could offer no better reply than to say that many people before him had worshipped them, and what was good enough for them was good enough for him also. Azar became upset and embarrassed by Abraham’s preaching and threatened to stone him if he persisted. Such was Abraham’s conviction that he did not stop preaching and after a while, Azar realized his threats were of no use so he told Abraham he did not wish to see him again for sometime. As they parted company, tenderhearted Abraham told Azar he would ask Allah to forgive him, and that perhaps his Lord would accept his prayer. Abraham continued to preach against the idols but the people continued to spurn what he had to say. After each refusal, he would ask them the same question he had asked Azar – “What made them so devoted to their idols?” -- but they replied in the same way, which was simply because their fathers and ancestors had worshipped them. Some even accused Abraham of jesting with them, but he swore this was not so, and that without a doubt their Lord, is the Creator of all that is in the heavens and earth, and that they must abandon their useless idols. Abraham Outwits the Idols No matter how hard Abraham tried, they would not accept the truth, so he told them, "By Allah, I shall outwit your idols as soon as you have turned your backs and gone." No one took Abraham seriously so they left and went about their business. Some time later, Abraham, unseen with ax in hand, entered the temple in which the most revered idols were housed, and smashed all except the largest into pieces and then hung his ax upon its shoulder and left unseen. It wasn't long before the idolaters returned to the temple and saw their gods lying broken into pieces on the floor. There was an outcry of horror and those who had heard Abraham's challenge immediately suspected him, and so he was summoned before them. "Abraham," they asked, "was it you who did this to our gods?" Abraham replied, "It was their great one who did it. Ask them if they can speak." The idolaters huddled together in a corner knowing well in their hearts the truth of the matter and that Abraham had at last succeeded in exposing the worthlessness of their idols. Begrudgingly, they admitted, "You know they do not speak." Thereupon Abraham challenged them saying: "Would you then worship that which can neither benefit nor harm you, instead of Allah? Shame on you and that you worship, other than Allah! Have you no understanding?" Koran, Chapter 21:68 The Bonfire It was more than the idolaters could bear their idols lay broken in pieces unable to do anything for themselves. Outraged by the whole situation they cried out, "Burn him and help your gods!" The idolaters hastened to build a huge bonfire with the intent of burning Abraham to death. However, Abraham remained calm having complete trust in his Lord and did not flinch. There was nothing that would tear him away from his belief in the Oneness of Allah. Abraham was led to the bonfire, placed in its center, and the kindling wood lit. It wasn't long until the flames leapt high into the air -- but not even a single hair of Abraham's head was singed. That was because Allah had caused a miracle to occur. He commanded the flames to be cool and safe for Abraham and eventually, when the fire had consumed itself, Abraham walked away unharmed praising and thanking Allah for His Mercy. Allah tells us: They said, 'Burn him and help your gods, if you are going to do anything!' 'O Fire,' We said, 'be coolness and safety for Abraham.' They sought to outwit him, but We made them the worst of losers. Koran 21:68-70 Even though the idolaters had witnessed this great miracle, they continued in their arrogance and refused to abandon their idols. In their hearts, they knew nothing they would ever do would harm Abraham because he was protected by Allah, so in desperation they banished him and his wife, Lady Sarah, from their homeland. Abraham and Sarah in Egypt After a long, tiring but blessed journey to Egypt, as Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah were about to enter a township, news reached its tyrannical pharaoh that Abraham was accompanied by a beautiful lady. The Pharaoh summoned Abraham to his presence and asked whom the lady was accompanying him. Abraham not wishing to lie, but fearing for the safety of Sarah, told him she was his sister, but meaning his sister in religion, but this did nothing to deter the tyrant from his evil intention and he ordered that she be sent to him. Abraham had sensed the ruler was evil and returned to Sarah and told her not to say other than he had told the tyrant, and swore by Allah there were no other believers in the truth in that area. As Sarah entered the tyrant's presence, she too realized his evil intent and immediately supplicated to Allah saying, "O Allah, I have believed in You and Your messenger, and have safeguard my private parts from everyone except my husband, please, do not let this unbeliever overpower me." Allah accepted her supplication and the tyrant fell down in a state of unconsciousness whilst his legs twitched. Sarah took fright at his condition and supplicated again saying, "O Allah, if he should die then the people will say I have killed him." Thereupon the tyrant regained consciousness but continued to make advances towards her. Sarah supplicated once more, and yet again, the tyrant fell down in a state of unconsciousness. When the tyrant regained consciousness he realized that Sarah had been protected from him. Hagar was the daughter of the King of Ain Shams, which is a city near Cairo, Egypt. It had been upon the death of her father that Hagar had come to live with Pharaoh’s wife in her own right as her companion. Princess Hagar had never married and was known to be an honorable, kind, upright young lady. Pharaoh realized that Princess Hagar would be good company for Sarah and it was agreed that she leave the household of Pharaoh’s wife and go to live with Sarah. And so it was that Princess Hagar came to live in Abraham's household. Hagar was a sweet natured lady, she loved Lady Sarah dearly and a very special friendship bonded them together. Idolatry was also commonplace in Egypt, especially in the court of Pharaoh, but when Hagar heard Abraham speak about Allah she was quick to recognize the truth and accepted it. In those days it was commonplace for a man to have more than one wife and Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah, who were now elderly, remained childless. Lady Sarah had given up hope of ever bearing a child so she suggested to Abraham he might take Hagar to be her co-wife. Both Abraham and Hagar accepted her suggestion and shortly after Hagar became his lawful wife. The family's wish was fulfilled when Lady Hagar conceived and gave birth to a fine son whom they named Ishmael. Lady Sarah was delighted and happy Abraham had at long last been blessed with a son -- little did she know at that time that she too would be blessed in later years for her patience with a son of her own, Isaac. Deceit Throughout the centuries nationalistic Jews and Orientalists have sought to distort the truth about Prophet Abraham’s legal marriage to Lady Hagar and the very close relationship between Ladies Sarah and Hagar. Their object has been, and still is, to undermine the great event that had been promised and recorded in the original, unadulterated Holy Scriptures announcing the coming of Islam with its protected revelation, the Holy Koran, and the seal of all the prophets, Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Prophets of Allah Both the sons of Abraham were legitimate and destined to become prophets of Allah. Ishmael, Lady Hagar’s son was sent as a prophet to the Arabs whereas Isaac, the son of Lady Sarah was sent as a prophet to the Hebrews, later on to be called the children of Israel and then Jews, peace be upon all the prophets. It is from the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac that two great nations evolved each having Prophet Abraham as their common ancestor. However, neither Jew nor Christian can claim he was a follower of their religion as both prophets Moses and Jesus were sent many centuries after the death of Prophet Abraham. Abraham and Hagar in Becca, Arabia Before Ishmael completed his weaning, Prophet Abraham saw a vision in which he was instructed to take Lady Hagar and their son to a place called Becca, nowadays called Mecca in the peninsula of Arabia, and leave them there. This vision was in preparation for the years to come when Abraham and Ishmael would establish the House of Allah in Mecca. Mecca lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and hills and had at that time three passes. One to the north, another to the south, and the other to the west. The valley had long been one of the most traveled caravan routes in Arabia, however, it remained uninhabited largely because it lacked water. Upon reaching Becca, Prophet Abraham settled Lady Hagar and Ishmael under the shade of a large tree and gave his wife a large bag of dates and a water-skin full of water, then turned away and started to leave them. Lady Hagar followed after him and asked, "Abraham, where are you going, are you leaving us in an uninhabited provisionless wilderness?" She asked the same question several times, but Abraham did not reply. Then, searching for a reason and knowing her husband would never do anything to earn the displeasure of Allah she inquired, "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" whereupon he replied, "Yes". So she comforted them both saying, "Then He will not let us perish," and returned to her infant. Abraham Supplicates for Lady Hagar, Ishmael & Future Generations of Muslims At a place called Thania, Abraham stopped and turned his face in the direction of the ruins of Ka’bah -- the first House of Allah to be built on earth -- that lay buried under the sand. He raised his hands and supplicated, "Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near Your Holy House; our Lord, in order that they establish the prayer. Make the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits, in order that they are thankful." Koran, Chapter 14 verse 37. Allah had promised Abraham that from his offspring would arise great nations, that is why Abraham referred to having settled "some of his offspring" near Ka'bah. This promised was fulfilled, as it was from the descendants of Prophet Ishmael that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon all the prophets, was born. Lady Hagar suckled her infant son and gave him water from the skin until none remained. It wasn't long until both became very thirsty and she become very concerned for Ishmael. Lady Hagar could not bear to have her son go without water so she searched frantically for some but found none. In desperation she climbed a nearby hill, the hill of Safa, stood at its top, and looked around in all directions to see if there was anyone in sight to help her -- but there was no one. She ran back down the hill and in her anxiety ran across the valley and climbed to the top of the neighboring hill of Marwah, but again to no avail. She ran between the two hills seven times, but found neither caravaners nor water. Allah Hears the Cry of Lady Hagar Upon the seventh time she reached the hill of Marwah Hagar heard a voice. She calmed herself and listened attentively. And there, standing near the place we know today as Zamzam stood Angel Gabriel. Gabriel struck the ground with either his heel or wings, and water gushed forth. Hastily, she dug a hole in the ground into which the water flowed and filled her water-skin to the top as the water gushed forth with still greater force. Quickly, she drank a handful of water and raced back to her son to give him some. The Ruins of Ka’bah In those days, the ruins of Ka’bah were elevated on a piece of land covered by sand in the shape of a mound, and when rain eventually fell it would run on either side. The Caravaners Ishmael and his mother continued to live in Becca by themselves until one day caravaners from the tribe of Jurhum returning from Kada'a, struck camp a little distance from the place where Lady Hagar had made her home. As the caravaners were unloading their camels they observed birds circling in the sky not far away. Their experience had taught them that birds circling in this manner might well indicate water. Ever hopeful of finding a fresh supply of water in that desolate region, they thought it was worth investigating, although from their past experience they had never found water anywhere in that area. Several tribesmen were sent to investigate. When they reached the place over which the birds circled, to their great surprise and joy they found the spring of Zamzam and returned quickly to tell their fellow travelers. Upon hearing the good news the caravaners stopped what they were doing and rushed to both see and drink the fresh water. Lady Hagar Meets the Jurhum Caravaners When they reached Zamzam, the caravaners found Lady Hagar standing nearby and asked her permission to strike camp near her. Lady Hagar agreed on condition that she retained the water rights and that her son would be the prince. The Jurhumites agreed and settled themselves in Becca whilst sending word to their families to come and join them there. Angels do not Eat Meanwhile, one day when Prophet Abraham was at home with Lady Sarah they were visited by strangers. It was not uncommon to find strangers visiting their home as each day Abraham would light a large bonfire on the top of a nearby mountain to attract and welcome travelers. Abraham’s generous hospitality was well known, no one was ever turned away and as such he hardly ever ate alone. His guests were always well fed and during the course of a much welcomed meal Abraham would take the opportunity to tell to his guests about Allah. One day, strangers arrived at his home and as was his custom, he arranged for a fine meal of a roasted calf to be prepared for his guests. The meal was set before them but his guests declined to either eat or drink. Abraham was deeply troubled by this strange situation -- travelers were always hungry, or at least thirsty. Abraham's guests perceived his anxiety and told him not to be afraid because although they had taken the form of humans, they were not humans as he supposed, but rather they were angels on their way to the city of his cousin, Prophet Lot. Prophet Abraham felt at ease once more as he knew angels, who are neither male nor female and created from light, only worship Allah and do whatsoever they are ordered to do by Him. The angels proceeded to inform Abraham that the city of Prophet Lot had become disobedient to Allah and were sexual perverts. The angels continued, telling him it was because of this that Allah had ordered them to punish its people by utterly destroying both them and their city but to save Lot. Lady Sarah Becomes Pregnant As Lady Sarah entered the room, the angels told her she would give birth to a son. She was overwhelmed by the news and clasped her hands to her cheeks in delight and wonder. She had been so happy when Lady Hagar gave birth to Ishmael several years before and now she too was to be blessed with a son of her own despite her advanced age. Allah says: (Sarah) his wife came with an exclamation and clasped her face, and said, 'Surely, I am a barren old woman!' 'Such, says your Lord, ' they replied, 'He is the Wise, the Knower.' Koran 51:29 The Seeds of Ishmael’s Forthcoming Prophethood In His Wisdom, Allah had protected Ishmael in the harsh environment of the Holy Land in which he had matured in nobility. He had learned to speak Arabic in its purest, most eloquent form from the Jurhumites together with the art of horsemanship and had also become a highly skilled archer. The Jurhumites loved him, for his character was not only truthful and honorable but he was trustworthy and cared for their welfare; later on he was to marry from their tribe. Ishmael, the First Sacrifice Despite his advanced years, Prophet Abraham would often journey to Mecca to visit Lady Hagar, and his dearly beloved eldest son, Ishmael who was now a young man. There were occasions when Prophet Abraham was miraculously transported to Mecca on Burak, the heavenly white winged mount, which was in the centuries to come commissioned to carry Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to Jerusalem. On one such visit Prophet Abraham saw a vision in which he was told to sacrifice his son for Allah. Soon after the vision satan came to Abraham and whispered, “How could you kill your beloved son?” Abraham instantly rejected and cursed satan, and in obedience to Allah went to Ishmael and said, "My son, I saw while sleeping that I shall sacrifice you, tell me what you think." It was time for satan’s second attempt to prevent the fulfillment of the vision and he whispered to Ishmael in a similar manner. Ishmael immediately rejected and cursed satan. Like his father, Ishmael’s love of Allah and obedience to Him was unquestionable and he replied, "Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah), Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast." Koran, Chapter 37:102. Satan had failed twice, in his final attempt to prevent the fulfillment of the vision he went to Lady Hagar and whispered, “How could you let Abraham kill your only son?” But like her husband and son, she too loved Allah and was obedient to Him, so without hesitation she cursed and rejected satan. The Thoughtfulness of Ishmael Prophet Abraham took Ishmael to a quiet place far from the people. As Abraham prepared himself to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah, Ishmael, being a loving and caring young man without thought for himself, asked his father for three things. He requested that he might be permitted to face the ground so that his father would not see his eyes and then be overcome with mercy towards him, and disobey the command of Allah. Ishmael also feared for the safety of his father so he requested him to sit upon his shoulders so that if he struggled when the knife struck him he would not injure him. He knew his mother would be sad so his final request was to ask his father to give her his shirt to console her. It was time. Prophet Abraham tried to slit the back of his son's neck three times, but on each occasion the blade was prevented from penetration. After the third attempt, Allah called out to Abraham saying, "O Abraham, you have confirmed your vision.’ As such We recompense the good-doers. That was indeed a clear trial. So, we ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice.” Koran, Chapter 37 verse 104-107 Later on, Prophet Muhammad, (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said referring to Prophet Ishmael and his own father Abdullah, whose life was ransomed by the slaying of a hundred camels: "I am the son of the two sacrifices." When Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) revived the pilgrimage many centuries later, three stone pillars were erected outside Mecca en-route to Arafat as a reminder of the three whisperings of satan to Prophets Abraham, Ishmael, and Lady Hagar. These three pillars are stoned and satan is cursed by all those who make the pilgrimage. The Ungrateful Spouse Lady Hagar had passed away before Prophet Abraham's next visit to Becca. When he reached the valley he made his way to Ishmael's home but found he was not at home, so he started to look for an object he left behind on a previous visit. Soon after, Ishmael's wife returned and showed him no respect. She neither welcomed, nor was she hospitable to her elderly visitor. Abraham asked her where her husband was, whereupon she told him he was away hunting. He then inquired about their life and circumstances and rather than being grateful, she told him things were difficult then proceeded to complain about everything in their life. Ishmael's hunting expedition took longer than expected, and so Abraham, who had been made unwelcome, decided it was time to leave. Before he left he asked Ishmael’s wife to give her husband a message saying, "When your husband returns, convey my greetings of peace to him and tell him that he should change the threshold of his door." Awhile after Abraham's departure, Ishmael returned and sensed something unusual had happened during his absence, so he asked his wife if there had been any visitors. She told him of the elderly man that had stopped by, and how he had asked about his whereabouts and their welfare. Ishmael asked if the visitor had left a message whereupon she told him that he had sent him greetings of peace and told him to change the threshold of his door. Upon hearing this Ishmael told his wife that the elderly gentleman was none other than his father, and that he had directed him to divorce her. So Ishmael divorced his wife and, as was his nature, treated her fairly and caused her no harm, and so she returned to her people. Ishmael was loved by the Jurhumites and when he decided to remarry from their tribe they were delighted. The Grateful Spouse After a period of time Prophet Abraham returned to visit his son but once again he did not find Ishmael at home. He asked his new wife where he was and she told him that he had gone out to search for provisions and prepared a meal her visitor. As before, he asked Ishmael's wife about their circumstances but unlike the previous wife she praised Allah and told him they were comfortable. Abraham then inquired about their food whereupon she told him that they ate meat and drank water. Then, Prophet Abraham supplicated, "O Allah, bless their meat and water." Before leaving, Abraham asked her to convey the greetings of peace to Ishmael but this time he left instructions to strengthen the threshold. Soon after Ishmael returned and once again sensed something unusual so he inquired if there had been any visitors during his absence. His wife told him of the elderly gentleman and spoke kindly about him. Ishmael asked if he had said anything to her, she told him that he had inquired about their well-being and that she had replied everything was well. She also Ishmael the elderly gentleman had asked her to convey his greetings of peace to him and said that he was to strengthen the threshold of his house. Ishmael smiled, and told his wife that the elderly gentleman was none other than his father, Abraham and that she was the "threshold" he had ordered him to keep. In the years that followed, Ishmael had twelve children, and it is from his son Kidar that many Arabs are descended. Raising the House of Allah Time passed and the next time Prophet Abraham came to visit Ishmael, he found him sitting under a large tree near the spring of Zamzam repairing his arrows. As soon as he saw his father he stood up and they greeted each other affectionately with peace. After the greetings, Abraham told his son that Allah had given him another command -- the command to rebuild Ka'bah, the Holy Mosque of Allah. When Abraham asked Ishmael if he would help him fulfill his task he felt highly honored and accepted. Thereupon Abraham pointed to a mound of large stones and to its surrounding area and told him that it was the place where Allah had commanded him to raise the foundations of the Holy Mosque. Soon the rebuilding of Ka’bah was underway. Prophet Ishmael picked up the large stones then handed them to Prophet Abraham and he placed the Black Stone at its eastern corner. The Ka’bah was a roofless cubic house with its corners pointing to the north, south, east, and west. Once Ka’bah had been rebuilt, Abraham and Ishmael supplicated, "O our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Knower. Our Lord, make us both submissive (Muslims) to You, and of our descendants a submissive nation to You. Show us our (pilgrimage) rites, and accept (repentance from) us. You are the Receiver (of repentance), the Merciful. Our Lord, send among them (the inhabitants of this House) a Messenger from them (Allah answered the supplication by sending Prophet Muhammad) who shall recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book (Al Koran) and wisdom (Prophetic sayings), and purify them. You are the Mighty, the Wise." Koran Chapter 2 verses 127 -129 with the explanation of Sawi. Pilgrimage to Ka’bah is Established Following the supplication Allah took a covenant from Abraham and Ishmael to purify His House for those who would pilgrimage to it and worship Him there. Allah accepted the supplication of Prophets Abraham and Ishmael and soon pilgrims from all over Arabia and beyond made their way to Mecca where they learned about Allah, worshipped Him alone, and received instructions how to offer their pilgrimage. It was not always possible for pilgrims to offer their pilgrimage during its special season. Those unable to offer what became known as the “Greater Pilgrimage” would come when they could during other times of the year and offer a lesser pilgrimage. And so it was that Mecca became the center of worship in Arabia and a hub of activity on account of both its pilgrims and caravaners. Reversion to Idolatry Prophet's Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac had passed away, and over the centuries the worship of Allah, the Creator, became corrupted. However, the pilgrimage to Ka’bah continued with great treasures being brought by pilgrims which were then stored within the Ka'bah. Prophet Ishmael’s descendants and the tribe of Jurhumites had increased greatly in number to the extent that many decided to leave Mecca and settle elsewhere. With the new settlements there also came new pagan neighbors who influenced some of the migrants. The idols their pagan neighbors worshipped were those that had been worshipped during the prophethood of Noah before the Flood and had been unearthed in Jeddah by Amr, Luhai’s son who re-established their worship. These idols were now brought to Mecca and placed around Ka’bah and worshipped, with the idolaters claim that their idols had powers to intercede between Allah and mankind. To the idolaters, Allah had become remote and some ceased to believe in the Everlasting Life. Abraham And The First House of Allah 002 BACK COVER Subtitles Who is my Lord Abraham is chosen by Allah and becomes His Prophet The Logic of Abraham Abraham and King Nimrod Abraham and the Miracle of the Four Birds Abraham and Azar Part Company Abraham Outwits the Idols The Bonfire Abraham and Sarah in Egypt Prophets of Allah Abraham and Hagar in Becca, Arabia Abraham Supplicates for Lady Hagar, Ishmael and the Future Generations of Muslims Allah Hears the Cry of Lady Hagar The Caravaners Lady Hagar Meets the Jurhum Caravaners Angels do not Eat Lady Sarah Becomes Pregnant The Seeds of Ishmael’s Forthcoming Prophethood Ishmael, the First Sacrifice The Thoughtfulness of Ishmael The Ungrateful Spouse The Grateful Spouse Raising the House of Allah The Pilgrimage to Ka’bah is Established Idolatry