The Sacrifice Of The Prophet Abraham

Today, politics may be based on democracy, but back then, it was based on divine kingship. This right was thought to belong to the royal family, believed to be descendants of the gods. Abraham’s family played a major role in this system. His father, Azar (Terah), owned an idol-making workshop and was an official in the royal temple. At that time, his status was like that of the president of a ruling political party today. Under these circumstances, Abraham had an easy path to success—he could inherit his father’s position, support the system, and attain high status. But again, he chose the path of sacrifice. He openly said to his father, Azar: “Do you take other than God as your gods? I see that you and your people have clearly gone astray.” (Quran, 6:74) Abraham did not follow the star-worship system like his father. Instead, he stood against it as a preacher and reformer. He rejected the system that had a top position ready for him and called for its change. He didn’t try to succeed within falsehood; he made it his mission to reject it and speak the truth. As a result, he was thrown out of his home. People of his nation turned against him. Even the king became his enemy, because his message was seen as a threat to the political foundation of the kingdom. Rebelling against an established system always means losing all opportunities within it. So, this decision turned Abraham’s entire life into one of sacrifice. He became homeless. He was denied any share in family property.