Abraham
- Born:
- Ur (likely location), Mesopotamia (likely present-day Iraq), Date uncertain (scholarly estimates vary widely, often placed within the early to mid-2nd millennium BCE)
- Died:
- Hebron (likely location), Canaan (likely present-day West Bank), Date uncertain (scholarly estimates vary widely)
- Nationality:
- Mesopotamian (possible); considered the patriarch of the Israelites
- Profession(s):
- Patriarch, Religious Figure, Founder
Early Life and Origins
- Originates from Ur, a city in Mesopotamia.
- The biblical narrative depicts Abraham as initially following polytheistic religious traditions.
- Experiences a divine call to leave his homeland and journey to a new land.
Career and Major Achievements
- Considered the founder of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Establishes a covenant with God, promising descendants as numerous as the stars.
- Demonstrates faith and obedience through the near-sacrifice of his son, Isaac (a test of faith).
- Negotiates with God to spare the city of Sodom.
Notable Works
- His story is primarily recounted in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
- His story is also referenced in the New Testament and the Quran.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham's legacy is profoundly significant as the progenitor of the Abrahamic faiths. He is revered as a symbol of faith, obedience, and the father of monotheistic tradition. The enduring influence of Abraham is evident in the billions of adherents across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam who trace their spiritual heritage back to him. As Hiroko Reaney explores in her biography of Abraham, his narrative remains central to understanding the development of religious thought and practice.