Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief? (Qur’an, 4:125)
Prophet Ibrahim (as) is a servant honored with the prophethood by Allah at a young age, and one possessed of superior qualities. Allah chose him from among his people, who ascribed partners to Him, and entrusted him with the duty of communicating the message of His religion. Allah sets out His revelations to the prophet in this verse:
Or do they in fact envy other people for the bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We gave them an immense kingdom. (Qur’an, 4:54)
In the above verse it is revealed that the “Book and Wisdom” have been given to the Ibrahim family, in other words to Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his descendants. In other verses, our Lord reveals that He has given “texts” to Prophet Ibrahim (as) as follows:
… the Hereafter is better and longer lasting. This is certainly in the earlier texts, the texts of Ibrahim and Musa. (Qur’an, 87:17-19)
It can clearly be seen in these verses that Allah revealed “texts” to Prophet Ibrahim (as) before the revelation of the Torah to Prophet Musa (as). These texts contain a pure religion based on Prophet Ibrahim’s submission to Allah. Our Prophet (saas) had this to say on the subject:
- [Abu Dharr] asked: "O Messenger of Allah, has anything from the pages of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Musa (as) been sent down to you?" He replied: "O Abu Dharr," ["Yes," he said, "such verses were revealed," and began to read them:] "Everyone who cleans himself well, recalls the name of the Lord, and performs the prayers has achieved his hopes. Perhaps you hold the life of this world to be superior. But the Hereafter is more auspicious and more constant. These [truths] also exist in previous pages, the pages of Ibrahim (as) and Musa (as). (Al-Hafiz ibn al-Dayba ` al-Shaybani, Taysir al-'usul ila Jami` al-'usul, 860)
Prophet Ibrahim (as) Was a Pure Muslim
Throughout history people have debated what religion Prophet Ibrahim (as) actually belonged to. Jews regard him as one of the Jewish prophets and maintain that they are following his path. Christians also regard him as a Jewish prophet, but differ from the Jews in claiming that he is subject to Prophet ‘Isa (as), who was to come after him.
The fact is, however, that in the Qur’an Allah states that those who discuss the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his descendants have no information on the subject. In addition, Allah also reveals in verses that the debate over whether Prophet Ibrahim (as) was Christian or Jewish is an irrational one:
People of the Book! Why do you argue concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel were only sent down after him? Why do you not use your intellect? You are people arguing about something of which you have some knowledge. Why then do you argue about something of which you have no knowledge? Allah knows; you do not know. (Qur’an, 3:65-66)
The Qur’an is the source of reference that gives us the most accurate information regarding Prophet Ibrahim (as). That is because the Qur’an is the only one of Allah’s Books that has not been corrupted. One certain fact about the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (as) is revealed thus in one verse:
Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a man of pure natural belief – a Muslim. He was not one of the associaters. (Qur’an, 3:67)
The debates over the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (as) will be definitively resolved when the originals of the texts Allah revealed to him are uncovered. As revealed in the verses above, it is revealed that Prophet Ibrahim (as) is a Muslim who believes in Allah as the “One and Only god.” The realization of this with the emergence of the texts will be a means whereby members of various religions come to turn to Islam.
Prophet Ibrahim (as) was born in this region. He also communicated his message to the pagan tribe in this region. His struggle against Nimrod, the leader of that tribe, also took place in that region.
It is believed that the originals of these texts are inside the 2500-year-old remains on Mount Nimrod, in the province of Adiyaman in South-East Turkey.
Parts of the region that have still not yet been reached should contain his tomb, relief inscriptions, treasure and considerable information about that period. There is also a strong likelihood that the texts of Prophet Ibrahim (as), regarded as a criminal element by the rulers of the time, are there. A very excellent system was probably established to conceal this very important scripture and information in the deepest and most inaccessible locations, where it is protected against falling into the wrong hands. In fact, due to the difficulties and dangers of access, these protected areas have still not been explored. However, it may well be that scrupulous research conducted using the latest technology will allow this most important information to be brought to light. The opening up of these enormous masses of stone will be very difficult.
Therefore, a special system needs to be established, and the opening up of the mountain must be commenced from end parts. A retaining wall needs to be constructed to protect against rockfalls, and partial evacuation may need to be carried out to prevent a possible disaster in the region. In addition, those who placed this very important information and scripture there may have considered the fact that the region could not be conquered during years of attacks due to its geographical location. For example, despite being very small, the Commagene Kingdom resisted Persian and Roman attacks for years, and was never overthrown. This is another manifestation of the credible nature of the region.
Mount Nimrod and the Secret of the Tomb
The Mount Nimrod temple, which, according to historical sources, dates back to 3,000 years after the time of Prophet Ibrahim (as), is regarded as one of the world’s most important cultural treasures by a great many international organizations, including UNESCO. It has been the subject of archaeological excavations since it was first brought to light in the 19th century, with Turkish and foreign archaeologists investigating it. The top of Mount Nimrod was cleared by human hand during the construction of the remains, only a part of which have still been unearthed, and 6-ton blocks of stone were dragged from kilometers away and erected on the summit.
There is another very important point on which Turkish, German and American archaeologists working on Mount Nimrod are agreed. A second area has been prepared and carved out inside the mountain. It is thought that this is a tomb chamber. Countless tunnels have been dug since Roman times up to the present in order to locate these chambers. Yet none of these initiatives has had any success. The fact that it has been so well concealed makes scientists think that this region is very important and contains highly significant information. Archaeological excavations in the region must continue in the light of this. This discovery, which will cast light on the history of religions, alter members’ of different religions perspective towards Islam and, most important of all, that will show Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) true religion as compatible with his legacy, must be made, and the work must be accelerated.
Prophet Ibrahim (as) Was a “Community in Himself”
Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the associaters. (Qur’an, 16:120)
Prophet Ibrahim (as) held Allah above all things, sought only His approval, was sincerely devoted to Him, and feared and trusted only Him.
Although opposed by many people, who wished to kill him or even cast him into the flames, he remained determined in his struggle to make the religion of Allah prevail, thanks to his courage and submission, which stemmed from his faith.
All believers must adopt these superior moral values of Prophet Ibrahim (as) for themselves and, even if they are all alone, they must still be courageous, determined, true, submissive and strong-willed like him. What they need to do in order to do this is to genuinely submit to our one and only Lord, fear only Him and take Him as their only friend. That is because even if a believer finds himself totally isolated in a community of unbelievers, his enthusiasm and strong desire to attain the good pleasure of Allah will encourage him to always behave in an auspicious manner, to live according to religious moral values and to preach these to others as a requirement of Qur’anic moral values. He always acts with the strength imparted by the knowledge that Allah is always by his side, and always protects and supports him. Whoever exhibits the same moral values as Prophet Ibrahim (as), who binds himself to Allah with the same devotion and submission, may hope, like Prophet Ibrahim (as), to be given the strength of being a “community in himself.”
