IBRAHIM (Abraham), THE INTIMATE FRIEND OF GOD

"Also mention in the book (the story) of Abraham; he was a man of truth, a Prophet"
He exhibits in the Qur'an and Islamic tradition a robust and dynamic personality. Ibrahim (pbuh) typifies man's spiritual journey from that primordial state (fitra) of innocent faith in God to doubt, then to faith, and finally to absolute certainty. From a contemplative observation at night of the universe around him, Ibrahim (pbuh) deduced that it must have a Lord. "When the night covered him over he saw a star. He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said : I love not those that set". Ibrahim (pbuh) cried with disappointment. He then saw the moon, and then the sun, even more luminous and of much greater magnitude. Ibrahim (pbuh) exclaimed: This is my Lord, this is greatest of all! But when the sun set, he said : O my people, I am indeed free from your guilt of giving partners to God." Finally, in an outburst of divine illumination, Ibrahim (pbuh) cried out: "For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly towards Him who created the heavens and the earth and never shall I give partners to God". $
It was after this discovery of the truth by his unaided reason that Ibrahim (pbuh) received revelation. He discovered God, as it were, then God guided him and granted him and his progeny the gift of prophethood, then chose him as His intimate friend (khalil) and finally appointed him as the imam (leader) of Humankind. Ibrahim, (pbuh) left no revelation of his own because he belongs to all revelation. He is the hero and maker of revelation-history rather than its guide. He was neither a Jew nor a Christian but a man of pure faith, a humble Muslim, a submitter to God. "Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian rather he was a downright acceptor of commands."