Symbolism in the Qur’anic Story of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Master's degree student in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Research, Imam Khomeini International University. Qazvin, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Research, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

The Holy Qur'an contains a collection of stories about the divine prophets, through which the contrast between truth and falsehood across history and human societies is clearly depicted. The mysterious story of Abraham (PBUH) is one such example, in which positive and negative characters are portrayed and symbolized for future generations. The symbolism in this story is based on "individuals and characters" as well as "events and natural forces." The positive heroes of this story are: Abraham (PBUH), who symbolizes a revolutionary figure in realizing monotheism and a fighter against the manifestations of tyranny; Hagar, who symbolizes loyalty; Ishmael, who symbolizes absolute devotion and submission; Isaac, who symbolizes hope and insight; and Sarah, who symbolizes empathy and affection. The negative characters, such as Nimrod, Azar, and his people, represent arrogance, rejection of truth, retrogression, and fanaticism, respectively. Moreover, in a novel move, the Holy Qur'an also symbolizes natural events and forces. In this story, the Ka'bah symbolizes monotheism and the unity of the Islamic Ummah, Safa and Marwah symbolize respect for the divine rituals, celestial bodies symbolize a logical proof, idols symbolize tyranny, and the axe symbolizes the struggle.

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References

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Biannual Journal of research in the interpretation of Quran
Volume 11, Issue 21
February 2025
Pages 343-381

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 25 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 27 May 2024

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