Abraham
- Born:
- Date Unknown, Ur (Mesopotamia)
- Died:
- Date Unknown, Canaan
- Nationality:
- Ancient Mesopotamian
- Profession(s):
- Patriarch, Religious Figure
Early Life and Background
- Born in Ur of the Chaldees, Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).
- Son of Terah.
- Married to Sarah (Sarai).
- Left his homeland at God's command, migrating to Canaan.
Career and Major Achievements
- Considered the patriarch of the Jewish people, as well as a major figure in Christianity and Islam.
- Entered into a covenant with God, promising progeny as numerous as the stars and possession of the land of Canaan.
- Demonstrated unwavering faith in God, most notably through his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.
- Led his household in worship of one God, rejecting the polytheistic practices of his time.
Notable Works
- Narrative primarily found in the Book of Genesis (chapters 11-25) in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, and referenced throughout the New Testament.
- Mentioned in the Quran as a prophet and a key figure in the history of monotheism.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham's legacy is immense and foundational to three of the world's major religions. He is revered as the father of the Jewish people, a key figure in Christian salvation history, and an important prophet in Islam. His story serves as a testament to faith, obedience, and the importance of covenant with God. The question of how to understand Abraham, a patriarch of so much religious belief, has occupied historians and theologians for centuries, leading to complex interpretive works like any hypothetical "Elie Cartan biography of Abraham."