Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam*
[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
*4:125 All messengers since Adam have preached one and the same religion. Abraham was the original messenger of the creed named “Islam” (22:78, Appendix 26). “Islam” is not a name, but rather a description meaning “Submission.”
What does it mean that Abraham was God’s beloved friend?
Abraham had 100% devotion to God alone as he was never an idol worshiper. Abraham was willing to kill his own son in the cause of God (even though it was the devil who tried to trick him). This shows the level of devotion Abraham had for God.
[3:68] The people most worthy of Abraham are those who followed him, and this prophet, and those who believe. GOD is the Lord and Master of the believers.
2 Chronicles 20:7
Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
Isaiah 41:8
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,
James 2:23
“AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.
Abraham was the original messenger of Submission (Islam)
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam
[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion – the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.
[2:130] Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.
[2:135] They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham – monotheism – he never was an idol worshiper.”
[6:161] Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path – the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper.”
[6:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.