Why do Muslims send blessings upon the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)?

- Regarding the Prophet Ibrahim – Is it true or false?
- Who built the first Kaaba? There is disagreement about who built the first Kaaba; some say angels built it while others say the Prophet Adam built it. There is no certainty. However, the most common view is that the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (Ishmael) built the Kaaba.
- Why do Muslims send blessings upon the Prophet Ibrahim?
The Prophet Ibrahim built the Kaaba, prayed for the ummah, and then wanted a prophet to be sent to humanity; this request was fulfilled with the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Sending blessings is a deed of worship commanded by Allah, and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us to include the Prophet Ibrahim in our blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent blessings upon the Prophet Ibrahim by the command of Allah. Ibrahim is a close friend of Allah and the central and fundamental figure in the unity and chain of all prophets.

Dear Brother / Sister,

Muslims send blessings upon the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) because the Prophet Muhammad commanded it, and this deed of worship gains man Allah’s consent.

The current Kaaba was built by the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (Ishmael).

Prayers and supplications remind us of the unity of the chain of prophets and their high status in the sight of Allah.

Now that we have covered this brief introduction, let us get into the details:

Who built the first Kaaba?

There are some differing opinions regarding the construction of the first Kaaba: According to some, angels built it and according to others the Prophet Adam did. There is no definitive information but the Kaaba is considered to be the first place of worship on earth. However, the current Kaaba is believed to have been built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son the Prophet Ismail.

Why do Muslims send blessings upon Ibrahim?

The Companions asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “How shall we send blessings upon you?” He taught them as follows:

“O Allah! Send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim…” (Bukhari, Anbiya, 10; Muslim, Salah, 65, 66, 69)

In other words, Muslims send blessings not by their own choice, but in the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught them.

The claim that the Kaaba was built by Adam, angels, etc., is about “for the first” construction of the Kaaba.

a) It is not possible for us, Muslims, to hesitate to accept the “later” construction proposed by non-Muslims, especially Jews because there is a verse stating that the current Kaaba was built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (see al-Baqara, 2/125-127).

b) It is certain that the Kaaba existed before the Prophet Ibrahim. It can be understood from relevant narrations, as well as from the verses of the Quran concerning the House (Bayt) and the Prophet Ibrahim (Aal-i Imran, 3/96, al-Hajj, 22/26).

There is detailed information regarding the issue. (See Tabari, Zamakhshari, Razi, Ibn Kathir, the interpretation of the verses in question)

c) The high status of the Prophet Ibrahim in the sight of Allah is mentioned in many verses of the Quran, and it is stated that the prophet that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was closest to was the Prophet Ibrahim.

For example, the following is stated in verse 125 of the chapter of an-Nisa: “Allah did take Abraham for a friend.” In another verse, it is indicated that the person closest to the Prophet Ibrahim was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). (see Aal-i Imran, 3/68)

d) The family of the Prophet Ibrahim were prophets. The family of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), however, were not prophets. Sending blessings upon both prophets and their families is intended to highlight their close relationship and the virtues of the latter’s family.

e) The simile used in the salawat is not intended to equalize the order of merit, but rather to apply the salawat on the family of Prophet Ibrahim and the family of Prophet Muhammad.

The family of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are saints; the family of the Prophet Ibrahim are prophets. This explains the secret and wisdom of sending blessings.

The great saints who emerged from the family of Muhammad show the spiritual and true fruit of the acceptance of salawat.

Questions on Islam