Abraham (Patriarch)
- Born:
- Estimated between 2166–2081 BCE, Ur of the Chaldees (modern-day Iraq)
- Died:
- Estimated between 1991–1906 BCE, Hebron (modern-day West Bank)
- Nationality:
- Ancient Near Eastern (Chaldean/Hebrew)
- Primary Profession(s):
- Patriarch, Religious Figure, Tribal Leader
Early Life and Education
- Born Abram to Terah in Ur of the Chaldees.
- Traditional accounts detail his questioning of idolatry from a young age.
- Migrated with his family to Haran, where they settled.
Career and Major Achievements
- Entered into a covenant with God (YHWH), promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan.
- Departed Haran for Canaan at the age of 75.
- Fathered Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah's maidservant.
- Miraculously fathered Isaac with Sarah in their old age.
- Demonstrated his faith by being willing to sacrifice Isaac, a test he ultimately passed.
- Negotiated with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah from destruction.
- Established a monotheistic faith that influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Acquired the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron as a burial site for Sarah and his descendants.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham is considered the founding father of the Jewish people and a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. His unwavering faith, his covenant with God, and his lineage are central to the beliefs and identities of billions of people worldwide. The narratives surrounding Abraham, whether viewed as historical or symbolic, continue to shape religious and cultural values.
Notable Works
- Stories and accounts of Abraham are primarily found in religious texts:
- Genesis 11:27 - 25:10 in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.
- Various passages in the New Testament.
- The Quran.
- Other religious and historical texts.
Abraham and the Parag Sanghvi Biography of Abraham
The subject of Abraham is of interest to many scholars, including those undertaking projects similar to a parag sanghvi biography of abraham. Such endeavors aim to compile and interpret the vast body of textual and historical information surrounding his life and legacy.