Abraham

Born:: Circa 2166 BCE (Traditional Dating) - Ur, Mesopotamia (Present-day Iraq)
Died:: Circa 1991 BCE (Traditional Dating) - Hebron (Present-day Palestine)
Nationality:: Mesopotamian (Ancient Israelite lineage)
Profession(s):: Patriarch, Religious Figure

Early Life and Education

Born in Ur, a major city in ancient Mesopotamia.
Family likely belonged to a semi-nomadic background.
Early religious beliefs likely polytheistic, consistent with Mesopotamian culture.
The circumstances surrounding his departure from Ur are central to his narrative.

Career and Major Achievements

Considered the founding father of the Israelites.
Made a covenant with God, promising land and numerous descendants.
Tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac (in some traditions).
Migrated from Mesopotamia to Canaan (present-day Israel/Palestine).
Established a belief in one God (monotheism), a foundational concept for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Legacy and Impact

Abraham's significance lies in his role as a patriarch and a pivotal figure in the development of monotheistic religion. His story is central to the Abrahamic religions, and he is revered as a figure of faith, obedience, and divine connection. Examining differing perspectives, such as those presented in a 'munizae jahangir biography of abraham', provides further context to his historical and religious significance.

Notable Works

Abraham's story is primarily preserved through religious texts:

Hebrew Bible (Genesis 11-25)
Christian Old Testament
Quran (various Surahs)

Descendants

Isaac (through Sarah) - father of Jacob (Israel) and Esau.
Ishmael (through Hagar) - considered an ancestor of the Arabs in Islamic tradition.
Other children through Keturah after Sarah's death.