Before I answer your question, I'd like to give you a little something to think about. In Judhism, Christianity, and Islam alike, Prophet Abraham was one of God's greatest Prophets, amongst the most pious of men, a man who completely submitted himself to God and taught the people about faith in One God alone, and the Prophet who was the forefather of all Prophets after him. In Judhism, Christianity, and Islam alike, committing sexual acts with a woman outside of marriage is a major sin and completely forbidden. Does it make any sense that one of God's greatest Prophets would do such a thing? Does it make any sense that a man who is the most pious of pious people would do such a thing? Does it make any sense that God would give Prophet Abraham such praise if he was one to disobey God and go against His commands? I cannot imagine. It just doesn't make any sense.Originally Posted by VTJess03
In Islamic beliefs, Sarah was Prophet Abraham's first wife. They lived in a time where people would worship idols made of clay and stone and wood, and did not believe in the One God. God sent Prophet Abraham to his people to guide them to the 'truth', and lead them to monotheism. The only known believers at the time were Prophet Abraham, Prophet Lot, and Sarah. Sarah and Prophet Abraham married. Later on, Hagar became their house servant. There were no believers at the time. Prophet Abraham's wife, Sarah, was infertile. She thus, encouraged Prophet Abraham to marry Hagar as a 2nd wife and have children with her. With Hagar, he had Ishmael, and in Islam, it was a completely legitimate marriage, and no divorce ever took place. I do want to clear one thing though, before I continue with the story. Divorce is not frowned upon in Islam like it is in Christianity. There has to be a valid reason for divorce, but divorce is allowed in Islam, for the reasons that in certain situations, it is sometimes an absolute necessity.
Now, back to the story...Prophet Abraham was commanded by God to leave his wife, Hagar, and his baby, Ishmael, in the desert of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for a certain period of time. It was not an abandonment, but God had some wisdom behind this. Mecca was a city God had made holy, and by doing so, it eventually became the center of monotheism of the world. It is a long story, and I can narrate the whole thing if you like, but for now, I will keep it short, and to the point. Prophet Abraham and his son, Ishmael, both built the Ka'aba in Mecca. If you are unaware of what the Ka'aba is, it is the big black cube in the holy city of Mecca where millions of Muslims go every year for pilgrimage. Mecca is the center of God's worship in Islam, for that reason. Much of our faith revolves around belief in Prophet Abraham, the father of all prophets.
One more thing I'd like to mention. In Islamic beliefs, God never sent 'different' religions. He sent the same way of life and the same teachings to all of His prophets at different periods of time. We believe that Prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad all brought the same message from God, and taught the same thing. We also believe that after Moses/Jesus, both Jews and Christians were awaiting another Prophet who would confirm the message brought by their Prophets, and this was something God foretold in their holy books. Prophet Abraham had two sons, Ishmael from Hagar, and Isaac from Sarah. Both Ishmael and Isaac became prophets of God. Prophet Isaac was the forefather of all later Prophts, until Jesus. Ishmael was the forefather of Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
When Prophet Muhammad came, many Jews and Christians recognized him as the Prophet they were waiting for, and accepted His message. There were others though, who rejected him, for the reason that he was from the generations of Ishmael, and not Isaac, as they were hoping for. Otherwise, they were positive that he was the prophet they were waiting for, but they chose to reject him for this reason.
I hope this helps in answering your question.
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