Journey of Faith: Abraham's Path to Monotheism

Abraham the Hebrew. "Rabbi Judah taught, the entire world stood on one side, and he stood on the other" (Midrash).

What led Abraham to stand against the whole world, and what was the cost he bore? Such a stance undoubtedly required the strength of a giant, as he began to promote his conclusion that God is one. Abraham's influence is unparalleled; belief in one God has become widespread and respected globally.

One might ask, who was this Abraham the Hebrew? To understand him, we must travel back in time, from the Creation to Abraham's era. He emerged as the 'pillar of the world,' as named by Maimonides.

Adam recognized his Creator, and in the days of Enosh, people proclaimed, 'The Lord is the Creator, but He placed the stars above, intended to be honored.' This erroneous belief laid the foundation for idolatry.

False prophets arose, claiming divine messages that led to worshipping stars, constructing temples, and offering sacrifices. Gradually, the true Creator was forgotten, remembered only by a few, such as Enoch and Noah.

Into this world filled with idol worship, Abraham was born. However, even in a home where this was the norm, Abraham questioned the nature of existence and sought the truth.

"As a child, Abraham pondered deeply, day and night, questioning how the universe could exist without a guiding force. Alone, he concluded there is one God who governs all and that no other deity exists," described by Maimonides.

Picture of Abraham

According to the sages, by age forty, Abraham had firmly grasped the truth and began spreading it by calling upon the name of God.

Did he have an easy journey? The sages tell us of the trials Abraham faced, including imprisonment and being thrown into a furnace, from which God saved him.

Interestingly, an ancient idolatry book cited by Maimonides records that Abraham challenged the prevailing mindset about deities like the sun. He argued that the sun, like an axe wielded by a woodcutter, was only a tool of creation and not the creator itself.

Due to his persistent advocacy for the one true God, Abraham was imprisoned, and his possessions were confiscated, similar to accounts in our tradition.

Maimonides explains that because many cursed Abraham for his message about one non-physical Creator, God promised that those who cursed him would be cursed and those who blessed him would be blessed.

What was the outcome of Abraham's struggle?

It is fascinating that throughout the world, people even today name their children after him, a testament to his timeless influence on multiple faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Abraham's wisdom, love for God, truth, strength, and courage set the foundation of our faith. We, his descendants, are grateful to carry forward this profound and genuine belief, inspired by a man who risked everything for truth.

Is it any wonder God addressed him as "Abraham, My servant" and "Abraham, My beloved"?<\/p>