Abraham
Arabic Ibrahim. Original monotheist, purifier of God's house, builder of the Kaaba, and first Muslim. Preached against idolatry and sin. Rewarded by God for his faith and given a position of spiritual leadership, to be passed down to his descendants. The Quran records God's covenant with Abraham and his son by Hagar , Ishmael , as well as the covenant with Abraham and his son by Sarah , Isaac . Abraham's faith was so great that he prepared to obey God's command to sacrifice his son. At the last minute, God permitted him to substitute a ram. As father of both Ishmael and Isaac, Abraham is the common ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.