Avraham

Avraham is the Hebrew name of the patriarch known in English as Abraham. He is regarded as a founding figure in Judaism and is also revered in Christianity and Islam. The name Avraham is traditionally interpreted as meaning "father of many" or "exalted father."

In the biblical narrative, Avraham leaves his homeland in response to a divine call and travels to the land of Canaan. God makes a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation and to bless all nations through his offspring. The covenant is sealed with circumcision; God renames him Avraham and his wife Sarai as Sarah.

Sarah bears a son, Isaac, though she is advanced in years. Avraham also fathers Ishmael with Hagar, according to the account. A key episode is the binding of Isaac, in which God tests Avraham’s faith and provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac. Avraham dies at 175 and is buried beside Sarah in the Cave of the Patriarchs at Hebron.

In Judaism, Avraham is the first patriarch and the exemplar of obedience to God. In Christianity, he is cited as a model of faith and as part of the spiritual lineage leading to Jesus. In Islam, Ibrahim is a prophet and messenger who submits to God, with Ishmael linked to Arab descent.