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Title of Khaleelullah – Part 6

Ibrahim عليه السلام Echo: Where Footsteps Become Footprints

In our theme for this year`s Hajj, we are focusing on the life of the great Prophet of Allah, Ibrahim Alayhis Salaam and his relationship with Allah as well as with the people around him, viz his father, sons, wives and the community he belonged to. We commence by looking at his relationship with ALLAH. 

Title of Khalilullah

Among the many titles and honours given to the Prophets AS in the Qur’an, few are as profound and intimate as the title “Khalīlullāh”— the Friend of Allah ﷻ. This unique title was bestowed upon Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), a man whose unwavering faith, obedience, and love for his Lord elevated him to one of the highest spiritual stations in human history. His being called the Friend of Allah is not merely a title, but a reflection of the deep and abiding relationship he had with his Creator.

The Qur’anic Declaration

The Qur’an explicitly mentions this noble title in Surah An-Nisā’:

وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۗ وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ خَلِيلًا

“And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend (Khalil).” An-Nisā’ (4: 125)

The Arabic word “Khalil” denotes a close and sincere friend — one whose bond is based on loyalty, love, and deep trust. In Islamic tradition, only two individuals have been honoured with this title: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This status is not merely honorary — it reflects the essence of Ibrahim AS’s spiritual life.

The Foundations of Divine Friendship

Ibrahim (AS) achieved this closeness to Allah through a series of defining qualities and experiences that displayed his absolute submission and trust.

  1. Unwavering Faith in Trials

Ibrahim’s (AS) life was filled with trials that would test the limits of any human being. From being cast into fire for rejecting idol worship, to leaving his wife Hājar RA and infant son Ismail in the barren desert of Makkah, and even to the command of sacrificing his beloved son — every test was met with firm belief and immediate submission.

“And [mention] when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. Allah said, ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.’” Al-Baqarah (2: 124)

His ability to fulfil every divine command with sincerity was a sign of his complete devotion and trust, qualities that define a true friend of Allah.

  1. A Heart Pure of Shirk (Association)

Ibrahim (AS) is the ultimate example of Tawḥīd (monotheism). From a young age, he rejected all forms of idol worship and rationally and spiritually searched for the one true God.

“Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation unto himself, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” An-Naḥl (16: 120)

His heart was completely free of worldly attachments or partners with Allah. This purity made him worthy of an intimate bond with the Creator.

  1. Consistent Devotion and Du‘ā

Throughout his life, Ibrahim (AS) constantly turned to Allah in prayer and supplication, not just for himself but for future generations.

“Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” Al-Baqarah (2: 127)

“Our Lord, make us submissive to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation.” Al-Baqarah (2:128)

These prayers show not only a deep spiritual relationship, but also concern for the spiritual well-being of all humanity — a sign of sincere love for Allah and His purpose.

What It Means to Be the Friend of Allah

Being the “Friend of Allah” (Khalīlullāh) means that Allah loves and protects Ibrahim (AS), that his prayers are accepted, and that he has a closeness that most humans cannot imagine.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said:

“Allah took me as His Khalil, just as He took Ibrahim as His Khalil.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 532)

This special relationship is built on unconditional submission, perfect sincerity, and unceasing remembrance. A Khalil of Allah places nothing above Allah — not wealth, family, or even personal safety. And in return, Allah places him among the most honoured in this world and the next.

If we seek to become beloved to Allah, we must mirror the qualities of Ibrahim: trust in trials, sincerity in worship, and complete reliance upon Allah.

 

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