• He caused his name to resound between the two horizons, so that the hearts of people overflowed with love for him and their tongues with praise of him.
• Among the lessons is that Allah raised him by means of knowledge, certainty, and compelling proofs. The Exalted says, “Thus We showed Abraham the dominions of the heavens and the earth so that he might be among those who possess sure faith” ⦗Al-An‘am 75⦘; and, “That is Our argument which We granted Abraham against his people. We raise in rank whom We will; surely your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing” ⦗Al-An‘am 83⦘. Out of his yearning to reach the utmost limit of knowledge he asked his Lord, “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” He said, “Do you not believe?” He replied, “Indeed I do, but only that my heart may be reassured.” He said, “Then take four birds, make them familiar to you, place on every mountain a part of them, then call them—they will come to you swiftly. And know that Allah is Almighty, All-Wise” ⦗Al-Baqarah 260⦘.
• Another benefit: whoever resolves to perform an act of obedience, exerts all that lies within his power to achieve it, and is then prevented by a circumstance beyond his control, his reward is nonetheless guaranteed by Allah. This is what Allah decreed concerning the emigrant who dies before reaching his destination, and it is what He affirmed in the story of the sacrifice: He granted Abraham and Ishmael their full reward when they submitted to Him and yielded to His command, then He lifted the hardship from them and assured them reward in both this world and the Hereafter.
• Also contained in his stories are the etiquettes, methods, and effective paths of debate: how to bind one’s opponent with clear proofs acknowledged by rational minds, to force even the most obstinate adversary to admit the futility of his position, to establish evidence against the stubborn, and to guide the earnest seeker.
• Yet another lesson: among Allah’s blessings to a servant is the gift of righteous children, and the servant’s duty is to praise Allah and pray for his offspring, just as the Friend did when he said, “All praise is for Allah who has granted me, despite old age, Ishmael and Isaac” ⦗Ibrahim 39⦘, and continued in supplication thereafter.