Within the religious context Abraham represents one of the most iconic and important characters within Christianity, Judaism and Islam. He is considered the founder of Israel. His story can be appreciated in the sacred scriptures, specifically in the book of Genesis (between chapters 11 and 25).
The story of Abraham is based on his commitment to God. This commitment leads him to leave Mesopotamia, the land where he was born, his home, his family, to move with his wife Sarah to Canaan, the promised land. There he lived as a nomad. After going through situations of great hunger, he decided to go to Egypt, to later return and settle in Mamré.
God offered Abraham the promised land for him and all his descendants, who would be as numerous as the dust found on earth. By then Abraham's wife, Sarah, had not been able to father a son, however Abraham managed to have one with Hagar who was Sarah's slave.
Some time later, God appeared before him and promises him that his wife Sara will soon give him a legitimate child. Upon hearing this, Sara smiled since for her that was impossible since she was 90 years old; But God did keep his promise and Abraham was able to be Isaac's father at the age of 100.
In the biblical quotations it is said that God wanted to test Abraham's faith by sending him to offer his own son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Abraham accepted the order, and with great pain he decided to offer the life of his offspring, and when he was about to make the offering, God exempts him from such an act, demonstrating the immense obedience of the patriarch towards God.
Abraham represents a figure of great relevance to the biblical history of salvation, he is considered the father of Judaism, representing the prototype of a just man, being praised by all Israelites. The name of Abraham is always mentioned by the Hebraic prophets in the most difficult moments of the Jewish people, reminding them of the covenant made between God and Abraham.
For Catholics, God founded with Abraham the authentic religion in the world and the figure of Abraham is seen as the patriarch of all faithful believers.
