Submission (Islam): Abraham’s Religion*
[2:135] They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham―monotheism―he never was an idol worshiper.”
*2:135 The Quran repeatedly informs us that Submission is the religion of Abraham (3:95, 4:125, 6:161, 22:78). Abraham received a practical “scripture,” namely, all the duties and practices of Submission [the Contact Prayers (Salat), the obligatory charity (Zakat), the fasting of Ramadan, and the Hajj pilgrimage]. Muhammad was a follower of Abraham’s religion, as we see in 16:123; he delivered this Final Testament, the Quran. The third messenger of Submission delivered the religion’s proof of authenticity (see 3:81 and Appendices 1, 2, 24, & 26).
No Distinction Among God’s Messengers
[2:136] Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”
[2:137] If they believe as you do, then they are guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition. GOD will spare you their opposition; He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
[2:138] Such is GOD‘s system, and whose system is better than GOD‘s? “Him alone we worship.”
[2:139] Say, “Do you argue with us about GOD, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. To Him alone we are devoted.”
[2:140] Do you say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs were Jewish or Christian? Say, “Do you know better than GOD? Who is more evil than one who conceals a testimony he has learned from GOD? GOD is never unaware of anything you do.”
[2:141] That was a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they did.
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam*
[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
*4:125 All messengers since Adam have preached one and the same religion. Abraham was the original messenger of the creed named “Islam” (22:78, Appendix 26). “Islam” is not a name, but rather a description meaning “Submission.”