Which Prophet is Called Ab ul-Ambiya?

The correct answer is Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S).

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), known in the Western world as Abraham, holds the prestigious title of Ab ul-Ambiya, which translates to "The Father of the Prophets." This title is a reflection of his unique position in divine history, as nearly every prophet sent by Allah after him was a direct descendant of his two sons, Hazrat Ismail (A.S) and Hazrat Ishaq (A.S). His legacy is so central to the Islamic faith that he is also referred to as Khalilullah (The Friend of Allah).

The Genealogy of Prophethood

The primary reason Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) is called the Father of the Prophets lies in his lineage. From his son, Hazrat Ishaq (A.S), came a long line of prophets sent to the Israelites, including Hazrat Yaqub (A.S), Hazrat Yusuf (A.S), Hazrat Musa (A.S), Hazrat Dawood (A.S), Hazrat Sulaiman (A.S), and Hazrat Isa (A.S).

On the other side, through his eldest son, Hazrat Ismail (A.S), came the final messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W). This genealogical convergence makes Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) the patriarch of the most significant messengers in human history. Every time a Muslim offers their daily prayers, they recite the Durood-e-Ibrahim, which explicitly links the blessings bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) to those bestowed upon Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and his progeny.

A Life of Trials and Monotheism

The history of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) is defined by his unwavering commitment to Tawheed (the Oneness of God) in an age of rampant idolatry. Born in the city of Ur (modern-day Iraq), he challenged the pagan beliefs of his own father, Azar, and the powerful king, Nimrod. His life was a series of monumental trials, from being cast into a massive fire—which Allah turned cool and peaceful for him—to the command to leave his wife Hajra and infant son Ismail in the barren desert of Makkah.

His most famous trial was the divine command to sacrifice his son. This act of total submission is the historical foundation of the festival of Eid-ul-Adha. Because he never wavered in his devotion, Allah made him a leader for all mankind and ensured that prophethood remained within his family for thousands of years.

The Rebuilding of the Kaaba

Another historical pillar of his legacy is the reconstruction of the Holy Kaaba. Alongside his son Hazrat Ismail (A.S), Ibrahim (A.S) raised the foundations of the first house of worship dedicated to Allah in Makkah. While building, he made a famous supplication (Dua) asking Allah to raise a messenger from among the local people who would recite His verses and sanctify them. Islamic scholars agree that the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) thousands of years later was the direct fulfillment of that prayer.

Legacy in Hajj and Daily Life

The influence of the "Father of the Prophets" is visible in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Almost every ritual of Hajj, from the Sa'i between Safa and Marwa to the Rami (stoning of the devil), is a reenactment of the life events of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and his family. He serves as the bridge between the early messengers and the finality of prophethood, cementing his role as a spiritual and biological father to the prophetic tradition. Understanding his history is essential for anyone studying the origins of Islamic law and the continuity of divine guidance throughout the ages.