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Comparative Theology · Common Ground

Abraham fell on his face before God

In short

The claim being examined

Genesis records Abraham prostrating when God speaks to him.

The Islamic position

Muslims call Abraham Ibrahim and follow the same posture of humility before God.

Analysis

The Hebrew verb here, va-yippol al panav, is the same idiom used of Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Ezekiel. Prostration is not an eastern innovation - it is biblical.

From the Qur'an

Qur'an 22:26

And bow and prostrate, and worship your Lord.

From the Bible

Genesis 17:3

va-yippol Avram al panav

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him...

Read it in their Bible

Joshua 5:14

Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence.

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Sources

The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection

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