Introduction

Looking at both the Bible and the Qur'an, we can see that Abraham traveled around the Near East, moving from place to place preaching his message of monotheism. The important point for the audience is to understand that he did this because he was devoted to his cause, an idea that can resonate with the religious and non-religious alike. Follow the story of his journey through this interactive map.

Uruk

Located in Babylon, Uruk was a city that gained prominence in the years 4000 BCE to 3200 BCE. According to Abrahamic texts, this is the city where Abraham was born. Its culture was polytheistic, centering on worship of the common Mesopotamian pantheon. It is in this culture Abraham was raised, learning to eventually reject the system of his fathers in place of monotheism, becoming an archetype of piety and devotion for the Abrahamic faiths. He began traveling the Near East in the path of God.

Urfa

According to some Muslim sources, Urfa was the location where Abraham was tossed into the fire by Nimrod. Upon conveying his message of monotheism to Nimrod, Abraham is cast into a fire for attempting to convince the King to accept monotheism. In a miracle, God causes the fire to not burn Abraham and he emerges unscathed to continue on the path of God.

Damascus

In Jewish sources, here Abraham meets his cousin, Lot, and eventually meets the king Melchizedek.

Canaan

For some time Abraham lives in Canaan where he marries Sarah and Hagar. It is at this time he is contacted by angels to inform him that he will be a progenitor of great nations. Being old and Sarah barren, he is confused. Then it is revealed that she will bear a son named Isaac, and Hagar will bear a son named Ishmael.

Egypt

After a famine, Egypt became Abraham's destination. According to the Jewish narrative, Sarah was coveted by the Pharaoh's staff. Eventually, they leave Egypt when the Pharaoh realizes that Sarah is a married woman.

Mecca

Exclusively in Muslim tradition, Ishmael and Hagar were left here by Abraham at God's command. When Ishmael became older, Abraham returned to Mecca, where the two of them rebuilt the Kaaba.

Hebron

Eventually Abraham moves to Hebron. Here Sarah passes away and is buried in what eventually became known as the Cave of the Patriarchs. Abraham is believed to be buried here, as well.