Final answer:
Abraham stood out for his monotheism when polytheism was prevalent. His covenant with Yahweh formed the basis of Judaism and influenced Christianity and Islam, marking him as a key figure in all three Abrahamic religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham, also known as Ibrahim in Islam, was fundamentally different from other people of his time due to his strong commitment to monotheism in an era where polytheism was the norm. He entered into a covenant with Yahweh according to Jewish tradition, which stated that Yahweh would bless his descendants and give them a promised land in return for their devotion and worship. This covenant is seen as a pivotal moment in the development of Judaism, and its principles extended into Christianity and Islam, with Abraham being a patriarch in all three Abrahamic religions.
In Islam, Abraham is credited with constructing the Kaaba in Mecca, making it a central site for Islamic pilgrimage. His role as the first to settle in Mecca and his establishment of monotheistic worship there is of profound significance. Furthermore, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God is a story shared across all three Abrahamic faiths, illustrating his unyielding faith.
The distinctive feature of Abraham was his strong belief in one God at a time when surrounding cultures worshipped multiple deities. This monotheistic belief had a transformative impact on the religious landscape, laying the foundation for Judaism and influencing the future monotheistic religions that recognized Abraham as a central figure.