The primary sources detailing Terah's life are the Hebrew Bible, the Qur'an, and various rabbinic and Islamic traditions. In the Hebrew Bible, Terah is introduced in Genesis 11:26–32 as a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah (prophet Nuh). He is described as the father of Abram (later known as Abraham), Nahor, and Haran, and the grandfather of Lot. The family originates from ancient Ur (called Ur of the Chaldeans in biblical tradition), a city located in present-day southern Iraq. According to the biblical narrative, Terah set out for Canaan with his family but settled in ancient Haran, where he eventually died at the age of 205 years.

In the Qur'an, Terah is referred to as Azar (also spelled as Aazer). The Qur'anic account emphasizes his role as an idolater and his opposition to his son Ibrahim's monotheistic beliefs. Some Islamic scholars interpret the term "ab" (father) used in the Qur'an to mean "uncle", suggesting that Azar may not have been Ibrahim's biological father but rather his uncle.

circa 2000 BCE

Terah is believed to have lived during the early 2nd millennium BCE, roughly circa 2000–1800 BCE, a period corresponding to the Middle Bronze Age in the ancient Near East. This era saw the rise of urbanized city-states in Mesopotamia, such as Ur and Babylon, the flourishing of trade networks across the Levant, and significant developments in metallurgy, architecture, religious ideologies and practices. Within this context, Terah is depicted in religious texts as a practitioner of idol worship, reflecting the polytheistic milieu characteristic of urban centers in this period.

In Jewish tradition, Terah is portrayed as an idol maker and seller, a role that situates him within the craft and mercantile activities of Middle Bronze Age settlements. The Midrash recounts that Abraham, in defiance of his father’s idolatry, destroyed the idols in Terah’s shop, an act symbolizing the rejection of contemporary religious norms and the emergence of monotheism. This narrative includes Abraham being brought before King Nimrod, who purportedly ordered him cast into a fiery furnace. The miraculous survival of Abraham is interpreted within the tradition as divine endorsement, reinforcing his spiritual authority against entrenched polytheistic practices.

Islamic sources similarly emphasize Terah’s idolatry and his opposition to Ibrahim’s monotheistic convictions. The Qur’an recounts a confrontation in which Ibrahim challenges Azar’s worship of idols. Some Islamic scholars suggest that the name “Azar” may derive from the Akkadian term for “fire”, possibly reflecting Terah’s symbolic association with ritual flames or the destructive potential of idol worship in the religious imagination of the time. Viewed against the broader Middle Bronze Age cultural landscape, Terah’s story illustrates the tension between emerging monotheistic ideals and the entrenched polytheistic traditions of ancient Near Eastern societies.

circa 2000 BCE

Judaism
In Jewish tradition, Terah (also spelled Terach) is acknowledged as the father of Abraham, the first patriarch of the Jewish nation. While the Hebrew Bible provides limited details about Terah's life, rabbinic literature offers more insight. Genesis Rabbah, a key Midrashic text, portrays Terah as an idol maker and seller, leading to a significant conflict with his son Abraham. This narrative underscores the tension between Abraham's emerging monotheism and his father's idolatrous practices.

The Midrash recounts a story where Abraham, in defiance of his father's idolatry, destroys the idols in Terah's shop. This act of rebellion leads to Abraham being brought before King Nimrod, who orders him to be thrown into a fiery furnace. Miraculously, Abraham survives, an event that is seen as a divine endorsement of his faith. This story highlights the theme of divine protection and the triumph of monotheism over idolatry.

Additionally, Jewish tradition notes that Terah initiated the journey from Ur to Canaan, a path that Abraham continued. However, Terah's journey ended in Haran, where he settled and eventually died. This premature halt is interpreted as a reflection of his inability to fully embrace the divine mission, contrasting with Abraham's unwavering commitment to God's call.

circa 2000 BCE

Christianity
Christian tradition largely adopts the Judaic perspective on Terah, viewing him as an idolatrous figure who contrasts with the faith of his son Abraham. The genealogies in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, trace Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, indirectly referencing Terah's role in the ancestral line. However, the New Testament does not provide additional details about Terah's life or character.

In Christian theology, Abraham is revered as the father of all believers, a model of faith and obedience to God. The Epistle to the Romans emphasizes Abraham's justification by faith, not by works, highlighting his trust in God's promises. This theological interpretation underscores the significance of Abraham's faith journey, with Terah's idolatry serving as a backdrop to Abraham's monotheistic beliefs.

circa 2000 BCE

Islam
In Islam, the figure of Terah is identified as Azar, although some interpretations suggest he may have been Abraham's uncle rather than his father. The Qur'an criticizes Azar's idolatry and his opposition to his son Ibrahim's monotheistic beliefs. The Islamic narrative emphasizes Ibrahim's steadfastness in his faith and his rejection of his father's beliefs.

The Qur'an narrates an incident where Ibrahim questions his father's worship of idols, leading to a confrontation between them. Azar's response is one of anger and rejection, illustrating the deep familial and ideological divide between them. This story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of monotheism and the courage to stand against familial and societal pressures in the pursuit of truth.

Islamic traditions also highlight Ibrahim's role as a prophet and messenger of God, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to monotheism and his efforts to guide his people away from idolatry. The narrative of Ibrahim's life, including his relationship with his father, serves as a foundational story in Islamic teachings on faith, obedience, and the rejection of polytheism.