According to correct chains Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq is reported to have said...

According to correct chains Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq is reported to have said, “The Almighty Allah made Ibrahim His friend because he prostrated much (for Allah).” Reliable sources report Imam ‘Ali al-Naqi said that Allah appointed Ibrahim as His friend because he frequently recited Salawaat on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

According to the Holy Prophet Allah made Ibrahim His Khalil because he used to feed the people and pray at night when people were asleep.[^1] A reliable report from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir says, “When Allah the Almighty appointed Ibrahim as His Khalil, He sent a handsome youth in white garments - who was actually the angel of death - to convey the good news to Ibrahim When he came to deliver the good news, oil and water was dripped from his hair.

When Ibrahim returned home he saw someone leaving his house. Now Ibrahim was a very modest person. Whenever he went out he used to shut his door, lock it and carry the keys with him. That day he had gone on some errand when upon his return he saw this young man standing in his house. He said, ‘Creature of Allah! Who gave you permission to enter my house?’ ‘The Master of the house,’ replied the man. ‘Indeed my Master has a greater right than me.

But who are you?’ asked Ibrahim ‘I am the angel of death.’ Ibrahim became afraid. ‘Have you come to capture my soul?’ He asked. ‘No! The Almighty has appointed a certain person as His friend. I have come to convey this good news to him.’ ‘Who is that fortunate person? May be I shall spend my life in his service,’ asked Ibrahim. ‘Ibrahim, you are that fortunate one.’ When Ibrahim heard this he was exhilarated.

He rushed to Sarah and said, ‘Allah has appointed me as His Khalil.’” Through reliable reporters we have a traditions from Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq that he said, “When the Almighty sent angels, His messenger to destroy the people of Lut, Ibrahim brought for them roasted meat of calf. They said, ‘We shall not partake of it until you inform us of its cost.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Recite Bismillah (In the name of Allah) before you begin and Alhamdolillah (Praise be to Allah) after you finish.

This is the compensation.’” Archangel Gabriel told four of his deputies: “Ibrahim deserves that Allah appoint him as His Khalil.” Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq says that when Ibrahim was thrown into the fire Archangel Gabriel met him in the air as he was descending towards the inferno. Archangel Gabriel asked him if he had any wishes.