Stories from the quran

the story of the prophet ibrahim and his son ismael

   It is beyond doubt that faith and beliefs become stronger when they are tested and successfully withstand the test. The self must reach a point of extremity where it may have to lose valuable things simply because it holds firmly to what it deeply believes. This is what happened with the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him. Allah gave him a mind-blowing test. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Mulk, Ayah 2: “He may test you which of you is best in deed” (لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلٗاۚ).

This is the reason behind every test. The Prophet Ibrahim had a vision that he was slaughtering his son, the apple of his eye. It was a test of his devotion and submission to Allah, and the Prophet Ibrahim understood this as soon as he saw the vision.

The Test of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismael

This test was not only meant for the Prophet Ibrahim, but the Prophet Ismael was also tested. The Prophet Ibrahim told his son about this vision, and Ismael responded with complete submission, approving of his father carrying out what Allah had commanded. Allah says in Surah Al-Saffat, Ayah 102:

“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’”

Not only was the Prophet Ismael’s faith not shaken in the slightest, but he also patiently accepted Allah’s Command. Allah continues the story and says:

“And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, ‘O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial.”

Definitely, this was a tough trial. No one could ever imagine having to sacrifice his own son for the sake of obeying a command, but this is what makes the obedience and submission of the Prophets so extraordinary.

Allah’s Promise and the Rescue of Prophet Ismael

Allah gives human beings a promise that whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure, Allah will stand by him. Allah knows our weakness and despair, so He gives us such promises to fill our hearts with tranquillity and peace when things become difficult.

The Prophet Ibrahim and his son were not left alone, as Allah was watching them as they went through this harsh test. Allah saved the Prophet Ismael from being slaughtered. Blindfolded and with the knife in his hand, Ibrahim did what Allah had commanded him to do. He did so because he did not want to see his son being slaughtered. When Ibrahim (peace be upon him) removed his blindfold, he saw that, by the Divine Grace of Allah, Ismael (peace be upon him) was safe beside him, and a ram lay in his son’s place.

He became worried that something had gone wrong and that he had not obeyed Allah as he was supposed to. But he heard a voice telling him that Allah looks after His followers and that he need not worry.

The Wisdom of Udhiya in Islam

     Offering Udhiya (a sacrificial animal) is an established Sunnah that shows gratitude to Allah and commemorates the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim, when Allah ransomed the Prophet Ismael with a great sacrifice. When the Prophet Muhammad was asked about the sacrifice, he said, “It is the Sunnah of your forefather Ibrahim.” The Companions asked, “What benefit is there for us in it?” He replied, “A reward for every hair on the skin of the sacrificed animal.” They asked, “And for animals with wool?” The Messenger of Allah replied, “A reward for every strand of wool” [Bukhari].

May Allah help and guide us to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Ibrahim.

 

To read the first part of the story, please click here