It was not the first time, but it was probably one of the most difficult times of his life. This time he was asked to do something which was beyond the imagination of a sane person. To prove the loyalty and love had never been so hard and heart wrenching. He was asked to slaughter his son, not by anyone else but with his own bare hands, It was asking to do the Unthinkable. He was thrown in fire by his father and people and after he was miraculously saved by Allah from that inferno, he was sent into exile and remained childless for 86 years of his age. It was, when he was almost hopeless of having a child, Allah blessed him with a humble and obedient son.

His moment of bliss was hardly over, when once again he was asked to abandon/leave his infant son and his mother in the barren land of Makkah. Knowing the possible fate of these two helpless mother and son, he left them believing that the one who asked to do this, is the greatest of protector. After many years, when he came back to Makkah, his heart was filled with the gratitude after seeing his son running around and playing with him. In the age of around 100 years he was having the best of his times around his family. It did not last till long though, he saw a same dream for three continuous nights. In dream he was slaughtering his only son with his own hands. He knew that this not an ordinary dream, he is tested again and this time Allah is asking to prove his love by sacrificing his son in His way. He approached his son and asked his opinion about this dream, the obedient son, with any hesitation or argument with his beloved father, surrendered completely to the will of his creator (Allah). Qur’an describes this amazing and unbelieving event in the following words:

“And when he attained to working with him, he said; “O my son! Surely I have seen in a dream that I should sacrifice you; consider then what you see. He said of father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah pleases you will find me of the patient ones.” (37:102)

This shows the immense beauty of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail’s commitment to Allah (swt), showing us duty, harmony and choice! The beauty of the sacrifice shows the partnership of the father and son. When both of them surrendered to the will of god, willingly, and Ibrahim (AS) made his son lay down, and Ibrahim got ready sacrifice, Allah then called on Ibrahim ;

“So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him “O Abraham!   Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!” – Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.  For this was obviously a trial And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:”Peace and salutation to Abraham!”  Thus indeed do We reward those who do right, For he was one of our believing Servants.” (37:103-111)

Ibrahim’s (AS) whole life is filled with the examples of preference of love over reason. Never asked from Allah, “why me?” “You may test me but why my son has to be sacrificed? (What wrong did he do?)”  Allama Iqbal depicted his life beautifully in his poetry and he said at one point.

“Love dove into Nimrod’s fire without hesitation- while reason’s on the rooftop, merely considering the scene.”

There is much to learn and reflect on this amazing story of not only Ibrahim and Ismail (AS) but one should not forget the monumental patience shown by Hajira (Hagar) by surrendering to the will of Allah. That prayer are answered, even if they aren’t answered in our lifetime. That God tests us according to our capacity, and those of us who face the most hardship in dignity and fidelity are the most awesome in His sight. That God’s promise is true that the aches and pains in our souls will be healed one day. Perhaps not in this life, though; we must hold on to the rope of God until then.

About the author

Abdullah Khan is a thinker and writer, studying at Hartford Seminary, USA.

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