An Icon Of Sacrifice And Submission: Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

April 28, 2024

We must remind ourselves of the history of the Hajj whenever Muslims from all over the world arrive for the holy pilgrimage known as the Hajj or prepare for the Dhul Hijjah period of fasting, prayer, and charitable giving.

It starts with our father, Prophet Ibrahim (as), who was one of God’s friends. Prophet Ibrahim went through many hardships in his life, all of which we can learn from, and because of them, he became an example for everyone else. He became known as The Friend of Allah due to his concession and unwavering faith. Alluded to Abraham in other monotheistic religions, for example, Christianity and Judaism, viewed by many people as the father of the prophets. Some of the most influential prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, Bible, and Torah are descended from him. It includes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Islamic faith.

The narrative of his sacrifice has been conveyed across centuries, and the case of his firm confidence in Allah (SWT) keeps on thrilling Muslims of every age.

As we approach another Eid al-Adha, Muslims should consider the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) story and its meaningful message.

The Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

The story of Qurbani says that Ibrahim (AS) encountered a dream, in which Allah (SWT) told him to sacrifice Ismail (AS), his beloved son. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice starts with his excursion to Allah (SWT).

Iraq’s Babylon is where Ibrahim (AS) was born. Ibrahim’s family practiced sacrifice and idol worship, and Ibrahim’s father was a prominent idol sculptor and maker. In Ibrahim’s childhood, he had little regard for idols, eventually rejecting idol worship altogether. He wondered how it was possible for Idols made of wood and stone and built by people like his father could be the Gods of the people, even though they did nothing good or bad.

Keeping an eye on the sky and the natural world around him, Ibrahim (AS) continued to reflect. He eventually gave in to “The Lord of the Universe,” whom he believed to be the only one who could have created this world.

This demonstration of accommodation was the first of numerous that Ibrahim (AS) would make with his freshly discovered conviction in the one Master of the universe. Ibrahim (AS) endured many difficulties as a direct result of Allah (SWT)’s inspiration to proclaim the truth to the people of his community, including his father’s drop into a raging fire. Despite this, Ibrahim remained steadfast in his faith and submission to Allah (SWT), the one God, throughout these tests. Many people were amazed by the miracle but continued to doubt it after they emerged unharmed from the fire.

Years later, Ibrahim (AS), who was well-established in his mission, had a dream in which Allah (SWT) told him to sacrifice his one and only son, Ismail (AS), and his family, who also faced challenges that hindered their devotion to Allah (SWT). Troublesome as it was, Ibrahim (At this point) again submitted to the desire of Allah (SWT), perceiving this as a trial of his confidence in this period of his prophethood. He requested that Ismail accompany him to Mount Arafat for the sacrifice.

Ismail (AS), Ibrahim (AS)’s son, was told about his dream. Ismail, who later became a prophet, had the same unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and obeyed. Allah (SWT) interfered just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, declaring,

“O Ibrahim! You have accomplished the goal, and you will now be rewarded! Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim (AS) to be sacrificed rather than Ismail.

“Furthermore, We emancipated him with an extraordinary sacrifice.”

Quran 37:107

Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice is something that Muslims recollect each Eid al-Adha during the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah when Muslims from everywhere the world proposition an animal (generally a goat, sheep, cow, or camel) for Allah (SWT).

By giving Qurbani, we honor Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and fulfill an additional duty to the less fortunate. Muslims must reflect on the sacrifice and approach it with sincere intention, like Ibrahim (AS), to perform it for Allah (SWT). Before doing the Qurbani directed by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is required by the Hanbali madhab to refrain from cutting the skin, nails, or hair, according to the majority of scholars. Muslims reflect on the many significant lessons of this story and beyond through this sacred action of sacrifice, such as our obligation to those in need, the sanctity of Allah (SWT)’s creation, and the world around us. This Eid, recollect the large numbers of individuals across the globe who are battling with neediness through the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah.