Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice begins with his journey to Allah (SWT).

Ibrahim (AS) was born in Babylon, present-day Iraq. Ibrahim’s community practised paganism and the worship of idols, and his father was a principle sculptor and crafter of idols.

With little regard for the idols throughout his childhood, Ibrahim eventually grew to disbelieve in the worship of the idols in his community entirely. He questioned how idols made from wood and stone, crafted by human beings like his father, could be the Gods of the people – providing no benefit or harm.

Ibrahim (AS) continued to reflect, observing the sky and the natural world around him. Eventually, he submitted in his heart to “the Lord of the universe”, who he had decided could be the only creator of this incredible world.

This act of submission was the first of many that Ibrahim (AS) would make with his newfound conviction in the one Lord of the universe. Inspired by Allah (SWT) to call the people to the truth in his community, Ibrahim (AS) faced many tribulations as a result, including being thrown into a raging fire by his own father. Still, throughout all of these tests, Ibrahim never wavered from his faith and submission to Allah (SWT), the one God.

After leaving the fire unscathed, many were amazed at the miracle but continued to doubt.

Years later, Ibrahim (AS) who was established in his mission and his family who also faced trials of their own in the way of their devotion to Allah (SWT), had a dream that Allah (SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS).

Difficult as it was, Ibrahim (AS) yet again submitted to the will of Allah (SWT), recognising this as a test of his faith in this phase of his prophethood. He asked Ismail to travel with him to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice.

Ibrahim (AS) told his son, Ismail of his dream, and Ismail, who later became a prophet himself, had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and submitted himself.

Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) intervened saying, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision and now you will be rewarded!” Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim (AS) to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice begins with his journey to Allah (SWT).

Ibrahim (AS) was born in Babylon, present-day Iraq. Ibrahim’s community practised paganism and the worship of idols, and his father was a principle sculptor and crafter of idols.

With little regard for the idols throughout his childhood, Ibrahim eventually grew to disbelieve in the worship of the idols in his community entirely. He questioned how idols made from wood and stone, crafted by human beings like his father, could be the Gods of the people – providing no benefit or harm.

Ibrahim (AS) continued to reflect, observing the sky and the natural world around him. Eventually, he submitted in his heart to “the Lord of the universe”, who he had decided could be the only creator of this incredible world.

This act of submission was the first of many that Ibrahim (AS) would make with his newfound conviction in the one Lord of the universe. Inspired by Allah (SWT) to call the people to the truth in his community, Ibrahim (AS) faced many tribulations as a result, including being thrown into a raging fire by his own father. Still, throughout all of these tests, Ibrahim never wavered from his faith and submission to Allah (SWT), the one God.

After leaving the fire unscathed, many were amazed at the miracle but continued to doubt.

Years later, Ibrahim (AS) who was established in his mission and his family who also faced trials of their own in the way of their devotion to Allah (SWT), had a dream that Allah (SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS).

Difficult as it was, Ibrahim (AS) yet again submitted to the will of Allah (SWT), recognising this as a test of his faith in this phase of his prophethood. He asked Ismail to travel with him to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice.

Ibrahim (AS) told his son, Ismail of his dream, and Ismail, who later became a prophet himself, had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and submitted himself.

Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) intervened saying, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision and now you will be rewarded!” Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim (AS) to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.

With this sacred act of sacrifice, Muslims reflect on the many significant messages of this story and beyond, including our duty to those who are struggling, the sanctity of Allah (SWT)’s creation and the world around us.

This Eid, remember the millions of people across the globe who are struggling with poverty through the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. Offer your sacrifice with Islamic Relief to help feed families this Eid al-Adha.