Stories From The Quran

The Prophet Ibrahim and His Son Ismael 1

                     The Prophet Ibrahim, may Allah send His Peace upon him, is the ”Friend of Allah” (خليل الله), he is the father of monotheism. He is one of the 25  prophets who were mentioned in the Holy Quran. Allah praised the Prophet Ibrahim and said in His Holy Book, Surah Al-Nahl, Aya 120, ”Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah” (إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ). The story of the prophet Ibrahim reflects a pure submission to Allah’s Commands regardless of any result or consequences. He challenged his people and their legacy of worshiping idols. He did not give up when they threw him in the fire just because he is calling people to worship one God. He was ready to sacrifice his soul for sake of Allah, and be burnt to death. Through all his life tests and challenges, Allah always saves him and makes a way out for him.

                    The Prophet Ibrahim was married to the lady Sarah, and she was infertile. So, she suggested to her husband to marry the servant, the lady Hajar. He prayed to Allah to give him a son, Allah accepted his Dua and granted him a baby boy who was named Ismael. The prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) woke up and asked his wife Hajar to get Ismail (A.S.), who was still an infant and prepare for a long journey. They walked until they reached the Arabian Peninsula. The spot where they stopped was an uncultivated valley, with no food, no trees, no water, and no signs of life. Allah commanded him to leave his wife and his long-awaited son with a small amount of food. She hurried after him and asked him ”Where are you leaving us, did Allah command you to do so?” He said ”yes”, then she gave him a strong response that is full of faith and trust, she said ”We are not going to be lost since Allah Who Has Commanded you is with us.”  A few days later, she ran out of food and drink, she started looking for any signs of human help. After a long struggle between the two mountains, Al-Safaa and Al-Marwa, suddenly she saw an angel at the place of Zam-zam beneath her son, it was water! Allah accepted her sacrifice and gave her Zam-Zam well.

                     Unless for lady Hajar sacrifice, Allah would not answered her supplications. She trusted that Allah would help her. And, Sayyidna Ibrahim had faith in Allah that He would take care of his family. He obeyed Allah without any hesitation, and later on his faith will be tested again. One night, prophet Ibrahim (AS) experienced a dream in which Allah (SWT) told him to sacrifice Ismail (AS), his beloved son. At first, Ibrahim (AS) believed this was the devil playing tricks on him, and he immediately disregarded it. However, the following night, the same dream occurred again, commanding him to do the same. Then, he realized that it was a command from Allah. The Prophet Ibrahim did not complain about all of these tests, neither he seemed angry against Allah. He told the Prophet Ismael about his dream, he also had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and submitted himself. He told his father, the prophet Ibrahim, to do as Allah said and sacrifice his soul to Allah! So what will happen next, will Sayyidna Ibrahim sacrifice his son? That’s what our next article will tackle.