Story of Ibrahim
Every Eid ul-Adha, when we order our Qurbani, it is important to
remember the story of Ibrahim (AS) and why his sacrfice continues to be
relevant for us today.
Ibrahim (AS) did not have children and throughout his prophethood, he
desperately longed for a son. After much prayer, Allah (SWT) granted
him a baby boy named Isma’eel and the joy was overwhelming.
Some years passed and Isma’eel had grown into a wonderful young boy
whom his father was very fond of. But Ibrahim (AS) was plagued by a
repeat vision in which he was commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his
only son.
The magnitude of his anguish cannot be fathomed. It stirred fear and
trembling in his heart. What would Ibrahim (AS) choose? Love of God or
love of his only son?
Clearly troubled, he decided to consult his son.
"O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am offering you in sacrifice
to Allah (SWT), so what do you think?". The ever obedient Isma’eel
replied: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded Insha’Allah, you
shall find me of the patient." (As-Saffat: 102) When both father and son
proceeded to the place of sacrifice, the devil attempted to divert them
on three occasions. However, Ibrahim (AS) threw stones at the devil and
remained steadfast.
When they had both submitted themselves to the Will of Allah (SWT)
the Quran recounts how the story then unfolded: “O Ibrahim! You have
fulfilled the vision!" Verily! Thus do We reward those who perform good
deeds, totally for Allah's sake. Verily, that indeed was a manifest
trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram) and left him
thus to be remembered among later generations.” (As-Saffat: 104-108)
Due to the firm faith of both father and son, Isma'eel was replaced
by a ram and his life was spared by Allah. In this story we must
therefore remember that Eid ul-Adha is not just a celebration, but the
remembrance of one of the greatest sacrfices in history.
For a quarter of a century, Muslim Aid’s Qurbani programmed has made a
real difference to the lives of the poor by distributing fresh meat to
families worldwide, guaranteeing that the blessings of Eid reach the
needy.
