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.