I listened to a Friday sermon where the Imam spoke on one of the biggest tests of our Prophet Ibrahim. The test of sacrificing his son Ismail. Even the Quran mentioned of it to be a clear trial. The thought of it alone is terrifying talk less of the act itself. The incidence brings a lot of questions to the mind as how one is able to fulfill such obligations.
However it is not surprising as Prophet Ibrahim is the friend of Allah (Khaleellulah). He is known as the father of Muslims.
“… it is the religion of your father, Abraham….” 22:78
He was a whole nation on his own,
“Indeed, Abraham was a (comprehensive) leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward with truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah. 16:120
It is amazing to see the honor and station Prophet Ibrahim had with Allah. I have read the verses of the Quran that talk about Ibrahim and his stories from the narrations. They all share some common goals. These goals included the believe in total submission to the Will of His Lord.
When his Lord said to him , “Submit”, he said “I have submitted (in Islam) to the Lord of the worlds.” 2:131
Daring to be different at all times with confidence, courage and wisdom. He wholeheartedly believed in the Oneness Of God Almighty and was seen challenging his father and people on the worship of idols.
And his people argued with him. He said, “Do you argue with me concerning Allah while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him (and will not be harmed) unless my Lord should will something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; then will you not remember? 6:81
He did not think twice when it came to carrying out a command of His Lord. He believed in that whatever His Lord had commanded was good for him. Regardless of his understanding of the order. He immediately submits and does the work.
This was also the situation with his family. When Ibrahim was ordered to take Hajar and her baby Ismail to the desert, he didn’t flinch. Neither was his wife worried. She asked if it was the command of Allah and immediately submitted. In the same way when He was ordered to sacrifice his son Ismail. Ismail asked his father if it was the command of Allah and he too immediately submitted.
And when he reached with him (the age of) exertion, he said ," O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I (must) sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said , "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me if Allah wills, of the steadfast." 37:102
It can be seen that Ibrahim and his family were of the firm believe that whatever Allah commands to us to do, it is for our own good. As Allah is not in need of us or our actions. They were ready to sacrifice anything and everything they had for the sake of Allah.
When we look within ourselves today, there are things we struggle with on a daily basis. Be it maintaining the proper hijab or character. Sometimes we even find ourselves questioning the commands and decree of our Lord. It is so because the soul is weak and the devil is always close to us.
In the story of our Father Ibrahim lies powerful lessons for us to learn. These stories depict sincerity, love, courage and wisdom. The beautiful month of Dhul Hijj commemorates the life our father Ibrahim. In it are acts of worship done that make it clear to us the essence of our existence in this world.
It presents us with an opportunity to reflect and ponder on our lives as Muslims. It is a time to remove all barriers that are preventing us from achieving that level of submission to the commands of our Lord. It is time for us to fight our desires and be willing to make sacrifices for our Lord.
