Story of Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis Salam (Part 3)

The life of our father, Prophet Ibrahim alaihis salat o wassalam, was full of events that have numerous lessons for all of us. But today we will look at the aspect of his life where ALLAH tested him with a huge sacrifice and he intended to give it selflessly by his own choice.

Prophet Ibrahim AS was married to Bibi Sarah (may ALLAH be pleased with her). Bibi Sarah did not have any kids by ALLAH's will, and for that reason, she (RA) suggested to him (AS) to marry Bibi Hajer (RA). Bibi Hajer (RA) was the respected mother of Prophet Ismaa'il (AS). When Ismaa'il (AS) was very young, as young as he was an infant, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was ordered to travel to the land of Makkah along with Bibi Hajer (AS) and little Ismaa'il (AS).

At that time, Makkah was merely a desert without anyone living there and lacking provisions. Parents may be able to imagine the pain of leaving their infant child out of nowhere and going back home. But Ibrahim (AS) did it. He obeyed ALLAH and while going back, he prayed to ALLAH with intense father's love to make that place a peaceful city and give its residents rizq with fruits (the best rizq).

How many of us will leave our infant children on ALLAH's tawakkal in an empty desert if commanded to do so? Almost no one can do what Ibrahim (AS) did. ALLAH referred to him in the Quran as an Ummah. He has the courage and determination of a whole Ummah. Alahais salat o wassalam.

The long-awaited child, who was born when the father was 80+ years of age, was separated from his father in infancy. Father lived his life further many years without his child; despite being a father, he lived away in a childless life.

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used to live with Bibi Sarah in another country far away from Makkah. The child lived his life in a new environment. He was raised without his father's affectionate support or extended family support and was trained by his mother, Bibi Hajer(AS), alone. If we see him in general, he was expected to suffer from childhood psychological trauma. He can be an angry and upset child whose father left him unsupported in the desert, and he has had chances to meet his father very few times.

But as far as Prophet Ismaa'il AS was, he was a chosen soul and a loving son with plenty of understanding talents. When he became a young adult in the age of helping & enjoying sports with his father, ALLAH tested Ibrahim (AS) by asking him to sacrifice his son. Sacrifice also by slaughtering him with his own hands.

Upon getting this command, any parent can be disturbed and disappointed. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was a kind-hearted father. He, in his youth himself too, sacrificed his father's company, despite deeply loving his parents. Back in time, his father asked him to leave home due to his Eeman and his advice for worshipping the One True God. So, as a father, he must be even more desperate to do all possible good for his boy. This was a huge test indeed. But again, he kept every love and every emotion below the Love of ALLAH.

He went through the test of talking to his kid and the test of conveying this command to his wife about the son’s sacrifice. After going through all this, he sacrificed his son. From his side, he left no chance of saving the son, and then he listened to the kind appreciation from ALLAH's side. His son was saved by ALLAH and became a Prophet to continue his legacy of obedience and solid faith.

We need to have a solid intention to surrender and the courage to go through the test before we expect ALLAH's help to come and relieve us.