Eid al-Adha is a special day in the Islamic calendar. As the second major Islamic holiday, it commemorates the end of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and remembers Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)’s sacrifice through the traditional animal sacrifice, or Qurbani. The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice is memorable in Islam and teaches us that Allah (SWT) is the best of planners.
The story begins years after Prophet Ibrahim left his wife Hajar and his infant son Ismail in Mecca. Prophet Ibrahim returned and reunited with his wife and son, who had grown up and was able to work with his father. Prophet Ibrahim had a dream where he sacrificed Ismail. At first, he disregarded it, considering it a sign from the Devil. However, he had the same dream the following night. At this point, he realized that it was not the Devil’s work but rather a vision from Allah (SWT). Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice Ismail, a test of his faith and devotion.
As any father would be, Prophet Ibrahim was terrified of the thought that he would have to sacrifice his own son. But since it was God’s command, he was obligated to do so. He approached Ismail and informed him of the matter. Ismail, although sad just as Prophet Ibrahim was, accepted, recognizing that it was God’s plan and no one is a better planner than Him. Ismail also requested that Prophet Ibrahim tie his arms and legs so that he would not move, and that he blindfold himself so he would not see the sacrifice. He accepted.
Prophet Ibrahim took Ismail to Mount Arafat, which is near Mecca, to perform the sacrifice. He tied Ismail down as asked and prepared to sacrifice him. Just as he was about to sacrifice him, a voice called out, saying that he fulfilled the vision. Allah (SWT) sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place.
Over two thousand years later, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed his Hajj, he led his followers in completing the Eid al-Adha traditions. He performed an animal sacrifice, just as Prophet Ibrahim did all those years ago. Since then, Eid al-Adha and the ritual animal sacrifice have been an annual Islamic tradition, practiced by millions of Muslims around the world.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice is a profound lesson in trust and sincere devotion to Allah (SWT). It teaches that true faith is shown by actions and the willingness to put God’s plan above personal desires. Both Ibrahim and Ismail proved that their trust in Allah (SWT) was unwavering and demonstrated their courage and bravery. This story reminds Muslims that the essence of sacrifice not only lies in the act itself but also in the intentions behind it. Above all, it reveals Allah (SWT)’s mercy and teaches that He values sincere faith over hardship, making this story so meaningful in Islamic belief and a powerful moral guide for all Muslims.
Author bio: Uthman Guadalupe is a Latino Muslim college student with a passion for history and art. He is an assistant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach and freelance illustrator. He is fluent in Spanish and lives with his family in Maryland where he also enjoys playing video games and binging shows.
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