The story about the great trial of Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) is an interesting one and there are many lessons that can be derived from it by those who believe in Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) and claim to follow his creed.


To summarize what had transpired:

Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) had prayed to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) to grant him a son. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) fulfilled his wish and gave him Prophet Ismail (AlayhisSalam) at very old age.

"O God! Grant me with a righteous son. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing son." (Surah as-Saffat: 100-101)

When the child attained 13 years of age, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) in his dream to sacrifice him for His sake.

"When he was old enough to assist in his endeavor, he said: 'My son! I see in my dream that I am sacrificing you. See what you think?'" (Surah as-Saffat: 102)

Because it was the command from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), the righteous son encouraged his old father to discharge his duty.

"He said: 'O Father! Do whatever you have been commanded. If Allah wishes, you will find me to be patient." (Surah as-Saffat: 102)

Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) set out with his son Prophet Ismail (AlayhisSalam) to the sacrificing spot. It was certainly not an easy task!

On the way, Shaytan appeared in a form of an old advising man. He tried to stop Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) from offering the sacrifice, but because of the strong faith in Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam)'s determination to comply with the command of his Creator could not be shaken.

Shaytan then tried his luck with young Prophet Ismail (AlayhisSalam) and persuade him to escape from his ill fate. As a result of his father's invocation, Prophet Ismail (AlayhisSalam) was a righteous son and he too, could therefore not be influenced.

Both, the father and the son chased Shaytan away. They then arrived at the sacrificing spot at Mina. Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) tied the hands and the legs of his son so as not to be perturbed by his pain and restlessness. He blindfolded himself and carrying the knife enacted the command of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).

When Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) removed his fold, he saw Prophet Ismail (AlayhisSalam) by his side and in his place; a ram lay slain before them. Prophet Ibrahim (AlayhisSalam) trembled lest Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) rejected his sacrifice. Suddenly he heard a voice that was soothing:

"We called out to him: O Ibrahim! You have indeed fulfilled the vision! Thus indeed We reward the virtuous. This indeed was a manifest trial. Then We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, and We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: Peace be to Ibrahim." (Surah as-Saffat: 104-109)