THE STORY AND SACRIFICE OF IBRAHIM (AS)

 *THE STORY AND SACRIFICE OF IBRAHIM (AS)*

 

The Sahaaba رضي اللّٰه عنهم once queried, “O Rasulullah ﷺ! What is Qurbani?” Nabi ﷺ replied, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS)” (Ibn Maajah). To understand the spirit of Qurbani and Eidul Adha, we must first learn the story of Ibrahim (AS). 

 

*His childhood:* His father’s name was Aazar. Aazar was an idol worshipper and he created idols for others. He was misguided and led others towards misguidance. Ibrahim (AS) was nurtured in the centre of this community, where shirk and sins were rife. Many people complain that their childhood corrupted them. Ibrahim (AS) grew up in the worst of environments, surrounded by idols, yet he never used this as an excuse to sin. Over time, he slowly began to give dawah to his father. His father became angry and threatened to throw him out of the home. Ibrahim (AS) now had to choose between Allah Ta‘ala and his father. He chose Allah Ta’ala and his father threw him out.

 

*Catapulted into the fire:* Ibrahim (AS) was later captured and accused of breaking the idols. The community decided to catapult him into a blazing fire. The flames were so fierce and high, the birds would not hover above it out of fear of being burnt. Ibrahim (AS) was chained and catapulted into the fire. There was no turning back now. Watching the horrific event unfold, Jibraeel (AS) requested permission from Allah Ta’ala to approach Ibrahim (AS). Mid-air, he enquired if he could offer any assistance. Ibrahim (AS) could have easily sought safety from the fire. But instead, he simply responded that I desire Allah Ta‘ala to be pleased with me. Yet again, he chose Allah Ta‘ala over his own self. 

 

*Leaving His wife and child in the desert:* One day Ibrahim (AS) found himself stranded in a desert with his wife, Hajra (AS), and baby son, Ismail (AS). There was no food or water in sight. At that precise moment, Allah Ta’ala called Ibrahim (AS) to leave his family. His soft heart could not bear to break the news to his wife. Thus, he lowered his head and slowly walked away. She enquired where he was going but was met with no reply. Immediately, she realised that this must be the call of Allah Ta’ala. When Ibrahim (AS) nodded in the affirmative, she accepted his leave wholeheartedly. Yet again, he chose Allah Ta‘ala over his own wife and child.

 

*Sacrificing Ismail (AS):* Just like all parents, his love for Ismail (AS) grew stronger as he blossomed into a young man. At this point, Allah Ta’ala  commanded him to slaughter Ismail (AS). His son Ismail (AS) was no ordinary child, for he too was destined to become a Prophet. Thus, he encouraged his own father to sacrifice him. Together, the father and son duo trekked a high mountain. Ismail (AS) then lied down before his father who grabbed an axe. Yet again, he chose Allah over his own son. 

 

*Lessons to be learnt*

 

*1) Be loyal to Allah and He will assist you:* Throughout his life, Ibrahim (AS) chose Allah Ta‘ala first. He proved that Allah Ta‘ala was dearer to him than his own father, wife, child and self. His faith was unshakeable and Allah Ta’ala was only testing it. He never sought to hurt his tender heart. So once he passed these tests, Allah Ta’ala delivered him into ease. When he chose Allah Ta‘ala over his father and self, Allah Ta’ala commanded the fire to be cool for him. When he chose Allah Ta‘ala over his wife, Allah caused the well of Zamzam to spring forth and quench their thirst. When he chose Allah Ta‘ala over his son, Allah ordered a ram to be placed in between and his son was saved. Every phase that seemed like a breaking point, actually became a making point for Ibrahim (AS). This was due to his loyalty and sacrifice. Likewise, when life pushes you to breaking point, know that it can be a making point for you instead. Just be loyal to Allah and He will carry you through struggle, then He will carry you to ease. 

 

*2) The true spirit of Qurbani:* In this worldly life, we have been blessed with many different relationships. The greatest relationship is our relationship with AllahTa‘ala. Therefore, Allah Ta’ala commands us to partake in Qurbani annually to renew our relationship with Him. It is not just a sacrifice. The spirit of Qurbani is to reflect upon the life and overall sacrifices of Ibrahim (AS). Thereafter, strive to emulate him by sacrificing sins and evil for the sake of AllahTa‘ala. Lastly, Allah Ta’ala honoured Ibrahim (AS) with the title Khaleelullah – the Friend of Allah. Thus, for those who wish to attain wilayah, befriend Allah Ta‘ala by following the friend of Allah Ta‘ala. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to do so, آمــــــــــين ثـمّ آمــــــــــين 

— Shaykh Dawood Seedat

 

°⌣̊┈̥ -̶̯͡🌟🌟🌟┈┈┉

┆      *HADITH*      

┆™️˚°⌣̊┈̥ -̶̯͡🌟🌟🌟┈┈┉

 

_Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم commanded that_

 

*(1)* the knives be sharpened (before slaughtering the animal), 

 

*(2)* that the slaughtering be concealed from the other animals, 

 

*(3)* and he said, "When you slaughter the animal, then slaughter swiftly (so that the least amount of pain is caused to the animal)."

*_(Ibn Majah 3172)_*

 

*✍THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!* 

 

☆ Sadness weakens the heart of a believer, diminishes confidence and harms willpower.

 

☆ And there is nothing more beloved to the Shaytaan than the sadness of a believer. So don't let the shaytaan overtake.

 

☆ Keep moving forward. Make every sadness a means of closeness towards Allah Subhanahu Wa  Ta’ala and you'll see how beautifully Allah Ta‘ala  mends your heart and situations and grants you peace.

 

☆ Do not hate or judge as Allah Ta‘ala is the greatest judge.