THE COMMAND TO SLAUGHTER HIM

 FAJR REMINDER: THE COMMAND TO SLAUGHTER HIM

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 14, 1447 (31-May-2026)

The Muslims and the People of the Book (i.e. the Jews and Christians) agree that Ismā'īl was born before Isḥāq (‘Alayhimā Salām). Their own scripture states that Ismā'īl was born when Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhimā Salām) was eighty-six years old [Check Genesis 16:16], while Isḥāq (‘Alayhi Salām) was born when his father had reached one hundred years of age [Check Genesis 21:4]

After leaving Hājar and Ismā'īl (‘Alayhimā Salām) in Makkah by the Command of Allāh, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) continued to visit them to check on their well-being. As Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) grew and became old enough to accompany his father and assist him, another tremendous trial awaited Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām). Allāh commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son. Concerning this event, Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!’” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 102]

Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) understood that this dream was a command from Allāh because the dreams of the Prophets are revelation. Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) also recognized this reality. The phrase “When he was old enough to walk with him” refers to the stage when a child is capable of accompanying his father and helping him in daily affairs. Scholars have mentioned that Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) may have been around seven or thirteen years old at that time.

According to the Tawrah, God commanded Ibrāhīm to sacrifice his only son [(Isḥāq) Genesis 22:2], while another passage refers to his first son. However, the insertion of Isḥāq's name is problematic because it conflicts with the very chronology presented in their scripture. How can Isḥāq (‘Alayhi Salām) be described as the “only son” when Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) had already been born years earlier? Was this an attempt to deny his sonhood? Certainly, God Himself did not deny it. Rather, He said regarding Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām): “I will also give many children to the son of the slave girl so that they will become a nation. He, too, is your son.” [Genesis 21:13]

Many scholars have explained that Isḥāq (‘Alayhi Salām) was inserted because he is regarded as the ancestor of the Children of Israel, whereas Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) is the ancestor of the Arabs. Some sought to reinterpret the phrase “only son” to mean ‘the only son who is with you,’ since Ismā'īl and his mother (‘Alayhima Salām) had already settled in Makkah. However, this interpretation is a clear distortion of the wording. The expression “only son” naturally applies only to one who has no other son. Moreover, the firstborn child possesses a unique status that later children do not share. Therefore, the evidence strongly indicates that the son whom Prophet Ibrāhīm was commanded to sacrifice was Ismā'īl (‘Alayhimā Salām).

Despite the immense weight of the command, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) consulted his son, saying, “So look what you think!” This was not because he doubted the Command of Allāh, but rather to prepare the son for the trial, test his patience and resolve, and allow him to willingly participate in obedience to Allāh so that he too would attain the reward. This incident underscores the importance of Shūrā (mutual consultation), even within the family between parents and their children.

Reflect for a moment on the magnitude of this test. An elderly father was commanded to slaughter the son he had waited decades to have. What if it were you? As a father, would you be able to carry out such a command? As a child, would you willingly submit to it?

The response of Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) remains one of the greatest examples of faith and submission in human history. Allāh (ﷻ) informs us that he replied: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, In-Shā-Allāh (if Allāh will), you shall find me of Aṣ-Ṣābirīn (the patient ones, etc.).” His words demonstrate complete trust in Allāh and a firm determination to remain patient for His sake. His statement “In-Shā-Allāh” also teaches us an important lesson: we should never be overly confident about our abilities or future actions. Rather, we should always place our affairs in the Hands of Allāh and acknowledge our dependence upon Him.

Indeed, Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) stands as a shining example of a righteous son and the fruit of a father's sincere supplication. Obedience to Allāh requires patience, and Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) fulfilled the promise he made. Allāh (ﷻ) praises him, saying: “And mention in the Book (the Qur'ān) Isma'īl. Verily! He was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet.” [Sūrah Maryam (19): 54]

His complete submission to Allāh further supports the position that he was the son chosen for this trial. Allāh (ﷻ) had already described him as: “A forbearing boy (غُلَامٍ حَلِيمٍ).” His patience, obedience, and noble character were all manifested during this remarkable event.

O parents! Do your children submit to Allāh? More importantly, what is your own relationship with Allāh? Children learn more from what they see than from what they are told. They observe our actions, imitate our behaviour, and absorb our values. If we desire righteous children, we must first strive to be righteous examples for them.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to grant us the patience required to obey Him in all circumstances and to make our children and us among the obedient and steadfast. Aameen. 

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