TRIED WITH CHILDLESSNESS

 FAJR REMINDER: TRIED WITH CHILDLESSNESS

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 9, 1447 (26-May-2026)

As previously discussed, the Prophets were the people most severely tested, followed by the righteous and then those nearest to them in goodness. Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), despite being a noble Messenger of Allāh and His Khalīl, was tested with childlessness. At that time, he was already living in Ash-Sham (Great Syria) with his wife, Sarah. Even after reaching old age—over eighty years—he continued to supplicate to Allāh without losing hope.

We should also remember that Prophet Zakariyyā (‘Alayhi Salām) experienced a similar trial. He had grown old without having a child, yet he continued turning sincerely to Allāh in supplication. Allāh (ﷻ) informs that he said: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir. [Sūrah Maryam (19): 4-5] Also, in another verse, Allāh (ﷻ) says: “At that time Zakariyyā (Zachariya) invoked his Lord, saying: ‘O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.’” [Sūrah Aal-'Imrān (3): 38]

For many years, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) remained without a child, yet he never abandoned the worship of his Lord. His faith remained firm, and he stayed steadfast upon the Straight Path. Sadly, many people today react differently when faced with trials. Some quickly turn away from Allāh and seek help from created beings that neither benefit nor harm. They call upon things that cannot even hear them, let alone answer them. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allāh such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them?” [Sūrah Al-Aḥqāf (46): 5]

We must understand that none grants the blessing of children except Allāh alone—not an angel, a jinn, a human being, a river, or a mountain. Allāh (ﷻ) again declares: “If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muḥammad ﷺ) like Him Who is the AllKnower (of each and everything).” [Sūrah Fāṭir (35): 14]

Therefore, as sincere Muslims, we should direct all our needs and hopes to Allāh alone while remaining patient and steadfast. This was the path of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām). Allāh (ﷻ) informs that he said: “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 100] There is an important lesson in this supplication: he specifically asked for a righteous child. Likewise, Prophet Zakariyyā (‘Alayhi Salām) asked for a good offspring. [Sūrah Aal-'Imrān (3): 38] Whenever we ask Allāh for children or any blessing, we should ask for what is best and most beneficial. Remember also that Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) taught us that when asking for Jannah, we should ask for the highest level—Al-Firdaws.

Eventually, Allāh answered the supplication of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), and he was blessed with a child at around eighty-six years of age through his second wife, Hājar (‘Alayha Salām). Allāh (ﷻ) says: “So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 101] This child was Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām), the first son whose glad tidings were given to Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), and he was older than Isḥāq. The glad tidings of Isḥāq came later.

Dear brethren! If we remain patient, steadfast, and sincere in our worship, Allāh will answer our supplications in the best way and at the best time. I beseech Allāh, on this blessed day, to grant us the goodness of this world and the Hereafter. Aameen.

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