READY TO SLAUGHTER

 FAJR REMINDER: READY TO SLAUGHTER

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 15, 1447 (1-June-2026)

The command given to Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) to slaughter his beloved son, Isma’īl (‘Alayhi Salām), was among the greatest tests ever faced by a human being. When he informed his son about the divine command, Isma’īl (‘Alayhi Salām) responded with complete submission and promised to remain patient. Thus, both father and son wholeheartedly accepted the Decree of Allāh. Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) demonstrated obedience to his Lord, while Isma’īl (‘Alayhi Salām) showed obedience to both Allāh and his father. Concerning this remarkable moment, Allāh (ﷻ) says: “Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allāh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering).” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 103]

Commenting on this verse, Ibn Abbās, Mujāhid, Sa'īd Ibn Jubayr, Ad-Dahhak, and Qatādah said: “And he had laid him prostrate on his forehead,” which means, “He turned him upside down on his face. So that he could slaughter him from behind and not have to see his face at the time of slaughter so that it would be easier for him.” [Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 37:103]

During this trial, Shayṭān sought to divert Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) from carrying out Allāh’s Command. However, Prophet Ibrāhīm resisted him by pelting him with seven pebbles at Jamrat Al-‘Aqabah and Al-Jamrat Al-Wustā. In remembrance of this event, Ramī (the stoning of the pillars) became one of the rites of Ḥajj. It serves as a symbol of rejecting Shayṭān and remaining firm upon obedience to Allāh. Like the other obligatory rites of Ḥajj, neglecting Ramī requires compensation through a Fidyah, which involves the sacrifice of an animal in Makkah.

What an extraordinary trial this was! Yet the faith of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) never weakened. His determination to obey Allāh remained unshaken, and he fulfilled the command without hesitation. Indeed, he was among the most truthful servants of Allāh. As Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And mention in the Book (the Qur'ān) Ibrāhīm. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.” [Sūrah Maryam (19): 41]

This story invites every believer to reflect upon his or her own level of steadfastness. Do we remain firm when Shayṭān attempts to distract us? Do we resist his whispers or surrender to them? We should always remember the Warning of Allāh (ﷻ): “Surely, Shayṭān is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy.” [Sūrah Fāṭir (35): 6]

After Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) had laid Isma’īl (‘Alayhimā Salām) down and passed the knife across his neck, the blade did not cut him. Allāh, in His infinite power, had prevented any harm from reaching the boy. At that very moment, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) heard a call from behind. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And We called out to him: ‘O Ibrāhīm! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)! Verily! Thus do We reward the Muḥsinūn (good-doers).‘” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 104-105]

When he turned around, he saw a magnificent white ram with horns, sent by Allāh as a substitute sacrifice. Allāh never intended for Isma’īl (‘Alayhi Salām) to be slaughtered. Rather, it was a test designed to demonstrate the sincerity, faith, and submission of both father and son. Having willingly obeyed the command, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) had successfully fulfilled the purpose of the vision.

This event teaches a timeless lesson: whenever a servant obeys Allāh, especially in matters that are difficult and demanding, Allāh opens doors of relief and ease for him. Concerning this, Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And whosoever fears Allāh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allāh, then He will suffice him.” [Surah Aṭ-Ṭalāq (65): 2-3]

Dear brethren! The story of Prophet Ibrāhīm and Isma’īl (‘Alayhimā Salām) reminds us that sincere obedience to Allāh never goes unrewarded. Whenever we place our trust in Him and submit to His Commands, He takes care of our affairs in ways beyond our imagination. 

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to make us among those who obey Him sincerely, remain steadfast during trials, ease our affairs, and increase us in goodness in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen.

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