Bismillah,
In life there are sacrifices.
Sacrificing the present enjoyment for future gain.
Or sacrificing our future for the fleeting present.
Sacrifice is unavoidable.
The story of Ismail (AS) encapsulates the purest essence of sacrifice; for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Background:
Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Sara (RA) struggled to conceive a child for many years, up to their old age.
Ibrahim married Hajar (RA) and conceived a boy named Ismail (AS).
Through Allah’s (SWT) command, Ibrahim (AS) ordered his wife Hajar (AS) and son Ismail (AS) to stay in Mecca alone.
Ismail (AS) grew up in the barren lands of Mecca, embodying patience and obedience from a young age.
Prophethood:
When Ismail (AS) was old enough to work, Ibrahim (AS) visited and informed Ismail (AS) of his dream.
Ibrahim (AS) dreamt of himself slaughtering Ismail (AS).
Ismail (AS) submitted completely to his father’s(AS) request as it was Allah’s (SWT) command (see verse below)
When Ibrahim (AS) was going to slaughter Ismail (AS), Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram.
A test of faith by Allah (SWT).
Ismail (AS) was chosen by Allah (SWT) to be a messenger and guide to his people.
Ismail (AS) preached monotheism and righteousness, calling his community to worship Allah alone and abandon idolatry.
Despite the challenges he faced, Ismail (AS) remained steadfast in delivering Allah’s message with conviction and sincerity.
Legacy:
Prophet Ismail’s (AS) legacy is characterised by devotion and sacrifice.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the holy sanctuary in Mecca (the Kaaba), alongside his father Ibrahim (AS).
Ismail’s (AS) unwavering faith and dedication to Allah continue to inspire believers to this day.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al Adha (Hajj) by sacrificing an animal to imitate the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismael (AS).
Application Today:
Ismail’s (AS) story teaches us to trust Allah’s (SWT) plan.
From being alone in the middle of the desert to almost being sacrificed, Ismael (AS) remained devoted.
We must trust Allah’s (SWT) plan for our lives.
Allah (SWT) cares for us more than our mothers, He is The Most Merciful.
Allah (SWT) is the All-Knowing.
Our limited insight might make us confused, irritated or sad about our circumstances.
But if we emulate Ismail (AS) faith in Allah’s (SWT) plan no matter the circumstances, their is always good in it.
Our situation will never be as dire as being stranded in the middle of the desert or ordered to be slaughtered as Ismail (AS) was.
We must be willing to sacrifice for Allah (SWT) to pass the test of life.
This may be sacrificing a haram income, relationship or action.
In return, Allah (SWT) will grant us something better in it’s place.
Just like Ismail (AS) was replaced by a ram, becoming an Islamic ritual practiced by billions yearly.
Let us reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Ismail (AS), drawing inspiration from his unwavering faith and dedication to Allah’s commandments.
May we emulate Ismail’s (AS) virtues of sacrifice, patience, and devotion in our own lives, seeking closeness to Allah (SWT) and striving for righteousness.
Ameen!
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٠٢Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”
As-Saffat (102)