Story Of Ibrahim And Isma’il - The Episode Of Sacrifice

In this section, the translations and commentary of the Qur'anic story about the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Isma’il (peace be upon them) will be reviewed. This story is selected due to the great common position of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) along both Muslims and Jews/Christians and due to their difference about some details of this specific story that have also affected some of the translations of the Qur'an.

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is a central and pivotal figure in the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For Jews, he is the original recipient of the covenant between the Hebrew people and Allah. For Christians, he is a framed patriarch and the recipient of the first covenant with Allah, which was later, refined as the Mosaic covenant, whereas the second covenant is seen as being ushered in with Jesus (Peace be upon him).

For Muslims, he is a heralded example of unwavering faith, obedience and steadfast monotheism, a prophet and messenger, and the recipient of one of the original scriptures from Allah.[1]

The story that will be reviewed in this section describes the fulfillment of a vision by Prophet Ibrahim that was meant as a trial by Allah. Prophet Ibrahim saw in a vision/dream that he was slaughtering his son.

When Prophet Ibrahim shared his vision with his son and asked his opinion, the son suggested to his father to proceed with the fulfillment of the vision. As they both became ready to submit to the order of Allah, Allah accepted their readiness as the fulfillment of the vision/order and announced their success in the trial.

There are two major differences in the narration of this story between the Islamic and Judeo-Christian sources: 1. the identity of the son whether it was Isma’il (Ishmael) or Ishaq (Isaac), and 2. The location of the sacrifice whether it was the vicinity of Makkah or Jerusalem.

The identity of Prophet Ibrahim's son has had certain implications for both sides because the son who was offered for sacrifice and whose sacrifice was accepted without him being killed, was very special in terms of promise of blessings on him and his descendants as well as in terms of honour and closeness to Allah. Both of these differences that are mentioned in the commentary of the translations are discussed in the comparative review section of this story.

This is an outstanding story that has many lessons for the believers when its background is understood in full context.

Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) was born in a society where many false gods such as idols, stars, planets, and the moon were being worshipped and offerings were made to them. Animals and even humans were sacrificed to keep those false gods happy. Ibrahim had dedicated his life to call people to abandon false gods and only believe in Allah. His objective, like every other prophet and messenger, was to call people to submit in obedience to Allah and to establish an Islamic society.

His people rejected his call completely and decided to kill him by throwing him into the burning fire from which Allah saved him in a miraculous way. Then, it was evident that he could not live among those people and carry out his mission.

He did not know where to go, but he departed with faith and trust in Allah. He had grown old working tirelessly for that purpose and felt a need for someone to carryon this mission of inviting people to truth. This goal gave him a strong desire for a son who could continue his mission. After many supplications (Du'a), Allah granted him a son when he was extremely old (86 years old according to the Bible)[2].

He was named Isma’il which means "Allah has heard" because Allah had listened to his supplications. This son, Isma’il, was Ibrahim's dearest and most beloved asset in this world.

When Isma’il was about thirteen (Ibrahim being 99), Allah decided to test their faith and submission to Allah in public. Both father and son were put through the most difficult test of their love for Allah. Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was sacrificing Isma'il - an unimaginable act - sacrificing the son he begot after so much Du'a, the only one he had and the one who had been the centre of his affection and love for all these years. Ibrahim knew that the dreams of the prophets were inspired by Allah.

They were one of the ways Allah communicated with his prophets. This must be what Allah wanted him to do. When the intent of the dream became clear to him, Ibrahim decided to offer his beloved son in sacrifice. Even though it would have been easier for him to give his own life rather than take his son's, he willingly surrendered to the perceived commandment.

Although Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah's sake, he could not just go and drag his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent.

Isma’il had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to die for Allah. This consultation would be a test of Isma’il's maturity in faith, love for Allah, and parent's obedience. Ibrahim presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams of slaughtering him. Isma’il’s reaction was absolutely astounding.

Not only he did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment, he said, "Father proceed ahead for what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha Allah, very patient. His mature response, his insight into the nature of dad's dreams, his willingness to sacrifice his life for the sake of Allah, and commitment to Allah's submission were all unparalleled. The most amazing and noteworthy, however, was the perfect coherence and unity of thought, attitude and outlook between the father and the son. We do not see any generation gap between the two because both of them were looking at life through an Islamic paradigm - that a Muslim must submit to Allah in any circumstances and that love for Allah is above any other love in the life of a Muslim.

When both father and son had shown their perfect obedience to Allah and they had practically demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice their most precious possessions for His sake - Ibrahim by laying down his son for sacrifice and Isma’il by lying patiently under the knife - Allah saved Isma’il and replaced him with a ram. Allah also told them that they both had passed the test and that they had fulfilled what Ibrahim was shown in the vision.[3]