Pearls of Wisdom from the Story of Prophet Ibrahim
By Miriam Mohamed
Chicago, IL

 

At the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha lies Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, profound willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah, exemplified by his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, peace be upon him. This act, though initially perplexing to some, is revered for its deep spiritual significance.

Allah in His Infinite Wisdom tests Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, devotion by commanding him to sacrifice Ismael peace be upon him, his most cherished possession. Despite the immense love Ibrahim peace be upon him holds for his son, he submits to Allah's command without hesitation. This story underscores the paramount importance of obedience and submission to the will of Allah SWT.

It's crucial to understand that all of Allah’s commands are rooted in justice and excellence. While the idea of sacrificing humans, particularly children, is contrary to Shariah and had never been commanded to any prophet prior, Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, act is exceptional because it is a divine commandment, not a personal whim or cultural norm.

Prophet Ibrahim's obedience highlights the distinction between divine revelation or Wahi and personal dreams or desires. Prophets receive divine guidance directly from Allah and their actions are guided by this revelation without question.

In essence, Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, unwavering faith and obedience serve as a timeless example of submission to the will of Allah, demonstrating that true admiration lies not in the act itself, but in the profound trust and devotion it represents. This is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surat Al Baqarah:

“When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit,’ he said ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds.’ ”

(Surah Al Baqarrah, 2:131)

The story of Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, sacrifice embodies the concept of resilience and steadfastness in the face of trials. It teaches believers to trust in Allah's plan even when it challenges their understanding or requires significant sacrifice. Just as Ibrahim showed unwavering faith, Muslims are encouraged to persevere through life's difficulties with patience and reliance on Allah's wisdom.

The commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, sacrifice during Hajj serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and equality among Muslims. Regardless of their background or social status, pilgrims stand shoulder to shoulder in worship, reflecting the universal message of Islam and the shared bond of faith that transcends worldly differences.

The celebration of Dhul Hijjah not only honors the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim but also reaffirms the fundamental principles of Islam, including submission to Allah's will, perseverance in adversity, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, story also underscores the importance of sacrifice in the path of righteousness. While the physical act of sacrificing animals during Eid ul-Adha symbolizes Ibrahim's willingness to obey Allah's command, it also signifies a broader concept of sacrificing one's desires and worldly attachments for the sake of spiritual growth and closeness to the Creator. This sacrifice encompasses acts of charity, compassion, and selflessness, which are central to the teachings of Islam and serve to purify the soul and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the community.

Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, journey reflects the universal theme of testing and trials in the lives of believers. Just as Ibrahim faced numerous challenges, including the test of sacrificing his beloved son, believers encounter trials of varying degrees throughout their lives. These trials serve as opportunities for spiritual growth and development, as they test one's faith, patience, and perseverance. By remaining steadfast in devotion to Allah and trusting in His wisdom and mercy, believers can overcome adversity and emerge stronger in their faith.

Prophet Ibrahim's, peace be upon him, story and the lessons derived from it including his unwavering faith, obedience, and sacrifice serve as invaluable pearls of wisdom for believers, guiding them on the path of righteousness and spiritual growth. As we commemorate Eid-ul-Adha every year and the story of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice, we are reminded of the timeless principles of faith, submission to Allah's will, perseverance in adversity, and unity within the Ummah. It illuminates the depth of Ibrahim's legacy and the enduring relevance of his teachings in navigating life's trials and striving toward spiritual excellence. Through reflection, renewal, and action, believers can embody these pearls of wisdom in their lives, enriching their faith and contributing to the greater good of humanity.

(Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats!  She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.)