This story recounts the dream revelation to Prophet Ibrahim to slaughter his son Ismail, the patience of both in accepting this trial, until Allah replaced him with a ram for sacrifice.
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
One night Prophet Ibrahim dreamed of being commanded by Allah to slaughter his son. Upon waking, he sat in contemplation because he had not yet enjoyed his life with his son, but suddenly Allah commanded him to slaughter Ismail.
On the other hand, he could not bear it, but his heart told him that the dream was Allah's revelation that must be carried out. This inner struggle lasted for a long time, but he decided to obey Allah's revelation. Then he went to Ismail, who was at that time still a child playing with his peers.
'My son Ismail, I have received a revelation from Allah, our Lord, to test your patience and my patience,' said Prophet Ibrahim while caressing his son. Prophet Ibrahim actually could not bear to state his true intention to his son. But for Allah's revelation, he had to tell him. Young Ismail, not understanding his father's words, asked.
'O father, what do you mean by your words? Explain to me,' said Ismail, still not understanding where his father's conversation was leading. Sighing, Prophet Ibrahim answered. 'My son, truly I have been commanded by Allah to slaughter you. This is certainly very difficult for us. But the dream is a revelation; I must carry it out,' said Prophet Ibrahim, explaining his dream.
'If that is truly Allah's will, then we must accept it willingly, even though it is painful,' replied Ismail.
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
Then they both returned to his house. Prophet Ibrahim stated his intention to Hajjah Hajar. At first, Hajjah Hajar was shocked by Prophet Ibrahim's words. Because their only child had to be sacrificed as a offering as in her husband's dream.
'My wife, truly I am also not willing if our child must die as a sacrifice. But what can we do; all of this has been revealed to me by Allah. It is quite possible that Allah is testing our patience,' said Prophet Ibrahim explaining to
For a moment they were silent. They thought about something that pointed to the sacrifice of Ismail. Then his wife answered, 'If that is indeed Allah's decision, we cannot refuse it,' said Hajjah Hajar, tears streaming down her cheeks.
'When will you perform the sacrifice of Ismail?' asked Hajjah Hajar to Prophet Ibrahim beside her. Despite this, she still strengthened her heart to accept the trial that she considered the heaviest. How could it not be heavy, for Ismail who had just been reunited with his father had to be sacrificed. Hajjah Hajar only prayed in her heart to Allah to strengthen her to accept this trial.
'If you have accepted it, then I will perform the sacrifice tomorrow morning after I pray. This is in accordance with the revelation I received through the dream,' said Prophet Ibrahim. His voice was very soft, almost inaudible.
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
Then the three of them slept. That night Prophet Ibrahim dreamed as he had experienced before. It was to firm his heart to sacrifice Ismail the next morning.
The next day, early in the morning exactly on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah after the prayer, Prophet Ibrahim took his son to an open field. Saying Allahu Akbar along the way, he guided Prophet Ismail and then sat him on a stone slab.
'O my son, make your heart firm. Because this is a severe trial for us. Be patient; surely Allah will hear our prayer. For Allah loves the patient,' said Prophet Ibrahim while laying Prophet Ismail on the stone.
Then Prophet Ibrahim said Allahu Akbar while drawing his sword from his belt. The shining sword reflecting the sunlight did not shake the heart of Prophet Ismail. Prophet Ismail continued to declare Allah's oneness by saying:
'La ilalah llallah, hu Allah hu akbar'.
While Prophet Ibrahim continued to declare Allah's greatness
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
'Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar. Then the sword was placed on Prophet Ismail's neck. At that terrifying moment, before the sword could wound Prophet Ismail's neck, an angel came bringing a large ram. Then he said: 'O Ibrahim, truly your heart was firm and patient in facing this great trial,' said the angel while presenting the ram he brought. Then Prophet Ibrahim said: 'O Jibril, I will not run and hide from this trial. Neither will Ismail. Why have you come bringing this ram?' asked Prophet Ibrahim.
Then the angel explained that Prophet Ibrahim's offering by sacrificing his own son had been accepted by Allah. While as a replacement was the ram. So from that time until now, Muslims who are able, on every Eid al-Adha, they sacrifice part of their wealth in the form of a ram.
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
This has become part of Islamic law. Because with this sacrifice, it means we remember again the patience of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail in facing such a severe trial. Besides this, it aims to honor both. Regarding the account of Prophet Ibrahim's dream through to the slaughter of Ismail has been recorded in the Qur'an, Surah As-Saffat, verses 102 to 107, which reads:
So when (Ismail) reached (the age of) working with him, (Ibrahim) said: 'O my son! I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you: so look what is your view!' He said: 'O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou wilt find me, if Allah so wills, among the patient!' (As-Saffat: 102)
When they both had submitted themselves and he had thrown him down on his forehead, We called out to him: 'O Ibrahim!' (As-Saffat: 103)
Thus have We shown Abraham how to triumph in his vision: for truly the trial was clear. (As-Saffat: 104) Indeed you have truly fulfilled the vision: thus indeed do We reward those who do right. (As-Saffat: 105)
For this was obviously a trial clear and open. (As-Saffat: 106)
And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. (As-Saffat: 107)
Allah's Revelation to Ibrahim to Slaughter Ismail
With the coming of the angel, the slaughter of Ismail did not take place because it was replaced with a large ram. So the patience of both was proven in facing such a severe trial. With that patience, finally Allah spoke in Surah As-Saffat verse 108, which means:
'We have left this good name for Ibrahim among the generations to come.' (As-Saffat: 108)
The meaning of Allah's word is to mention the name of Ibrahim for every Muslim who comes to Makkah for pilgrimage. Besides that, the name of Ibrahim is also mentioned in the prayer, especially during the Attahiyat.
While Prophet Ismail was counted among the patient ones according to Allah's word in Surah Al-Anbiya' verses 85 to 86, which means:
'And (mention) Ismail, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl. Each of them was among the patient.' (Al-Anbiya': 85)
'And We had mercy on them. For they were among the righteous.' (Al-Anbiya': 86)
From the story above, we can learn a lesson from the patience of Prophet Ismail in facing any trial. With that patience, we will be increasingly merciful by Allah.
Besides, Prophet Ismail is definitely counted among the prophets by Allah. This is mentioned in the Qur'an, Surah Sad verse 48:
And remember Ismail, Al-Yasa', and Dhul-Kifl. Each of them was of the best. (Sad: 48)
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