Page 126 - The Prophet Abraham (pbuh)

The Prophet Abraham (pbuh)

The Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) Test

One of the many tests that the Prophet Abraham (pbuh)
had to face was that of sacrificing the Prophet Ishmael (pbuh).
As Allah relates in the following verse:
And We gave him [Abraham] the good news of a forbear-
ing boy. When he [Ishmael] was of an age to work with
him, he [Abraham] said: "My son, I saw in a dream that I
must sacrifice you. What do you think about this?" He
said: "Do as you are ordered, father. Allah willing, you
will find me patient." Then when they had both submitted
and he had lain him face down on the ground, We called
out to him: "Abraham! You have discharged your vision."
That is how We recompense good-doers. This was indeed
a most manifest trial. We ransomed him with a mighty sac-
rifice. (Surat as-Saffat: 101-107)

In the above verses, Allah relates how He tested the
Prophet Abraham (pbuh). Islamic scholars generally interpret
these verses in the same way. For example, in his commentary
on the Qur'an Hamdi Yazir of Elmali states that the Prophet
Abraham (pbuh) saw a revelation in his dream and was told to
fulfill it. He explains the relevant verses in the following terms:

"…He did not seek to do this by force. Rather, he indicated that by
asking his son's views on how to bring this about, thus seeking his
obedience and submission and enabling him to acquire merit in
Allah's sight. One can only imagine what a great feeling of love
must beat in a father's heart when he says: 'O, my dear son,' and
how his great passion for duty and love for God overcame even his
love for his son… That gentle-hearted son, who understood that this
was Allah's command and that Allah was with those who were pa-
tient, replied: 'O, my dear father, do whatever you are commanded.
By God's will, you shall find me patient. "4

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