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Story of Ibrahim

The Story of Ibrahim (AS) - Ibrahim's (AS) Sacrifice

The story of Qurbani states that Ibrahim (AS) experienced a dream one night in which Allah (SWT) told him to sacrifice Ismail (AS), his beloved son. At first, Ibrahim (AS) believed this was the devil playing tricks on him, and he immediately disregarded it. However, the following night, the same dream occurred again, commanding him to do the same. Ibrahim (AS) then came to realise that this was no fluke and was, in fact, a message from Allah (SWT).

Ibrahim (AS) loved his son, Ismail (AS). Yet he was fully prepared to follow Allah's (SWT) command and do as He instructed. He took his son to the top of Mount Arafat and brought with him a knife and rope. Upon reaching an appropriate place, he told his son about his dream and what Allah (SWT) had commanded him to do. Being an obedient son, Prophet Ismail (AS) immediately obliged the wishes of Allah (SWT) and his father and asked that his hands and legs be tied so that he may not struggle and that his father blindfolds himself so that he does not have to witness him suffer.

Ibrahim (AS) did as Ismail (AS) had said. Blindfolded and with the knife in his hands, he did as Allah (SWT) had asked of him. When he took the blindfold off, to his surprise, he saw the body of a dead ram in front of him. Ismail (AS) was completely unharmed, standing right next to him. At first, he thought that something had gone horribly wrong and that he had disobeyed the order of his Creator. Then, he heard a voice telling him that Allah (SWT) looks after his followers and that he need not worry.

A divine miracle had taken place. Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) had just passed a difficult test from Allah (SWT).

Performing Qurbani Today

Since the first Qurbani Eid story, every year, during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the holy calendar, Muslims from around the world perform Qurbani to remember what Ibrahim (AS) did. We use his deed to inspire devotion, obedience, and submission in our own lives. Muslims sacrifice animals (preferably a goat, cow, or camel) using special rules and practices in memory of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) sacrifice.

Therefore, the significance of Qurbani is a lesson in obedience and submission. We must obey Allah's (SWT) command without pause. We must perform the tasks He has ordained compulsory for all Muslims, such as praying Salat, performing Sawm, paying Zakat, and embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage. May Allah (SWT) enable us to perform the Sunnah of Ibrahim (AS) year in and year out. Ameen.

Due to the firm faith of both father and son, Ismail (AS) was replaced by a ram, and his life was spared by Allah (SWT). In this story, we must, therefore, remember that Eid ul-Adha is not just a celebration but a remembrance of one of the greatest sacrifices in history.

As we remember the Qurbani story every year, and we remember the obedience, devotion, and submission that he showed on that fateful day atop the mountain, we think of the importance of the celebration of Qurbani and what we must do to honour it. For those wondering how to give Qurbani in the UK, Muslim Aid can help.

By giving Qurbani in the UK, you serve those most in need and unite the Ummah in this time of joyous celebration as you follow a commandment that is blessed by Allah (SWT).

Give Qurbani online today

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