Abraham the Great Prophet 6

(14-39)(11-69-73)(37-101)(15-51-56)(51-24-30)

Abraham’s Guest

Abraham had settled in Palestine after his immigration. He was old, and without any children. He had left behind everything that could be a hindrance in his path. Now the blessings of God started pouring upon him. One day he saw some strangers in the land. There were no hotels in those times. Travelers were left at the mercy of the residents’ willingness to show hospitality to them. Abraham was a very kind and hospitable person. He greeted the travelers by saying, “Peace be upon you.”  They replied in the same way, “Peace be upon you.” He brought them home and roasted a calf for them to eat. The visitors showed no desire to eat. Abraham became suspicious about the intentions of his visitors; one of them said, “Do not worry. We are messengers of God, sent for Lot’s people, but we have good news for you. You are going to have children.” His wife, who was standing behind the door, laughed, because there was no imminent danger from them, and said, “Good news! Is it possible to have children when I am an old barren woman and my husband is reaching advanced age with white hair? It is going to be a very strange thing.” “Are you surprised about the decisions of God?” said one of the guests. “There is nothing to be surprised at; God is pouring his blessings upon you, family of Abraham, and His decisions are the best because He is wise and sublime.”

According to the Quran, Abraham had only one wife, and he had his two sons, Ismail and Isaac, by her. Ismail was the first born; according to the custom prevailing in their society, he was the head of the family. Ismail was a very obedient boy, who never lost his self-control under any circumstances.

(37-101-102-103-105-106)

The Sacrifice of Ismail

Abraham was living in a place which was surrounded by many nations. These nations had their own customs and traditions; one was to sacrifice their children on the altar of their gods. Since the children were weak and helpless, completely dependent on their ruthless parents, and could not protest against them, their sacrifice was an easy option to gain the favor of the gods. In order to give it legitimacy, the people considered this heinous act to be the height of virtue.

Abraham was living among these nations and watching their absurd behavior. One night, he dreamt that he was sacrificing his son. For a man like Abraham, who had left all his relations and country, and had broken all the bounds of affection, this was a great opportunity to test himself. Surprisingly, the first person he consulted was his beloved son Ismail. “My son, I have seen in my dream that I was sacrificing you. What is your opinion about it?”

“My father, what you are told to do, do it. You will find me patient,” was the answer.

After this decision, when they both surrendered to what they thought was the will of God; the father flung Ismail on the ground on his face and raised the knife to sacrifice him. A voice came: “Abraham, you have acted upon your dream, and are willing to sacrifice your son. But it was a dream and not an order from Allah. Even so, it was a supreme act and its memory will always live in the world. God saved Ismail from this sacrifice for a greater sacrifice and that was to live in a desert city to build the Kaaba and propagate the ideals of Abraham.