Ismail's prayer when about to be sacrificed is one of the most touching and soul-stirring prayers. This prayer reveals Ismail's steadfastness, sincerity, and obedience to Allah SWT and his father, Prophet Ibrahim. It is also an integral part of an inspirational story and carries valuable lessons about the wisdom of sacrifice.
What is Ismail's Prayer?
Ismail's prayer is the prayer uttered by Prophet Ismail when his father, Prophet Ibrahim, dreamt of sacrificing him as commanded by Allah SWT. This prayer is found in Surah Ash-Shaffat, verses 102-103:
"When he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.' And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead."
Ismail's prayer shows that he did not oppose or reject Allah SWT's command conveyed by his father. He did not feel fear or sadness about his fate. Instead, he surrendered himself to Allah SWT and patiently faced this trial. He also demonstrated respect and love for his father by addressing him as "O my father" and seeking his opinion.
The Story of Ismail and Ibrahim
The story of Ismail and Ibrahim is a deeply moving and awe-inspiring tale. It begins when Ibrahim dreamt of sacrificing his son, Ismail, as commanded by Allah SWT. Ibrahim was a prophet who was extremely devout and close to Allah SWT. He did not hesitate to carry out Allah SWT's command, even though it was an immense challenge for him.
Ibrahim then informed his son, Ismail, about his dream. Ismail was an obedient and affectionate son to his father. He had profound faith and relied on Allah SWT. Ismail did not argue or complain about Allah SWT's command conveyed by his father. Instead, he supported and encouraged his father to fulfill it.
Ibrahim and Ismail then proceeded to the designated place of sacrifice as shown by Allah SWT. There, both of them prayed to Allah SWT and prepared to fulfill His command. Ibrahim bound Ismail and placed the knife on his neck. However, when he attempted to sacrifice him, the knife failed to cut Ismail's neck. Ibrahim tried multiple times, but the outcome remained the same.
Suddenly, they heard a voice from the heavens saying:
وَنَادَيۡنٰهُ اَنۡ يّٰۤاِبۡرٰهِيۡمُۙ (١٠٤) قَدۡ صَدَّقۡتَ الرُّءۡيَا ۚ اِنَّا كَذٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى الۡمُحۡسِنِيۡنَ (١٠٥) اِنَّ هٰذَا لَهُوَ الۡبَلٰٓؤُا الۡمُبِيۡنُ (١٠٦) وَفَدَيۡنٰهُ بِذِبۡحٍ عَظِيۡمٍ (١٠٧)
"O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." (Ash-Shaffat: 104-107)
Ibrahim and Ismail expressed gratitude to Allah SWT for His grace and mercy. They saw a ram sent by Allah SWT as a substitute for Ismail. Ibrahim then sacrificed the ram as an offering to Allah SWT. Ismail was spared from the sacrifice and became a noble and righteous prophet.
The Wisdom of Sacrifice from the Story of Ismail
The story of Ismail and Ibrahim holds profound wisdom of sacrifice for all of us. The wisdom of sacrifice is inherent in the act of animal sacrifice performed by Muslims every year on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Some of the wisdom of sacrifice derived from the story of Ismail includes:
- Wholeheartedly following Allah SWT's commands
The story of Ismail shows that we must be obedient to Allah SWT and wholeheartedly fulfill His commands without doubt or complaint. We should believe that Allah SWT will not burden us with trials beyond our capabilities and that there is wisdom behind every trial.
- Strengthening faith and patience
The story of Ismail highlights the importance of having strong faith and patience in facing trials and tests from Allah SWT. We should surrender ourselves to Allah SWT and seek His assistance in all circumstances. We should have faith that Allah SWT will reward those who believe and remain patient.
- Sharing with those in need
The story of Ismail emphasizes the importance of sharing with those in need, especially on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. We should set aside a portion of our wealth for the purpose of sacrifice and distribute the meat to the poor, orphans, and those who are in need. We should experience the joy and togetherness that comes from sharing the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah SWT.
In conclusion, Ismail's prayer when about to be sacrificed, the inspirational story, and the wisdom of sacrifice provide valuable lessons for us to learn from. May we emulate the attitudes of Ismail and Ibrahim in facing trials from Allah SWT. Let us strive to enhance our faith, obedience, patience, and sincerity in worshipping Allah SWT.
Illustration source: YouTube The Inspirational Quotes
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