The Amazing Story of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) on Qurbani

Every year on Eid Al-Adha, millions around the world sacrifice animals—but have you ever wondered what deep meaning lies behind this ancient ritual? It’s more than a tradition; it’s a powerful symbol of faith, love, and obedience rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this practice, what the Qur’an says about it, and the deeper lessons it holds, not just for Eid, but for our daily lives. Let’s begin, in the name of Allah.

Ibrahim (AS) Sees a Dream

For many years, Ibrahim (AS) had no children. This was a big test from Allah. But after heartfelt duas, Allah finally blessed him with a son, a patient and kind boy named Ismail (AS).

Just when things seemed settled, Allah tested Ibrahim (AS) again. He commanded him to leave his wife Hajar (AS) and their newborn son in the empty desert of Makkah. Without questioning, Ibrahim (AS) obeyed. And by Allah’s mercy, Hajar (AS) and Ismail (AS) survived.

But that wasn’t the end. One day, Ibrahim (AS) saw a dream where he was sacrificing his son. As a prophet, he knew this dream was a command from Allah. The Qur’an says:

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ

Thereafter, when he (the boy) reached an age in which he could work with him, he (Ibrāhīm) said, “O my little son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so consider, what is your opinion?” [Surah As Saffat, 37 : 102]

Both Comply with Allah’s Commandment

When Ibrahim (AS) told Ismail (AS) about the dream, Ismail (AS) didn’t hesitate. Instead of being scared, he calmly accepted it as Allah’s will. He said:

قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٠٢

Meaning: “He (Ismail AS) said, ‘O my dear father, do what you have been ordered to do. You will find me, insha’Allah , (if Allah wills) one of those who endure patiently.’” [Surah As Saffat, 37 : 102]

SubhanAllah! Look at his beautiful response. His patience and trust are lessons for every believer.

Ibrahim (AS) then took his son to the place of sacrifice. Some say this was in Mina, near Makkah. As they walked, Shaytan tried to convince Ismail (AS) to run away. But Ismail (AS) threw stones at him. This act is remembered today when pilgrims throw stones during Hajj.

Now imagine: you’re a father, holding your child, and asked to do what Ibrahim (AS) was asked to do. Can you imagine what he was going through? But that is where a true believer shines. He puts his love for Allah over everything, even the love of his child. 

Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah stopped him. It was never meant to harm Ismail (AS). It was a test. And they passed. Allah sent a ram from paradise to be sacrificed instead. The Qur’an says:

فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِ ١٠٣ وَنَـٰدَيْنَـٰهُ أَن يَـٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ ١٠٤ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٠٥ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْبَلَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ ١٠٦ وَفَدَيْنَـٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍۢ ١٠٧

Meaning: “So, when both of them submitted themselves (to Allah’s will), and he laid him on his forehead (to slaughter him), and then We called out to him, “O Ibrāhīm, you did make the dream come true.” This is how We reward those who are good in their deeds. This was indeed a trial that clearly demonstrated (their obedience). And We ransomed him (Ismail AS) with a great sacrifice (a ram). [Surah As Saffat, 37 : 103-107]

This is the moment we remember every Eid al-Adha. It’s not about meat or animals. It’s about what you’re willing to give up for Allah. 

What is Prophet Ismail (AS) Known for?

Firstly, Ismail (AS) was a Prophet of Allah. He was known for being calm, obedient, and faithful—even from a young age. Allah addresses him as a forbearing child in the Quran. Allah says:

فَبَشَّرْنَـٰهُ بِغُلَـٰمٍ حَلِيمٍۢ ١٠١

Meaning: “So, We gave him (Ibrahim AS) the good news of a forbearing boy (i.e. Ismail AS).” [Surah Saffat, 37 : 101]

He helped his father Ibrahim (AS) build the Kaaba in Makkah. Allah says in the Quran: 

وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمُ ٱلْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ١٢٧

Meaning: “When Ibrāhīm was raising up the foundations of the House, along with Ismā‘īl (supplicating): “Our Lord accept (this service) from us! Indeed, You – and You alone – are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing!” [Surah Al Baqarah, 2 : 127]

He spoke the truth, and he encouraged others to pray and give charity. Allah says about him:

وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِسْمَـٰعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صَادِقَ ٱلْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًۭا نَّبِيًّۭا ٥٤ وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ أَهْلَهُۥ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱلزَّكَوٰةِ وَكَانَ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ مَرْضِيًّۭا ٥٥

Meaning: “And mention in the Book (the story of) Ismā‘īl. He was indeed true to his promise, and was a messenger, a prophet. He used to enjoin Salāh and Zakāh upon his family, and was favourite to his Lord.” [Surah Al Maryam, 19: 54-55]

Lessons for Us

The story of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) isn’t just something to enjoy as a story. Allah wants us to take lessons from it and apply them in our lives. Some of the most vital lessons are:

1. Love for Allah Comes First

Ibrahim (AS) loved his son deeply, but his love for Allah was even greater. This teaches us to put the love of Allah above everything else in our lives.

2. Obedience of Allah Brings Peace

Ismail (AS) didn’t argue or hesitate. He found peace in obeying Allah. True peace comes when we follow Allah’s commands, even during hard times.

3. A Righteous Family Is Built on Faith

Parents should raise their children with love for Allah. Ismail (AS) was the kind of son every parent would want — patient, respectful, and faithful. Ibrahim (AS) made Dua for a righteous child:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

“My Lord, bless me with a righteous child.” [Surah As-Saffat, 37:100]

And indeed Allah blessed him with such a child.

Even Hajar (AS), Ismail’s (AS) mother, showed incredible faith. When she was left in the desert, she asked if it was Allah’s will. When Ibrahim (AS) said yes, she calmly trusted Allah would take care of them. Her faith is an example for all of us.

4. Every Test Has a Purpose

Allah didn’t want to hurt Ismail (AS) — the test was to prove their faith. Our trials, too, have meaning. They make us stronger and bring us closer to Allah.

FAQs

Q: Where did Ibrahim (AS) try to sacrifice Ismail (AS)?
A: The sacrifice didn’t actually happen because Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram. But the place where it was meant to happen is believed to be Mina, near Makkah. That’s why Mina is an important place during Hajj.

Q: What is the miracle of Prophet Ismail (AS)?
A: The miracle of the sacrifice of Ismail (AS) is already mentioned above. Another miracle connected to Ismail (AS) happened when he was a baby. His mother Hajar, was searching for water in the desert, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah. 

As baby Ismail (AS) was kicking the ground with his feet, water gushed out. This became the Zamzam well, which still flows today in Makkah. Allah miraculously provided for them.

Final Thoughts

The story of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) is a reminder that the test of true faith isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or anyone in between, there’s a lesson for all.

When you think about Qurbani, don’t just think about the slaughtering of an animal. Think about the devotion, love and trust that both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) carried. Take lessons from their story and put Allah at the top of your life’s priorities.

Allahumma Salli wa Sallim Ala Ibrahim wa Ala Ale Ibrahim.