The Story of Ibrahim (AS) “Abraham” and the Sacrifice

 

I seek refuge with Allah (SWT) from the cursed Satan.  In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful.  All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).  We praise Allah, thank Him, and seek His help, guidance and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil in our souls and the sinfulness of our deeds. "Whomever Allah guides, (then) he is (rightly) guided; and whomever He leads into error, then those are they (who are) the losers."  (TMQ, 7:178)[1]

 

To begin with, I should start by asking Allah (SWT) to accept the steps that have led us to this gathering, to reward us for them, and to increase the presence of the angels in these gatherings.   Visualize that this gathering, right now, is surrounded by angels. Imagine that their wings spread from the earth to the sky, shading us.  What do you think Allah (SWT) wants to offer us for this gathering?  It is amazing how Allah (SWT) honors those who meet for His sake.  For a young man coming from a long distance, Allah (SWT) wants to grant great honor, great mercy, and great forgiveness, insha’ Allah (if Allah wills).  What would Allah (SWT) want for those young women who come from far places and tolerate difficulties and hardships for His sake except to grant them great honor, great mercy, and great forgiveness?  

 

If you ask yourselves what is the greatest blessing granted to us, it might be this gathering itself! Regardless of the person teaching the lesson, the most important point is to attend faith-filled gatherings like this that remind us of Allah (SWT).  It does not matter who the speaker is or what he is speaking about.  The most important thing is that it brings your heart closer to Allah (SWT), no matter how far the distance is.  It is for this reason that gatherings like this, regardless of the topic discussed, can be a turning point in the life of a young person, a man, or a woman who have attended and have found their heart trembling from inside and decided to change and improve the relationship with Allah (SWT).  In a year or so, we might find him/her a completely different person. There are those whose hearts may have been so distant from Allah (SWT) just one year or six months ago, but when they decided to attend a gathering such as this one, they decided, seriously, to become closer to Allah (SWT).  I am certain that that is the case for some of our sisters and brothers here. We ask Allah (SWT) to bless us by allowing us to meet together to worship Him, make us love to please Him, strengthen us in worship and gather us with the Prophet (SAWS) in jannah (paradise).

 

Let us return to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham).  This is the episode before the last and we should end this story next time, insha' Allah.

 

We reached the segment where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Hajar and Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael) in the desert and returned to Palestine.  We talked about how Allah (SWT) blessed them with a great blessing, which is the Well of Zamzam. We mentioned the tribe that found them and protected Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il (AS).  Let us continue today with Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’il (AS) and the story of the sacrifice of Prophet Isma’il and what we can learn from this story.

 

The majority of today’s talk is going to be about this sacrifice.  We sacrifice an animal every Eid (the Feast of the Sacrifice) without understanding what we are doing. What is the story behind it?  Why is it important?  Why did Allah (SWT) command us imitate the story of the sacrifice every Eid?  The Sunnah (something the Prophet (SAWS) used to do) is to sacrifice an animal. What is the story and how does it affect you as a Muslim?  What should you understand about it as a Muslim?

 

This topic is one of the most important ones that can be affirmed in your heart as part of your Islamic Creed (Aqeedah).  Pay close attention to how Islamic Belief (Eeman) can be taught. For example, I can simply approach you and declare that true faith is to testify that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and to believe in Allah (SWT), the Day of Judgment, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, etc.  However, there is a more effective way. That is, we can narrate stories of human beings, like you and me, who were faithful, strong believers in Allah (SWT).  Then, we start to take their example in our worship.  Allah (SWT) wants us to engrave Eeman into our hearts by narrating stories of Prophets.  One of the most effective ways to strengthen our belief in Allah is to listen to stories from the Qur’an of the Prophets.  The segment we are mentioning in Prophet Ibrahim’s story is one of the most powerful parts in understanding the meaning of Eeman.  If you engrave it into your heart, your attachment with Allah (SWT) will be very special.

 

Let us start from the beginning.  What happened?  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Prophet Isma’il (AS) and Hajar in Makkah, while he went to stay in Palestine.  He visited them once or twice a year by riding the Buraq (a miraculous horse).  This same Buraq carried Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) during Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj (the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to the seventh Heaven).  Allah (SWT) made this creature especially for the prophets.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) rode the Buraq from Palestine to Makkah and back in a matter of minutes.  Notice that this path from Makkah to Palestine seems to be the path of the prophets. It is the same path that Prophet Muhammad (SWT) would take after thousands of years, on his journey of Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj. It is as if the path was passed on to him. If Muslims knew that this path was taken over by their Prophet, they would appreciate and value the journey more.

 

The Buraq is a white creature; it looks like a cross between a donkey and a mule.  Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) described it to us by saying that whatever point his sight reached, his foot was set there instantly.  The vision of the human being can reach approximately 20 kilometers.  This is similar to catching sight of a building twenty kilometers away, and then finding yourself at the very spot in an instant; this can be compared to the speed of light.  Why is the Buraq important?  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) could have been transported through different means; he could have simply closed his eyes to find himself in Makkah, and then closed his eyes again to find himself in Palestine.  Why did Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) ride the Buraq when Allah (SWT) could have sent Angel Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) to take him?  Allah (SWT) wants to teach us a beautiful thing, a concept. Namely, there must be causes for things to happen in this world.  In order to be victorious, for example, you must take the first step.  There must be a cause.  It is as if Allah (SWT) is saying to us, “O mankind, you are to thrive thousands of years after Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). You are to discover airplanes and spacecrafts.  However, do not think that by advancing in science, you will be able to outdo Me or you will not need to rely on Me, for I have transported my prophets within reach of Jerusalem in seconds before the recent technology, which you have discovered thousands of years after them.” 

 

The Buraq is a miracle from Allah (SWT) to tell us that He is in control of the earth and the heavens.  Why then is mankind so arrogant towards Allah (SWT)?  How can we ever think that we are stronger than Allah (SWT), or that our cell phones and satellite dishes demonstrate genius and supremacy?  Look at the Buraq that carried Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) to Palestine in seconds!

 

The story of the sacrifice may be narrated as such: Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was sleeping in Makkah during one of his visits when he saw a dream. He saw that he was holding a knife and that he was slaughtering his son, Isma’il (AS).  Since prophets’ dreams always transpire, this meant that he had to do what he had seen.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did not try to excuse himself from this command; he did not question why Jibril himself (AS) had not descended and ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.  He did not try to excuse himself by saying that Allah (SWT) forbade killing.  He truly believed that a Prophet’s dream was to be obeyed and that Allah (SWT) had commanded him to sacrifice his son.  Indeed, the One who had forbade killing is the same One who is now commanding him to slaughter his son.

 

Before we discuss the ayahs (verses) that describe this story in detail, I would like to note that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was going to put Islam into action. Yet, what does Islam mean?  What does the word “Muslim” mean?  Notice the name of our religion, chosen by Allah (SWT) as He says what can be translated as, “Surely the religion in the Providence of Allah is  Islam” (TMQ, 3:19).

 

When you enter a certain place, you must read the sign with the name or title written on it before deciding whether or not you want to enter it.   Do you want to enter into this religion?  Read its name; read ‘Islam’.  This is the essence of your Aqeedah.  What does it mean when you say, “I am a Muslim”?  It means that you are submitting and surrendering yourself to Allah (SWT).  Whenever you run across the word “Muslim” in the Qur’an, refer to any interpretation and you will find that it means “submitting oneself.”  Refer to an Arabic dictionary and look up what the word “Muslim” means.  Even in our everyday language, we say, “surrender yourself”.  It means “do not act upon your own will.” It means raising your hands upward to declare that you are not able to do anything.  You have submitted yourself to Allah (SWT).  Do you understand the meaning? Furthermore, do you act upon it?

 

Indeed, there are some who say, “I will worship Allah (SWT), but first, I have to truly be convinced.”  This is a misunderstanding of the meaning.  Allah (SWT) will make you understand everything, but the essence of your worship to Him is to submit yourself to Him first. You must willingly say ‘I am all yours, my Lord, Allah. You own me.”

 

Allah (SWT) says, what can be translated as, “Do they then (inequitably) seek other than the religion of Allah, and to Him has surrendered whoever is in the heavens and the earth …” (TMQ, 3: 83).  What does “to Him has surrendered whoever is in the heavens and the earth” mean?  Furthermore, how does an inanimate object, such as the sun, submit itself?  It rises every morning at the time Allah (SWT) commanded.  How does the moon submit itself?  It does so by never deviating from its set orbit. Astronomers can predict exactly what time the moon will rise in two years.  It does not change its course because it has submitted itself to the will of Allah (SWT) Who says, what can be translated as, “… [Allah] then said to it (the heaven) and to the earth, “Come up willingly or unwillingly!” They (both) said, “We come up willingly” (TMQ, 41:11).   Fire burns because it has submitted itself to Allah (SWT).  The knife cuts because it has submitted itself to Allah (SWT).  The sun does not crash into the earth because it has submitted itself to Allah (SWT).  Floods occur because the sky and earth have submitted themselves to Allah (SWT).  It seems like mankind is the only creation that does not want to submit itself, or has the power to not submit, with the exception of the believers.  Therefore, when you become a believer, you are valued greatly by Allah (SWT) because you have willingly submitted yourself to Him. 

 

Up to this point, all of what I have narrated is the dream Prophet Ibrahim (AS) saw.  I want to engrave into your hearts the meaning of submission.  Surat An-Nahl (The Bees) is about the blessings that Allah (SWT) has granted to mankind that it is also called “the surah of blessings”.  After mentioning the blessings, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…Thus He perfects His favor upon you, that possibly you would be Muslims (Literally: surrender “to Him”)” (TMQ, 16:81) In spite of all these blessings which Allah (SWT) has granted to us, some still refuse to submit themselves to Him.  They say: "I will worship whenever I feel like it". They enjoy Allah’s blessings but refuse to be convinced of surrendering to Him (SWT). Nevertheless, He is the Ever-Merciful who assures us with the evident wisdom he sends to us in the Qur’an.

 

Remember the name of the religion.  It is Islam, where you surrender yourself to Allah (SWT).  Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) describes the meaning in a beautiful hadith (a saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), “No one will be a believer except the one whose desires are in accordance to what I came with.”[2]  "No one will be a believer” does not mean he would be a disbeliever; instead, it means that his belief would be incomplete unless he lives a life that pleases the Prophet (SAWS) and is in accordance to his Sunnah (the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) actions and orders).   How many of those sitting here in this gathering are living according to what pleases the Prophet (SAWS)? How many of us adapt our desires to please Allah's Prophet (SAWS)? 

 

 

For example, you may feel the urge to backbite, or to be unjust to an employee at work because you do not like a certain characteristic of his. However, you may choose not to do so as you remind yourself that your life should be centered around the Sunnah of Prophet (SAWS).  You might feel like scolding your wife to see her cry, but you choose not to do so because it goes against the principles of the Prophet (SAWS).  You may feel like you want to quarrel with your husband every night because you feel fulfilled and free when you go against his wishes, but you choose not to because Allah (SWT) commanded you to obey your husband. In short, no one will ever be truly faithful unless his or her desires match those of the Prophet (SAWS) and are in accordance with his Sunnah.

 

 Wherever Islam wants us to go, we should closely follow. If Islam wants us to perform fajr (dawn) prayer, then we should comply. If Islam wants us to kiss the hands of our parents and strive to please them, then we should do so. This is the meaning of Islam. It means to submit oneself to Allah (SWT).  If one were to ask you if your relationship with Allah (SWT) is one of willing submission, the correct answer for the believer would be “Yes.” Nevertheless, there are still those who do not comply; even after knowing the title of their religion, they still refuse to surrender.

 

Let us have a look at Surat Al-Saaffat to learn a great lesson in submitting oneself to Allah (SWT). The ayahs are located within one page, and we will move from one ayah to another. You will feel that you love Prophet Ibrahim (AS) very much when you know about how he submitted himself to Allah (SWT).  Ask yourselves, as you listen, where you are in accordance to Ibrahim’s actions.   Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as,  “And he said, ‘Surely I am going to my Lord, soon He will guide me.’” (TMQ, 37:99).

 

Notice that we are moving toward the incident of the sacrifice. The ayah tells us about Prophet Ibrahim before Isma’il (AS) is born.  Prophet Ibrahim was in his eighties.  He was constantly moving from place to another, and every time he moved, he would say, “I am going to my Lord.”  Make this your motto whenever you go to a place.  Consider how this motto fits when you go to your home or college.  Your goal, when visiting different places, should be that you are going to learn what will be useful to the Muslims and how you can also guide your friends to Islam.  Even when you go to the sports club, you should remind yourself of this motto.  Isn't the strong Muslim better to Allah (SWT) than the weak one?  Wouldn’t you agree that a Muslim busying himself with sports is better than a Muslim busying himself with sins?  Write down this ayah and hang it inside your home so that every time you look at it, you are reminded to renew your intentions. 

 

The following ayah says what can be translated as, “Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.” (TMQ, 37:100) Let me remind you that these ayahs show us how much Prophet Ibrahim (AS) longed to have a son. It shows us how strongly he must have been attached to the son who came after such longing.  This is all before Allah (SWT) commanded Ibrahim (AS) to slaughter him. Thus, each ayah, as we proceed, explains to us the relationship and the attachment that existed between the father and son.

 

In the next ayah Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So We gave him the good tidings of a forbearing youth.” (TMQ, 37:101).  Forbearance, an adult characteristic, is rarely found in a child.  Imagine the gratitude Prophet Ibrahim (AS) must have felt when Allah (SWT) revealed to him that he would have a son after such a long wait; he was then more than 85 years of age!  Moreover, the good news was revealed to him by angels.

 

The following ayah makes the situation even harder.  It can be translated as, “Then when he (His son) reached the age of endeavoring with him …” (TMQ, 37:102).  The child was growing before Prophet Ibrahim’s eyes, making it even more difficult to act upon Allah’s final command.  It is easier to comprehend now how close Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had grown his son. So far we have learned that;

1-     Ibrahim (AS) was getting older and his chances of getting more children were very scant.

2-     He and his wife were lonely and needed the company

3-     He was given the glad tidings of a new baby

4-     He was given a patient boy

5-     As the boy grew up Ibrahim became very attached to him

 

This way, the ayahs continue drawing a clear picture of the bond between Ibrahim and his son (AS) and they continue to take us toward the climax.

 

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…He said, “O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you.” (TMQ, 37:102). 

 

Jibril (AS) could have simply told Prophet Ibrahim (AS) that Allah (SWT) ordered that his son be sacrificed.  However, he saw himself slaughtering his son in a dream.  Seeing it in a dream is different than seeing it happen before his eyes.  Notice that Allah (SWT) did not order him to send his son to battle or to jump off a mountain.  He chose the most difficult way for a father to cause the death of his own son; to slaughter him with his own hands.

 

The Qur’an says what can be translated as, “O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you” (TMQ, 37:102).

 

That is what Ibrahim (AS) said to his son. Imagine these words, "I, I am the one who will slaughter you.”  While you picture this, I would like you to refer to your own personal life.  Have you ever imagined a scenario more difficult than this one?  Have you ever heard of a similar demand?

 

Now, relate what I am saying to a young man who is beginning to pray at the mosque frequently.  One day, it happens that his shoes were stolen. Out of anger, he says, "I swear to Allah I will never come back here again!"  Now, imagine what happened to Ibrahim (AS) and his hardship.  Or even, compare this to a woman who has started to wear hijab  when her friends begin to make fun of her until, frustrated she would say, "I cannot bear to be made fun of," and thus takes it off.  Compare this to a young man who starts to attend prayers at the mosque until a problem begins to bother him; he then says, "It all started when I started going to the mosque. I will not attend prayers at the mosque anymore." 

 

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And among mankind is he who worships Allah upon the (very) edge; so in case a charitable gain alights upon him he is composed therewith, and in case a temptation afflicts him he turns back (loses his faith); he loses the present (life) and the Hereafter; that evidently is the greatest loss”(TMQ, 22:11).

 

Indeed, what a hard test Ibrahim (AS) encountered. Dear brothers and sisters, this is certainly the most difficult hardship anybody could ever face.  Our problem is that, during our childhood, we have heard these stories many times in Islamic History.  Gradually, to us, it no longer seemed to be a big deal that prophet Ibrahim was commanded to slaughter his son; we have heard it millions of times.  However, let us reflect on it again right now and ponder deeply about it.

 

“O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you” (TMQ, 37:102).  Up to the moment of slaughter, until the movement of the knife, and until the whole issue ended, Ibrahim (AS) did not know the wisdom behind this command. To him, this was it: Obey Allah and say “I will”.

 

Brothers and sisters, say, "I will!" Say it to Allah (SWT).  He is the only one there for us.  If we refuse to follow, we will find ourselves lost.  If we do not say that to Him and His commandments, we will lead a miserable life; a life in which one says "No" to Allah is a miserable one, full of hardship.

 

Similarly, many women find that this happens in their lives. Many women lead difficult lives because they cannot find someone to love. When they finally do get married, they soon eventually divorce.  They had spent 20 years saying, "No," to Allah (SWT) when every morning they willingly went out without hijab. They said, "No," and the result was the kind of life they lead.

 

Likewise, how can a young man, who is the reason behind the constant pain of his parents, expect that something good can ever happen in his life?  We all have to learn to say to Allah (SWT) "I will,” even if the things we do for Him are not what we want.  By complying with His will, we are obeying Him.  His orders are always for our own good.  He knows best and plans our future for us.  If we accept what He wills, Allah (SWT) will please us with it.

 

Returning to prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his dream, I would like to draw your attention to a very important point.  We often sacrifice in moments of exhilaration. For example, when you are full of religious spirit, or when you are crying in fear of Allah (SWT) on the 27th night of Ramadan, or even during a moment of personal jihad, maybe you would willingly comply if you received such a command to kill your son. In the case of Ibrahim (AS), the matter was different; the whole issue came to him in calmness. He was asleep at night and saw a dream with the command "Slaughter your son."  Could you tolerate such a thing in a moment of calmness? 

 

Ibrahim (AS) was not ordered to do this in a phase full of enthusiasm such as in Jihad (fighting for Allah’s sake). He was asleep and in this state, he received the command, ordering him to wake up in the morning to slaughter his son.

         

Ibrahim (AS) said, “…O my son, surely I see in a dream (Literally: time of sleeping) that I should slay you” (TMQ, 37:102).  The word "O my son!" shows how much he loved his son.  Do not, for a moment, think that Ibrahim (AS) was not full of love for his son.  Prophet Ibrahim obeyed Allah (SWT), although the order was very hard.

 

Ibrahim (AS) said, “…O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you; so, look, what do you see?” (TMQ, 37:102).  What is the meaning of this phrase? “So, look, what do you see?”  Does it mean that he was hesitant about killing his son?  No, this is impossible. Ibrahim (AS) was resolute to obey and that was final.  He was simply asking the opinion of his son so that he would share in the thawab (the great reward of Allah (SWT)).  Ibrahim (AS) was not only submitting to Allah’s will, but he was also teaching his son that kind of submission.  Ibrahim (AS) could have attacked his son from behind or with a blindfold, covered his eyes and said, "This is it. I will only do it once and then it will all be over."  In this case, Isma’il (AS) would not have gotten the thawab. Ibrahim (AS) knew that his son had been brought up well, since he had raised him himself.

 

By saying, “So, look, what do you see?” (TMQ, 37:102), Ibrahim (AS) is simply saying, “I want you to have the thawab of obeying Allah (SWT), just like me.”

 

Now, listen to the son and reflect upon the submission of Isma’il (AS)!  When we talk of such stories, we pity ourselves. We ask, “Why are we so stubborn and complicated?  Why don’t we let our relationship with Allah (SWT) go smoothly? Why can’t we say, ‘We will obey.’?” 

 

Contemplate on the willing submission of this serene young man.  Look at Isma’il (AS) who could be younger than you are; listen to what the grandfather of your prophet said. 

He said, “O my (dear) father, do whatever you are commanded.” (TMQ, 37:102). He did not say, “Do as you wish.”  With his words, he meant that he and his father are the slaves of Allah (SWT), so he must do what he has been ordered to do.  “He said, ‘O my (dear) father, perform whatever you are commanded.’” What a beautiful answer!  How obedient he is!  In addition, the words, “O my (dear) father!” confirm his politeness!  When your father asks you to buy him something from around the corner, and you refuse to go, does your command amount to Isma’il’s challenge?  What if your father told you that he would kill you? What would you do?  A short trip to the convenience store makes you steam with anger.  Eventually, you leave and get the things for him, but you add some bad words as you give him what he wanted. This way, Satan does not want you to get the pure reward.

 

Isma’il said, “O my (dear) father, perform whatever you are commanded; you will soon find me, in case Allah (so) decides, among the patient.” (TMQ, 37:102).

 

Do you have a similar kind of patience that motivates you to leave from here with the intention of putting an end to a haram (prohibited) relationship or other sinful actions?  Compare what Ibrahim and Isma’il (AS) did when young men drink alcohol in some Muslim countries. How would they dare when Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O you who have believed, surely wine and games of chance, and altars (for idols) and divination are only an abomination of Ash-Shaytan’s (the Devil) doing, so avoid it, that possibly you would prosper.” (TMQ, 5:90)? Here, the ayah refers to temptations of evils such as the drinking of alcohol and fornication.  Don’t the young men who commit such sins fear that they may die while committing them?  If someone dies while committing zena (forbidden sexual relationship), doing drugs, or even drunk, what will he/she be like on the Day of Judgment?  Can you imagine meeting Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment in such a state?  How can we accept this?  How can young men, who drink excessively, take such a matter so lightly?

 

 Observe, “…perform whatever you are commanded” which means, “I will be patient and I will obey all your orders.” Isma’il (AS) also said, “You will soon find me, in case Allah (so) decides, among the patient.”  Please note the phrase; “in case Allah (so) decides.” This is not mere momentary enthusiasm.  Isma'il (AS) is not an enthusiastic young man who bitterly spits out the words, "I will do it, go ahead kill me." Isma'il (AS) is connected and close to Allah (SWT). 

 

Some young men are filled with fervor, intending to do a certain thing for Islam.  To them I say, seek Allah's help.  When you make such intentions, say, "Help me Allah."  Prophet Mohamed (SAWS) always asked for the help of Allah (SWT) saying, “O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best of manners.”[3]

 

Many people say, "From now on, no more haram affairs," or, "I will wear hijab.”  Yet, you have to add, "Please Allah, help me."  With this, I will narrate a very strange story.  I went to Hajj (pilgrimage) some years ago and it was my first time.  It was on the night of Al- Tarweya (the night spent in Mina before heading to Mount Arafat the next day).  As it was my first time, I could not yet imagine that Allah (SWT) would forgive all my sins the next day.  Every one was beside himself with happiness that the moment we were all waiting for was approaching. I kept telling myself, "Tomorrow, I will worship Allah (SWT) as much as I possibly can.  Since dua’a (supplication) is accepted, especially in that particular time and place, the moment I reach Arafat, I will do my best to keep on making dua’a all day long.”  Many people were saying the same thing.  When we arrived at Arafat, we could not utter a single dua’a.  It did not matter what we had wished for, or what we previously thought we could do.  It all depended on the help of Allah (SWT).  I wanted to make dua’a, but I found myself too drowsy.  I told myself, "Start or you will miss the day!"  I went to wash my face and then came running, raising my hands to make dua’a. Yet, I was still unable to concentrate. I looked around and walked among the tents. Everybody was asleep.  I started to feel frustrated, disappointed and soon tired.  Only then I knew that it was not up to me.  In the afternoon, Arafat was full to the brim with faith and energy.  Every one was making dua’a that you could not tell which tent the words "my Lord" was coming from.  What happened?  Allah's help arrived.  Everybody was making sincere dua’a, weeping with reverence, feeling the mercy. The whole mountain seemed as if it were shaking with the sanctity of the moment and with the piety of the hearts and souls gathered for Allah (SWT)!  Happy is he who performs Hajj!  Happy is he who witnesses the Day of Arafat!  The time from the afternoon to dusk was enough.  You could find endless tears of joy at the prospect of leaving the mountain with your sins forgiven.

 

Consequently, I learned this concept; the secret is in seeking Allah's help.  On your own, you are weak; you cannot make it all alone.  You can say I will break up with my girlfriend, but you must ask yourself, "Did I first seek Allah's help?” In many instances, we will find that we do not remember to ask, so our willpower fades away in a very short time.  Similarly, you may say, “I will quit smoking.” But in two or three days, you go back to it.  Seek the help of Allah (SWT).  Extend a great deal of dua’a for His help.  The Prophet (SAWS) teaches us that after every prayer we should say, “O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best of manners.”[4]

 

“You will soon find me, in case Allah (so) decides, among the patient.” (TMQ, 37:102).  Try to imagine the father and the son. Ibrahim (AS) with a knife in his hand.  Look back on your own life and try to decide what would happen?  He took the knife, a sharp knife, and took his son away to prepare to slaughter him.  In his mind Ibrahim (AS) confirmed, “I will kill my only son because of a dream I had, without explanation or discussion; but I will obey You, O Allah!” 

   

Meanwhile, Satan hurries to Isma'il (AS), telling him, "Your old father has started to hallucinate."  Satan came to Isma'il (AS) in the form of an old man, seemingly wise and of experience; he urged him, saying, “Isma'il your father is growing old. He says things that he does not understand.  He will kill you. Run!"  However, Isma'il picked up seven pebbles and threw them at him.  From this incident came Al-Jamra Al-Soghra (the Small Column—a ritual in Hajj where people throw stones at the place where Satan was when he spoke to Isma’il (AS)). 

 

Failing with the son, the devil runs to the mother.  Certainly, the mother will stop them, as she fears losing her son. Nonetheless, Hajar is not less obedient than Isma'il and Ibrahim (AS); she could even be more obedient.  Why, then, was she not mentioned in the story?  This is because her submission is signified by her silence.  She decided to say, "Yes Allah, I will not interfere.”  The devil hurries to her, saying, "Watch out, your own husband will kill your only son!”  The obedient woman picked seven pebbles and threw them at the old man.  She did not know it was the devil.  This is Al-Jamra Al-Wosta (the Middle Column) in Mena.

 

The devil’s last chance was through Ibrahim (AS).  The devil told him, "Ibrahim, how can you slaughter your son? Do not do it.  You will have no more sons if you lost this one."  Watch out! The devil does the same thing with us; he tries to make common things seem irreplaceable to make it hard for us to obey Allah (SWT).  Ibrahim (AS), the obedient man, picked seven pebbles and threw them at him.  This then became Al-Jamra Al- Kobra (the Large Column).

 

After thousands of years, we still throw seven pebbles at each of Al-Jamra Al-Soghra, Al- Wosta, and Al-Kobra as if we are saying, "O Allah, we too are submissive and are pelting our enemy with stones, declaring mutual enmity with Satan."  It is not a matter of throwing stones but it is rather a declaration of animosity towards Satan similar to that declaration made by the family of Ibrahim (AS).  I will not throw one stone; I will throw 49 stones. Seven are thrown on the first day, and then on the second and third days, we throw seven stones at each of the three positions.  Those days I will throw 21 as if I am asserting to myself that this is my enemy.  Consequently, it would be quite shameful if you do not keep your promises after doing such a ritual.  If Satan is your enemy, how can you befriend him again when you arrive home?  That is why, dear brothers and sisters, it is said that the dua’a made after Al-Jamarat is certainly accepted.  Thus, after Al-Jamarat, everybody extends long dua’a.  When you declare your animosity towards Satan, you become the follower of The All Merciful.  That is why scholars have very interesting comments about this saying, "Everyday you declare the devil as your enemy, you become the follower of The All Merciful, and so make as much dua’a as you can for it is insha’ Allah accepted.” 

 

Back to Ibrahim and Isma’il; Satan was pelted with pebbles three times then Ibrahim took Isma'il (AS), placing him face down on his (Ibrahim’s) legs and putting the knife on his neck. Isma’il said, "Father, I will turn my back towards you so that you don't see my eyes and pity me”.

 

They are only human! They are scared because it is painful.  Ibrahim positioned the knife and started to move it.

 

Such knife is like the hijab that is donned on your head, the tainted money that is forsaken for Allah’s sake, the cigarette that is given up, the haram affair that is stopped, and the numerous bad friends that are erased from your cell phone’s memory. Those are small tests when compared to a real knife.  Yet, Ibrahim (AS) had the courage to put the knife on his son's neck while you cannot quit a cigarette!

 

Ibrahim (AS) started to move the knife but it did not cut. Subhan Allah (Glory to Allah)!  Isma'il (AS) felt the edge of the knife, but he did not feel that he is dying.  Can you imagine the situation?  Up until this moment, neither the ram nor Jibril (AS) has descended.  Isma'il (AS) thinks that his father does not have the courage to slaughter him so he says, "Press harder, Father.  Press the knife on my neck. Slaughter me, Father."

 

Brothers and sisters, anything and everything can be sacrificed for the sake of Allah (SWT), to be granted His satisfaction. What really counts is that Allah (SWT) is satisfied and pleased with us.  We are so weak. We need to be stronger than this. We must say firmly, "Although I enjoy certain haram deeds and lusts, I will quit them all just for the sake of Allah (SWT).”

 

The knife moved, but it still did not slaughter him. “Press Father, cut Father”. Subhan Allah! The fire that had not burnt Ibrahim is like the knife that did not slaughter Isma'il.

Brothers and sisters in Islam, who is controlling these things? Who made the knife cut? Who made the fire burn? He is the same One who now orders the knife not to cut and the fire not to burn.

 

We were talking discussing ayah 102 in which Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Then when he (his son) reached the age of endeavoring with him, he said, “O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you; so, look, what do you see?” He said, “O my (dear) father, perform whatever you are commanded; you will soon find me, in case Allah (so) decides, among the patient.” (TMQ, 37:102).

 

Now, the following ayah is the most important one today. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So, as soon as they had both surrendered...” (TMQ, 37:103). So important is this concept, that it is the title of today's lesson.

 

Why are these words here? Isn't it supposed to be, "When he started to slaughter him…"? No, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So, as soon as they had both surrendered, and he dashed him upon his brow” (TMQ, 37:103). Why is the word "surrendered" used here? This ayah shows a concept and the marking of a significant event. Today you, through Ibrahim and Isma’il (AS), have realized the true meaning of Islam which is surrendering and submitting to Allah’s Will.  This is the real Islam that Allah (SWT) wants. This is the true meaning of the word Islam (submitting and surrendering), the name of our religion. This ayah shows you how to be a Muslim; it tells us to be in total submission to Allah (SWT).

 

Are you submissive? Compare the horrible dilemma that the father and son have faced to our dilemmas!  Compare it to, "My shoes got stolen.” or the very common, "My parents are making me angry. If only they had not done this, I would have obeyed them. I only shout back at them!” Compare this to "I am very sick; I will not be able to worship Allah or pray.  I am bored.  I am tired." Do you realize what you are saying? What is this dilemma when compared with the one that our prophet Ibrahim (AS) faced? 

 

Brothers and sisters, please look carefully at the dilemma that Ibrahim (AS) and his son encountered. There is one more significant point in Ibrahim’s story. Why did Allah (SWT) order Ibrahim to slaughter Isma’il?  There is another reason beside the aspect of fully surrendering. It is because Allah (SWT) is keen on obtaining His worshipper’s heart.  When a person worships Allah (SWT) energetically and then becomes occupied with something else, Allah (SWT) becomes displeased out of love for his servant or rather “jealous,” but in a very different meaning from human jealously.

When it is time for Al-Fajr prayer (dawn prayer), and when your tears run and your dua’a (supplication) is answered; your hands are always raised and you prefer what Allah (SWT) wants to your own wishes.  However, later on, something new may appear in your life that makes you busy that could even be halal (lawful). Yet, Allah (SWT) becomes jealous. [Allah wants us to have the correct frame of mind so He is jealous for us, knowing that it does not benefit us when we are attached to some material thing more than we are attached to Him (SWT).] This is how much our Lord cares for His slaves.

 

He “became jealous” when Ibrahim (AS) was too attached to Isma’il. Thus, he ordered him to slaughter him.  He “became jealous” when Yaqub (AS) (Jacob) was attached to Yusuf (AS) (Joseph).  Thus, He took Yusuf away from him for 20 years! When his heart was once again attached to Allah (SWT), He brought him back. Similarly, when Ibrahim (AS) realized what Allah (SWT) wanted, Allah (SWT) brought Isma’il back. It was as if Allah (SWT) was telling him “We are assured now that you love Us more than you love even your own son. Take him back for indeed, We do not want to cause you grief.”

 

Allah (SWT) was jealous when Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) became attached to Khadeejah (RA).   It was as if Allah (SWT) was telling him “It is Me who will stand by you more than anybody.  You will meet her in jannah (paradise).  Yet, it is Me who will help and elevate your status among human beings”

 

So, when Allah (SWT) ordered Ibrahim to slaughter his son, it was as if Allah (SWT) was telling him, "Come, We were just testing your heart, We want it back with Us. Now that it is back, you may keep your son and remain happy with him."

 

What about us?  Is there anyone from the attendants who deserves the jealousy of Allah (SWT)?  What do we do to deserve His jealousy? Has Allah (SWT) ever been the most important thing in our lives? Who knows?  Maybe there is an honest person sitting among us who is connected to Allah so that He (SWT) is keen to obtain her heart and thus blesses her. We hope that this kind of people are among us.

 

Shifting to the following ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And We called out to him (saying), “O Ibrahîm,” (TMQ, 37:104).  Ibrahim's hand was still working. “You have already sincerely (believed) in the vision…” (TMQ, 37:105). But how could Ibrahim (AS) have believed the dream when he did not actually slaughter the son?

 

By this dream, Allah (SWT) did not want the son to be killed. The aim was not blood, flesh, or bones. The aim was surrendering to Allah (SWT) and Ibrahim (AS) fulfilled this aim.  The worst misery that a person could encounter is to slaughter his own son with his own hands. Children are precious and that is why Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Surely this is indeed what is the evident trial” (TMQ, 37:106). 

 

Brothers and sisters, go through the life of Ibrahim (AS). You will find one ordeal after another. When some people undergo a crisis, such as the death or illness of a loved one, they say "Why is Allah (SWT) angry with me?"

 

Let us see how many ordeals Ibrahim (AS) encountered in his life:

 

1. He was a lonely believer at the age of sixteen in an atheistic country.
2. His father insulted him and threw him out of the country.
3. He was thrown into the fire.
4. He faced the tyrant king An-Namroud (Nimrod) as Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Have you not regarded him who argued with Ibrahîm about his Lord…?” (TMQ, 2:258).
5. The Egyptian ruler tried to rape Sarah, Ibrahim's wife.
6. He was deprived of having children for a long time.
7. He was in continual migration with no place to settle in.
8. He had to leave his wife and son alone in the desert.
9. He was ordered to slaughter his son.

 

Can we ever realize how much Ibrahim (AS) suffered? Do you know now why he is called khalil Allah (the companion of Allah).  No one now can claim that they have gone through hardships more difficult than those of Ibrahim.

 

“And We ransomed him with a magnificent slain (sacrifice)” (TMQ, 37:107). Jibril (AS) descended from heaven with a ram.  Ibn-‘Abbas says, “It was a ram that grazed in heaven for forty years, drinking from rivers that spring from the upper Ferdaous (a garden in jannah).”  Subhan Allah! 

 

Note that Isma'il (AS), the great grandfather of prophet Muhammad (SAWS), was going to be slaughtered; this is similar to the story of prophet Muhammad’s father. Such a recurrence through different generations of the same root is something unique.

 

So the ransom was a magnificent ram that fed from paradise for 40 years; a white, horned ram.  But that took place only when Ibrahim (AS) surrendered and submitted to Allah’s will.

 

Dear brothers and sisters, I wish to underline a very important point here.  Each sacrifice one makes in life will be followed by a reward. Try it, brothers and sisters! Each sacrifice you make must be followed by a reward. But when will that be? Will it be delayed? Actually, it comes after the critical moments in which one’s faith is tested.  A young woman may want to put on the hijab, but is faced by her parents’ or husband’s refusal.  A young man might want to attend religious gatherings to reinforce his devotion to his religion; however, his parents reject the idea.  He might then exclaim, “I only wish to be more religious! Why are you standing in my way?” The answer is that your faith is being tested.  This is it, testing your faith. This is the message, brothers and sisters.

 

Remember that only when Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma'il (Ishmael) (AS) proved their total submission to Allah (SWT), and only when the knife actually moved on the neck with the heart trembling with fear did the ram descend from heaven [with Jibrîl (AS)]. Nonetheless, the knife did not hurt him. This happens to each one of us, when the knife comes close to the neck [i.e. when matters are brought to a climax].

 

Your parents might say, “We told you before that you are not going to wear the hijab, and that is final!” What would you do then? You would make dua’a (supplication) seeking Allah’s help and tenaciously insisting on talking to them over and over again.  This is not enough! You also should start wearing longer clothes and buying the hijab even if you have to get it from your own allowance.  You continue to make dua’a and try on the hijab every now and then. If your parents object, you try to accept once and to politely refuse another time.  Thus, the struggle goes on until you prove to Allah (SWT) that you are eager to please Him.   Hence, when the knife reaches the neck, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And We ransomed him with a magnificent slain (sacrifice)." (TMQ, 37:107).

 

This is how it is when you take the first steps on the path of guidance; you will face many temptations.  For example, once a young man decides to get closer to Allah (SWT), he may get a call from a girl whom he earlier hopelessly wished would call him. Nonetheless, once he has made up his mind to be more religious, she calls him! The question is: “Why now? Why, when all he wanted was to be a better person getting closer to Allah (SWT)?”   If that is the test, will you be able to endure it?  You see, Satan got himself quite busy arranging for these calls and temptations.  Now, what are you going to do?  Are going to be tough and hold on?

 

Remember everyone that there might be three to four consecutive tests. Will you cling to your faith? Will you come through with flying colors? Will you show acceptance of Allah’s (SWT) tests?  Are you going to hang up on that girl? To refrain from watching porn channels? To stand firm? Will you be enthusiastic to go to the mosque, and to pray al-Fajr (dawn prayer) on time?

 

You might wonder why Allah (SWT) does not open the doors once we make our first attempt to get closer and to please Him.  You see, Allah (SWT) is far more dignified than to open the door for you and not find you there because you fell for the first temptation.  What does this mean?  I will tell you a very interesting story:

 

When I was a little boy, a kid, I once made my mother so angry with me that she locked herself into her room.  I rushed to her room and knocked at the door asking her to forgive me; but she did not answer.  I knocked again, and still there was no answer.  I knocked on the door for the third time.  When I got no answer, I gave up and turned around to walk away.  Just when I had turned around, the door was suddenly opened.  But I had already walked away.  Do you want to know what she said to me?  She said, “I only wanted to know how long you were going to remain standing at the door to see how much you cared for me.  Had you done that, it would have meant a lot; to open the door and find you still there.”  Has everybody got the point?

 

Allah (SWT) is far more honorable than to open the door for you to find that you have turned your back to Him and walked away.  That is why initial steps of guidance include numerous temptations.  It is as if Allah (SWT) were saying, “I am going to open the door for you, and when I do, I shall overwhelm you with My mercy and kindness.  But first, you have to prove to Me that you truly want the door be opened for you.”

 

That explains the temptations we face in the beginning.  So, do you know now, young men and women, why you struggle with temptations when you step on the path of repentance? But where is Allah’s support?  Support is on the way, but first your faith and commitment have to be tested.  Allah (SWT), I repeat, is far more dignified than to open the door for you and not find you there.  How can you quit that easily?  Stand at the door and wait.

 

People who go for Umrah[5] or those who worship Allah (SWT) complain that although    Ramadan[6] has come and although their worshipping of Allah (SWT) has intensified, they neither feel submissive enough to Him nor do they weep out of apprehension of Him.  To them I say, “You shall experience this when the time comes.”  When will the time come?  Just stand at the door of Allah (SWT), and never walk away.  A door that is knocked on so persistently is to be opened.  It is as if the phone was ringing repeatedly and you did not wish to answer it. Eventually, would you answer it or not? I know this quite well.  Similarly; suppose that someone is knocking on your door and you have no intention of opening it, what will happen after a while?  This is quite common in real life. 

 

Nevertheless, it is not that Allah (SWT) does not want to open the door; it is rather that He wants you to keep on knocking until you become so dear to Him.  And once the doors are opened, you will experience blessings as never before.  Just stand at the door, dear brothers and sisters.

 

A Muslim scholar used to say in his dua’a, “O Allah, we have stopped our mounts at Your door.  We have been sitting near Your House and knocking on the door. So, please open the door for us, overwhelming us with Your mercy.”   It is as if he was saying, “I will not budge an inch. I will persist in knocking on Your door.”  As for all those who complain about not feeling submissive enough when they say the dua’a or when they pray, I just say, stay at the door. Keep saying the dua’a, keep on praying and implore Allah (SWT) for help. A time will surely come when Allah (SWT) opens the door for you and surrounds you in His mercy.

 

 

The ayahs (verses of the Qur’an) we have just read have another extremely important meaning.  Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah), you can find in the Qur’an whatever you are looking for.  The ayahs that talk about submission can also tackle a methodology for bringing up children.

 

Let’s read the same ayah but from another angle.  The question this time is how we can raise our kids.  The ayah explains to you how to deal with your kids so that they will listen to you and behave themselves.  Let’s see.

 

Let us go to the beginning of ayah 100 where Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.” (TMQ, 37:100).  Ibrahim (AS) wanted to have a courteous child.  Thus, the first step is to make dua’a to Allah (SWT) to grant you good offspring.  This is straight from the Qur'an, “Lord!  Bestow upon me one of the righteous.”  He wanted a righteous child, not just any child.

 

What I want to say to our young men and women is to make dua’a to Allah (SWT) early in your marriage, or even before you get married during your engagement, asking Allah (SWT) to grant you righteous children.  Use the dua’a of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), “Lord!  Bestow upon me one of the righteous”

 

Consider this word "bestow."  There is something very strange here.  Whenever Allah (SWT) mentions posterity, He always introduces it with the term to bestow.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…He bestows upon whomever He decides females, and He bestows upon whomever he decides the males" (TMQ, 42:49). Notice that females are mentioned first to deny any claim of discrimination against them.

 

“Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.” The word bestow is indeed the best reminder that can be used in this context.  You see having a child is a matter of endowment from Allah (SWT), and this is what disgruntled and frustrated parents should be aware of; those who have been pining to have children for a long time.  Allah (SWT) shall grant you your wish after your continuous dua’a and after you take all necessary measures such as consulting your doctor.  Just remain standing at His door.  You can consult doctors as much as you like, but if you seek His endowment, then you should stand at His door.  Only Allah (SWT) can bestow this blessing upon you.  So, ask Him to grant you your wishes for He is the Bestower.  “Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.”  Therefore, the first thing to do if you want to have godly offspring is to make dua’a to Allah (SWT) to grant you your request, to bestow upon you one of the righteous.

 

Let us move now to the other points related to bringing up children. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.” So We gave him the good tidings of a forbearing youth. Then when he (his son) reached the age of endeavoring with him …” (TMQ, 37:100-103).  This part is very important.  Observe that the words used here are, “…when his son reached the age of endeavoring with him” [Italics are mine].  Endeavoring denotes that Ismai’l (AS) has grown up and started to walk around and play.  If Allah (SWT) used the phrase in front of instead of with, then the meaning would be that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is sitting and watching his son running and playing around him.  However, what the phrase with him means is that both the father and the son are walking and talking together, holding each other's hands, which further implies that they have kept each other's company.

 

Do you want your son to share everything with you without keeping anything from you in the future?  This ayah is addressed to all the parents sitting with us here today listening to us.  This is also for the young men about to get married, and even for the youth suffering from their parents who do not treat them in this way.  Promise yourself that you shall raise your kids accordingly.  The best way is to befriend your son.

 

In the ayah, "Then when he (his son) reached the age of endeavoring with him …"  both expressions with him and reached themselves bring to mind an interesting metaphor of a father and a son going about holding each other's hands and growing together. What a graphic picture! Why then do fathers always feel that their relationship with their sons is only confined to dos and don’ts?  It is totally a different story when you can ask your son, “How are you doing?”, “When will you play ball next time so that I can join you?”, or “Let’s go out together and have dinner, just you and me.”  Can you imagine a father talking to his son this way?  It would be wonderful indeed.  Furthermore, can you imagine the son sitting down having dinner with his father?  How close would the son then feel towards his father?  What if the son’s phone rings in the middle of dinner?  The father should be patient and go slowly with him, step by step.  The father will gradually learn how to deal with his son.

 

"Then when he (His son) reached the age of endeavoring with him …" underscores the second point in raising children: to befriend them; when the first was to make dua’a saying, “Lord!  Bestow upon me one of the righteous”

 

To move to the third point, observe what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, "Then when he (his son) reached the age of endeavoring with him, he said, “O my son, surely I see in a dream …" (TMQ, 37:103). Here, we can come up with something else.  Share with your son your worries and concerns.   Many sons know nothing about their parents, their jobs and lives.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) shared his problems with his son, “My son, I had a dream about….” Nevertheless, many parents tend to put a barrier between them and their kids.  Fathers do not sit with their children to share with them their thoughts and dreams.

 

Can you feel the words “O my son …” as addressed by Ibrahim (AS)?  Can you see what Islam is trying to teach us?  Is this a religious or a social issue?  Actually, it has to do with both religion and relationships, together.  This is Islam.  Can you imagine the life of those who follow the teachings of the Qur'an?  The same ayahs that teach us about submission have another dimension.  They also teach us how to deal with our children.

 

“O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you; so, look, what do you see?” (TMQ, 37:102).  What an amazing phrase, holding a wonderful notion!

 

Always talk to your children, ask for their opinion.  This is the fourth point.  If you want to establish a close bond between yourself and your children, always ask for their opinion, hold conversations, have a heart-to-heart chat and show them how important their views are to you.  For example, you could say, “What do you think kids, where should we go this summer?” or “I am thinking of working on a certain project, so what do you think?” You could say something like “Tell me what you think of so and so,” and so forth.

 

Suppose you are a son or daughter whose parents do not open up to.  Then it is your job to try to unlock your parents’ hearts.  It is you who has to befriend them and open up to them!  If you are wondering as to how to open up to your father, I advise you to share things with him, become his friend, sit at his feet and ask him how he is doing.  Ask him if there is any thing he’d like you to do for him.  Talk to him about your problems and ask for his opinion.  He will definitely open up to you over time.  I am not asking you to play the role of a father, but rather to play the role of a good son so as to give your father the chance to play his own role! 

 

I know that some of you could be wondering what this has to do with religion.  I know that you are here to learn about religion and not psychology.  Nevertheless, this is one of the basic teachings of the Qur’an.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So, look, what do you see?” (TMQ, 37:102).  How wonderful it would be if parents learned to open up to their children and to ask for their opinion in all issues including minor details!

 

I will tell you the story of a great father, who was smart and full of energy.  His daughter was in high school and was refusing to wear hijab; but as much as he wanted her to wear it, he did not want to force her!  Observe how he built a close relationship based on communication.  He asked her once, “Do you want to wear hijab?”  Her answer was, “No dad, I do not want that; at least not right now!”  He then told her, “O daughter, I just have one request: your mother and I cannot bear to go to hellfire or to be held responsible for your sins, so I am asking you to please make this decision as soon as possible!”  She wore the hijab one week after that conversation, whereas her father thought that it would take her years to do so!

 

Try to stimulate your son’s feelings and connect with him.  We have lost our compassion in this utterly materialistic world we are living in.  Nowadays, the son can no longer understand his father, and the father can no longer give anything to his son.  It is as if he is pumping a dry well; he wants to express emotions, but there are none to give.  He does not know how to pat his son on the back and take him in his arms and kiss his forehead!

 

Meanwhile, observe the example of our dear Prophet (SAWS). Fatima (RA), his daughter, said, “He never once saw me, but kissed me between my eyes.” Imagine!  On top of that, whenever he came across Hassan and Hussein, his grandsons, he would always embrace them!  Whenever Hassan passed in front of the Prophet (SAWS) while giving the Friday sermon, with all the Muslims listening to him, he would descend from the pulpit and carry Hassan and continue the speech while carrying him!

 

Why did the materialistic world we are living in freeze our emotions?  We should liberate ourselves emotionally!  We should learn from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) the passion of fatherhood as reflected in what can be translated as, “O, my son…” (TMQ, 37:102).

 

Do you know why Prophet Isma’il (AS) obeyed his father’s orders?  It is simply because Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used to be a good son himself saying to his own father what can be translated as, “O my Father, surely I fear that (some) torment from The All-Merciful will touch you, so that you become a patron to Satan.” (TMQ,  19:45).  Since Ibrahim (AS) was such a devoted, obedient son himself, Allah (SWT) sent him a devoted son!

 

I want to bring this to the attention of all the young people here.  If you disobey your father today, Allah (SWT) will give you a son who will behave similarly, or a daughter who will be out of control.  You are still young and it is never too late to change.  As for those who are parents, you still have a chance to be good to your parents if they are still alive.  Visit them more often, kiss their hands, bring them gifts, show them how dear they are to you and how much you care for them.  Even if they were not alive, you can still send them good deeds through performing hajj or umrah and making dua’a, or even visiting their friends and relatives.  Consequently, your children will improve. When one diverts from Allah's path, even if by only an inch, one’s life becomes bleak and intolerable.

 

What did we learn so far, then, when it comes to raising our children?

 

1-     “Lord! Bestow upon me one of the righteous.” (TMQ, 37:100)  Therefore, we need to make dua’a for our children.

2-     “Then when he (his son) reached the age of endeavoring with him…” (TMQ, 37:102).  Try to connect and get closer to your children.

3-     “O my son, surely I see in a dream that I should slay you.” (TMQ, 37:102).  Share your concerns with them.

4-     “So, look, what do you see?” (TMQ, 37:102).  Converse with them and ask for their opinion.

5-     “So, look, what do you see...?” (TMQ, 37:102).  Not only ask for his opinion, but also allow him to share with you the reward of good deeds.  It is an amazing thing to give one or two pounds to a poor needy man, but it is even greater to give that money to your son asking him to give it to the needy man himself.  Thus, he is sharing the reward with you. 

 

For instance, try to gather your kids and to tell them that instead of spending the summer vacation in whatever resort, you could give the money for charity for Allah's sake.  If they are not convinced then you could discuss it even further, telling them about the great reward and narrating to them a hadith or two.  Let your children participate in making such a decision and thus share the great reward.

 

Young people can give their parents the chance to share rewards.  Speak to your parents and discuss things with them in a gentle and compassionate manner.  Never treat them with harshness, since the key to our religion is love.  You can move the mind when you touch the heart, and this is how emotive Allah (SWT) made our religion.  Let us all treat our parents in that manner.

 

I have almost reached the end of this story.

 

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And We called out to him (saying), “O Ibrahim, you have already sincerely (believed) in the vision; surely thus We recompense the fair-doers. Surely this is indeed the evident trial.’ And We ransomed him with a magnificent slain (sacrifice).” (TMQ, 37:104-107).

 

Starting from the 108^th ayah and up to the 112^th, Allah (SWT) praises Prophet Ibrahim (AS).  Imagine if you were the person being praised and how you would feel!  But, look how Allah (SWT) praises a slave when he obeys.  You could be that slave too.

 

Allah (SWT) says about Prophet Ibrahim (AS) what can be translated as, “And We have left for him among the later generations, ‘Peace be upon Ibrahim.’” (TMQ, 37:108-109).

 

Peace will remain upon Prophet Ibrahim (AS) until the Day of Judgment.  After so many years, don’t we still ask Allah (SWT) to bestow His Peace and Blessings on him?  This is how connected we are to him.  It is true that Ibrahim (AS) died long ago.  Even so, we will always consider his life as a model of obedience and true worship.

 

“And We have left for him among the later generations, ‘Peace be upon Ibrahim.’  Thus We recompense the fair-doers; surely he is one of Our believing bondmen” (TMQ, 37:108-111).  Look how Allah (SWT) praises him in four consecutive ayahs!

 

“Surely he is one of Our believing bondmen.  And We gave him the good tidings of Ishaq (Isaac), a prophet, one of the righteous” (TMQ, 37: 111-112).  Allah (SWT) ordered him to slaughter his son and when he obediently submitted to Allah's will, Allah (SWT) blessed him with another son.  The son was not an ordinary one, but a Prophet as well!  “If you are grateful, indeed I will definitely increase you (in favor) and indeed in case you disbelieve, surely My torment is indeed strict” (TMQ, 14:07).

 

If an affliction comes your way and you endure it with patience and make sacrifices for the sake of Allah (SWT), I assure you that something good will come your way equal to or even better than the sacrifices you made.  A good example is that of the sons of Ibrahim (AS).  Isma’il (AS) was an obedient son and was more than what Ibrahim (AS) wished for.  Nevertheless when Ibrahim (AS) submitted to Allah’s will and accepted to make the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) even granted him another son, so he ended up with two sons instead of just one.  This is a clear example of how Allah, The Generous, gives and bestows His blessings.

 

The main idea we have to understand is that the world we are living in is only a place for trials and tests! Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Does mankind reckon that they will be left to say, “We believe” and will not be tempted? And indeed We already tempted the ones that were even before them, so indeed Allah definitely knows the ones who (act) sincerely, and indeed Allah definitely knows the liars” (TMQ, 29:2-3).

 

That was the story.  Along your path, you face afflictions, temptations and trials.  If you fall for them, you will continue to fall and hellfire will be the outcome.  Nevertheless, remember that we will face these temptations and trials through the things we are attached to and that we succumb to the most, be it money, sex, temper, etc.  We will all have to make a decision once faced with an affliction, as this is what our world is meant to be.  The winner will be the one who stands strong in the face of temptations and obeys Allah (SWT) walking down His path.

 

“And We ransomed him with a magnificent slain (sacrifice). And We have left for him among the later generations, “Peace be upon Ibrahim.”  Thus We recompense the fair-doers; Surely he is one of Our believing bondmen.  And We gave him the good tidings of Ishaq, (Isaac) a prophet, one of the righteous” (TMQ, 37:107-112)

 

This part includes one more very beautiful notion.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was given the glad tidings of Prophet Ishaq (AS) after the story of the sacrifice, so what does that mean?

You see, other religions claim that the one that was to be sacrificed was Prophet Ishaq (AS) so they refuse to give Islam any credit.  They claim that it was not Isma’il (AS), since Isma’il is Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) ancestor, and so he cannot be the courageous one that was chosen to be sacrificed!  However, the Qur’an refutes their allegations and proves the truth to the whole world in what can be translated as, “And We gave him the good tidings of Ishaq, a prophet, one of the righteous” (TMQ, 37:112).

 

Allah (SWT) knew that the truth could be manipulated and twisted to deny Islam any credit.

 

It goes without saying that we love Prophet Ishaq (AS).  We do not discriminate between prophets since Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “We make no distinction between any of His Messengers” (TMQ, 2:285).  Thus, although we believe in all the prophets, this was meant to be.  Prophet Isma’il, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) great grandfather, was the one to be sacrificed; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “That is the Grace of Allah (that) He brings to whomever He decides” (TMQ, 5:54).

 

We will stop at this point to talk next time about how the glad tidings of having Ishaq (AS) were given to Sarah (RA).  We will also talk about the touching story of building the Ka’ba.