In Islam, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is considered to be one of the greatest men in the history of humanity. Referred to as Abraham in other monotheistic religions such as Christianity and Judaism, he is considered by many as the father of the prophets. It is to his lineage that some of the most prominent prophets mentioned to us in the Qur’an, the Bible and the Torah belong. In the Islamic faith, this includes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The story of his sacrifice has carried across millennia and the example of his unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) continues to inspire Muslims of each generation.
As we approach another Eid al-Adha, Muslims reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and its important message.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice begins with his journey to Allah (SWT).
Ibrahim (AS) was born in Babylon, present-day Iraq. Ibrahim’s community practised paganism and the worship of idols, and his father was a principle sculptor and crafter of idols.
With little regard for the idols throughout his childhood, Ibrahim eventually grew to disbelieve in the worship of the idols in his community entirely. He questioned how idols made from wood and stone, crafted by human beings like his father, could be the Gods of the people – providing no benefit or harm.
Ibrahim (AS) continued to reflect, observing the sky and the natural world around him. Eventually, he submitted in his heart to “the Lord of the universe”, who he had decided could be the only creator of this incredible world.
This act of submission was the first of many that Ibrahim (AS) would make with his newfound conviction in the one Lord of the universe. Inspired by Allah (SWT) to call the people to the truth in his community, Ibrahim (AS) faced many tribulations as a result, including being thrown into a raging fire by his own father. Still, throughout all of these tests, Ibrahim never wavered from his faith and submission to Allah (SWT), the one God.
After leaving the fire unscathed, many were amazed at the miracle but continued to doubt.
Years later, Ibrahim (AS) who was established in his mission and his family who also faced trials of their own in the way of their devotion to Allah (SWT), had a dream that Allah (SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS).
Difficult as it was, Ibrahim (AS) yet again submitted to the will of Allah (SWT), recognising this as a test of his faith in this phase of his prophethood. He asked Ismail to travel with him to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice.
Ibrahim (AS) told his son, Ismail of his dream, and Ismail, who later became a prophet himself, had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and submitted himself.
Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) intervened saying, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision and now you will be rewarded!” Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim (AS) to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice”
Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice is something that Muslims remember every Eid al-Adha during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, when Muslims from all over the world offer an animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel) for the sake of Allah (SWT).
By giving Qurbani, we follow the same footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT), with an additional obligation to the poor. Performing the sacrifice for the sake of Allah (SWT) requires Muslims to reflect and approach the sacrifice with sincere intention like Ibrahim (AS). According to the majority of the scholars it is recommended to refrain from cutting the hair, nails or skin and according to the Hanbali madhab it is obligatory, before making the sacrifice in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
With this sacred act of sacrifice, Muslims reflect on the many significant messages of this story and beyond, including our duty to those who are struggling, the sanctity of Allah (SWT)’s creation and the world around us.
This Eid, remember the millions of people across the globe who are struggling with poverty through the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. Offer your sacrifice with Islamic Relief to help feed families this Eid al-Adha.
Donate Qurbani and make your sacrifice today.
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Page last reviewed: 9 June 2022
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Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Adnan Hafiz
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.