The Story of the Sacrifice of Prophet Ishmael | Great Submission in the Quran
The Story of the Sacrifice of Prophet Ishmael: An Example of Submission That Pleases God
One of the most instructive events in Islamic history is undoubtedly the great trial experienced by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his son, Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him). The sacrifice ritual performed by Muslims today is not merely the act of slaughtering an animal; it is also a yearly reminder of this great submission and devotion to God.
This story, narrated in verses 100-111 of Surah Al-Saffat in the Quran, is one of the finest examples of unconditional submission to God's command.
Prophet Abraham's Prayer
Having longed for a child for years, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) prayed to his Lord as follows:
“My Lord! Grant me a righteous son.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/100)
God Almighty accepted this sincere prayer and gave Prophet Abraham the good news of a gentle son. This promised child, according to the vast majority of Islamic scholars, is Prophet Ishmael.
This long-awaited son would be a great blessing for Prophet Abraham, but also the beginning of a great trial he would face in the future.
The Great Trial
When Prophet Ishmael grew old enough to walk and work alongside his father, Prophet Abraham saw in successive dreams that he was sacrificing his son to God.
Since the dreams of prophets are considered revelations, Prophet Abraham understood this to be a command from God.
Thereupon, he said to his son:
“My son! I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. Think about it, what do you say?”
(Surah Saffat, 37/102)
Prophet Ishmael's Submission
One of the most striking parts of this story is Prophet Ishmael's answer.
The Quran states:
“O my father, do what you have been commanded. And you will surely find me among those who are patient.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37:102)
Despite his young age, Prophet Ishmael showed complete submission to God's command.
This response is considered one of the finest examples of faith, patience, reliance on God, and trust in Him in human history.
The Pinnacle of Submission
The Quran describes this moment with the following words:
“And when they both submitted to God's command, and Abraham laid him down on his forehead…”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37:103)
The father had submitted.
The son had submitted.
They had no other thoughts left but to fulfill God's command.
At this point, one of the greatest examples of submission in human history was witnessed.
God's Mercy
Just as Prophet Abraham was about to fulfill the command, God Almighty spoke to him:
“O Abraham! You have indeed fulfilled the dream. Thus do We reward the righteous.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/104-105)
God Almighty sent a great sacrificial animal in place of Prophet Ishmael.
The Holy Quran states:
“We gave him a great ransom.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/107)
Thus, God immortalized the submission of both Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael as an example for all humanity.
The Foundation of the Sacrifice Ritual
The sacrifice ritual performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha today keeps alive the memory of this great submission.
Sacrificing an animal;
It represents obedience to God's command,
placing the love of God before the love of wealth,
gratitude,
sharing,
cooperation,
piety and submission.
Therefore, the sacrifice ritual is not merely about distributing meat. The real purpose is to draw closer to God and gain His pleasure.
Indeed, Almighty God says in Surah Al-Hajj:
“Their flesh and blood do not reach Allah; what reaches Allah is your piety.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
Lessons to be Learned from Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael
This story is not merely a historical event from the past. It also carries many important messages for Muslims today.
Trustingly submitting to God's command is one of the most important characteristics of a believer.
Faith is revealed in difficult times.
Patience and reliance on God are ways to attain God's mercy.
Love for children, love of possessions, and worldly pleasures should not be placed before the love of God.
True worship gains value when performed with sincerity and devotion.
Conclusion
The story of the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael is one of the most impressive stories in the Quran. This event shows how complete submission to God, patience, and strong faith elevate a person.
The sacrifice performed by Muslims today is also a symbol of this great submission. Sacrifice is not merely slaughtering an animal; it is one of the most beautiful ways to obey God's command, to express gratitude for His blessings, and to share with those in need.
The faithfulness of Prophet Abraham and the submission of Prophet Ishmael will continue to be an example for all believers until the Day of Judgment.
Sources
Holy Quran, Surah As-Saffat 37/100-111Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hajj 22/34-37Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate, The Path of the Quran Turkish Translation and CommentaryHigh Council of Religious Affairs, Sacrifice RitualElmalılı Muhammed Hamdi Yazır, The True Religion: The Language of the QuranIbn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur'an al-AzimTabari, Jami' al-Bayan fi Ta'wil Ayi al-Qur'anImam Qurtubi, al-Jami' li-Ahkami al-Qur'an
This story, narrated in verses 100-111 of Surah Al-Saffat in the Quran, is one of the finest examples of unconditional submission to God's command.
Prophet Abraham's Prayer
Having longed for a child for years, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) prayed to his Lord as follows:
“My Lord! Grant me a righteous son.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/100)
God Almighty accepted this sincere prayer and gave Prophet Abraham the good news of a gentle son. This promised child, according to the vast majority of Islamic scholars, is Prophet Ishmael.
This long-awaited son would be a great blessing for Prophet Abraham, but also the beginning of a great trial he would face in the future.
The Great Trial
When Prophet Ishmael grew old enough to walk and work alongside his father, Prophet Abraham saw in successive dreams that he was sacrificing his son to God.
Since the dreams of prophets are considered revelations, Prophet Abraham understood this to be a command from God.
Thereupon, he said to his son:
“My son! I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. Think about it, what do you say?”
(Surah Saffat, 37/102)
Prophet Ishmael's Submission
One of the most striking parts of this story is Prophet Ishmael's answer.
The Quran states:
“O my father, do what you have been commanded. And you will surely find me among those who are patient.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37:102)
Despite his young age, Prophet Ishmael showed complete submission to God's command.
This response is considered one of the finest examples of faith, patience, reliance on God, and trust in Him in human history.
The Pinnacle of Submission
The Quran describes this moment with the following words:
“And when they both submitted to God's command, and Abraham laid him down on his forehead…”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37:103)
The father had submitted.
The son had submitted.
They had no other thoughts left but to fulfill God's command.
At this point, one of the greatest examples of submission in human history was witnessed.
God's Mercy
Just as Prophet Abraham was about to fulfill the command, God Almighty spoke to him:
“O Abraham! You have indeed fulfilled the dream. Thus do We reward the righteous.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/104-105)
God Almighty sent a great sacrificial animal in place of Prophet Ishmael.
The Holy Quran states:
“We gave him a great ransom.”
(Surah Al-Saffat, 37/107)
Thus, God immortalized the submission of both Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael as an example for all humanity.
The Foundation of the Sacrifice Ritual
The sacrifice ritual performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha today keeps alive the memory of this great submission.
Sacrificing an animal;
It represents obedience to God's command,
placing the love of God before the love of wealth,
gratitude,
sharing,
cooperation,
piety and submission.
Therefore, the sacrifice ritual is not merely about distributing meat. The real purpose is to draw closer to God and gain His pleasure.
Indeed, Almighty God says in Surah Al-Hajj:
“Their flesh and blood do not reach Allah; what reaches Allah is your piety.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
Lessons to be Learned from Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael
This story is not merely a historical event from the past. It also carries many important messages for Muslims today.
Trustingly submitting to God's command is one of the most important characteristics of a believer.
Faith is revealed in difficult times.
Patience and reliance on God are ways to attain God's mercy.
Love for children, love of possessions, and worldly pleasures should not be placed before the love of God.
True worship gains value when performed with sincerity and devotion.
Conclusion
The story of the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael is one of the most impressive stories in the Quran. This event shows how complete submission to God, patience, and strong faith elevate a person.
The sacrifice performed by Muslims today is also a symbol of this great submission. Sacrifice is not merely slaughtering an animal; it is one of the most beautiful ways to obey God's command, to express gratitude for His blessings, and to share with those in need.
The faithfulness of Prophet Abraham and the submission of Prophet Ishmael will continue to be an example for all believers until the Day of Judgment.
Sources
Holy Quran, Surah As-Saffat 37/100-111Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hajj 22/34-37Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate, The Path of the Quran Turkish Translation and CommentaryHigh Council of Religious Affairs, Sacrifice RitualElmalılı Muhammed Hamdi Yazır, The True Religion: The Language of the QuranIbn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur'an al-AzimTabari, Jami' al-Bayan fi Ta'wil Ayi al-Qur'anImam Qurtubi, al-Jami' li-Ahkami al-Qur'an