🌙 The True Story of Sacrifice

✨ The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and Prophet Ismail (A.S.) – A Complete, Faith-Inspiring Narrative

Written by: Anees Khanp



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🌿 Chapter 1: Introduction to the Life of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)

Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was a great and honored prophet of Allah. He was known as Khalilullah — the friend of Allah. He was born in the city of Ur in present-day Iraq. His father, Azar, was an idol-maker and a devout idol-worshipper.

However, from a young age, Ibrahim (A.S.) was wise, thoughtful, and sincere. When he saw his people worshipping idols, he questioned them:

> “Do you worship that which you yourselves carve, while Allah created you and your deeds?”

📖 (Surah As-Saffat: 95-96)

His people rejected his message and threw him into a fire. But Allah said:

> “O fire, be coolness and safety for Ibrahim.”

📖 (Surah Al-Anbiya: 69)

Allah saved him from the fire — this was the first great sacrifice in the life of Ibrahim (A.S.): he was ready to give his life for the truth.

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🕊️ Chapter 2: Migration for the Sake of Allah

When his people refused to believe, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) migrated for the sake of Allah. He traveled with his wife Sarah to Canaan (modern-day Palestine), then to Egypt, and later settled his second wife, Hajar, and their son Ismail (A.S.) in the barren valley of Makkah.

When Hajar asked:

> “O Ibrahim! To whom are you leaving us in this deserted place?”

He replied:

> “I leave you in the care of Allah.”

Hajar, with full faith, responded:

> “Then Allah will not forsake us.”

This faith, this sacrifice — leaving a wife and child in a desolate land for Allah — became a foundation of Islam.

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🏞️ Chapter 3: The Birth and Upbringing of Prophet Ismail (A.S.)

Prophet Ismail (A.S.) was the answer to a heartfelt prayer. Ibrahim (A.S.) had prayed:

> “My Lord! Grant me a righteous son.”

📖 (Surah As-Saffat: 100)

Allah accepted his prayer, and Hajar gave birth to Ismail (A.S.).

He grew into an obedient, patient, and devoted young boy. Whenever Ibrahim (A.S.) visited Makkah, he taught him about Allah and nurtured his character.

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🌌 Chapter 4: The Divine Dream of Sacrifice

One night, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his beloved son. Dreams of prophets are revelations from Allah.

He told Ismail (A.S.):

> “O my son! Indeed, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think?”

Ismail (A.S.) replied:

> “O father! Do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.”

📖 (Surah As-Saffat: 102)

Imagine — a father, a son born in old age, and the command of Allah — all united in submission and sacrifice.

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🕋 Chapter 5: The Glorious Scene of Sacrifice

Ibrahim (A.S.) took Ismail (A.S.) to the valley between Safa and Marwa. Ismail said:

> “Father, blindfold me so that your love does not stop you. And sharpen your knife so it ends swiftly.”

The angels wept at this scene, and Allah showed it to the dwellers of heaven.

When Ibrahim (A.S.) passed the knife over his son’s neck — it did not cut. Because Allah had a different plan.

Then came the Divine call:

> “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, this is how We reward the doers of good.”

📖 (Surah As-Saffat: 105-107)

Allah replaced Ismail (A.S.) with a ram from Paradise, and said:

> “Sacrifice this instead.”

This became the basis of Eid al-Adha — the Festival of Sacrifice.

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🧠 Chapter 6: What Is the Real Meaning of Sacrifice?

In Islam, sacrifice is not merely about slaughtering an animal. It is about:

Sacrificing desires

Surrendering ego

Seeking the pleasure of Allah

The Qur’an says:

> “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.”

📖 (Surah Al-Hajj: 37)

Sacrifice teaches us:

To give our wealth, time, children, and desires for Allah

To follow Allah’s command without question

To worship with sincerity and intention

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🌍 Chapter 7: Global Impact of Sacrifice – Social & Economic Perspective

Every year during Eid al-Adha, millions of animals are sacrificed around the world. This creates:

✔️ Benefits:

1. Meat reaches the poor who rarely taste it

2. Jobs for butchers, transporters, leather industries

3. Growth in livestock industry

4. Spiritual benefit: Reward if done with sincere intention



But if we follow Islamic guidelines, sacrifice benefits both this world and the next.

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🔬 Chapter 8: Islamic Slaughtering Method & Scientific Research

Islamic slaughter (zabiha) follows specific rules:

✅ Islamic Method:

1. Say the name of Allah: “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”

2. Use a sharp knife

3. Do not cause excessive pain to the animal

4. Cut the three major neck vessels

5. Let the blood drain completely

🔬 Scientific Insights:

Cutting with a sharp knife causes instant unconsciousness

Draining blood keeps the meat clean and healthy

Pain is minimized

Stunning methods (electric shock) cause more suffering

That’s why halal meat is considered safer, cleaner, and more ethical worldwide.

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🕌 Chapter 9: Eid al-Adha – A Festival of Joy and Sacrifice

Eid is not just about eating meat — it’s a day of gratitude, unity, and devotion.

What do Muslims do?

Offer Eid prayer after Fajr

Perform Qurbani (sacrifice) on 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah

Distribute meat in three parts:

One for self

One for relatives

One for the poor

The day is filled with hospitality, generosity, and thanking Allah.

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🤲 Final Chapter: The Real Message of Sacrifice

Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) taught us that nothing is more beloved than Allah — and everything can be sacrificed for Him.

Prophet Ismail (A.S.) taught us that obedience to Allah and patience with the father’s command is the essence of worship.

And Allah taught us that sacrifice is not about taking lives, but about winning hearts.

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🌟 Conclusion: What Do We Learn Today?

> “Whatever we love most — if it stands between us and Allah — we must be ready to let it go.

That is the essence of sacrifice!”

– Anees Khan