The Story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS)
A Tale of Unwavering Faith

In the ancient land of Mesopotamia, there lived the wise and kind Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) loved his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) very much. His mother’s name was Hazrat Hajra (RA), whose name, character and devotion stand as a symbol of unmatched loyalty, courage and sacrifice. Their lives are commemorated in both Eid-ul-Azha and Hajj for their unwavering faith and obedience to Allah.

    After Hazrat Ismail was born, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), upon Allah’s Command, left Hazrat Hajra (AS) in an uninhabited valley of Makkah where neither water nor food was available. She lived alone, running around, struggling to find water but her faith in Allah’s mercy did not waver. It was during this struggle, that God blessed her with the miraculous well of “Zam Zam”, and her act of running between Safa and Marwa hilltops became a ritual of Hajj. 
    One night, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) had a vivid dream. He saw that Allah wanted him to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. When he woke up, he had no doubt in mind that it was a clear message from Allah so he was ready to exactly do whatever He had desired.
    In the morning, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) called his son and said: “My dear Ismail, I had a dream where Allah commanded me to sacrifice you. What do you think, what should we do?” The obedient son, despite his young age, had strong faith and trust in Allah. He looked at his father and responded courageously: “Father! If Allah has commanded this, then you must do it. I am ready to obey Allah’s will.” So, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) set out towards Mina. 
    On their way, they faced temptations from Satan, who tried to dissuade them from obeying Allah. However, both father and son stood firm in their faith and drove Satan away by throwing stones at him, which is called ‘Rami’ – a practice of stoning Satan that Muslim pilgrims symbolically carry out during the Hajj. 
    As both father and son reached Mina, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) got prepared to carry out Allah’s command. He gently laid his son down and covered his own eyes. Just as he was about to sacrifice his son, a miraculous event occurred. Allah immediately sent down a ram from Heavens. This coincided with a voice from above that called out: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision. This was a test of your faith, and you have passed it. Instead of Ismail, sacrifice this ram.” (37:107) 
    Relief and joy washed over Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). They thanked Allah (SWT) for His Mercy. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) then sacrificed the ram in gratitude and devotion. 
This miraculous event is why we, the Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, which is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), Hazrat Hajra (RA), and Hazrat Ismail (AS) teaches us invaluable lessons: the importance of faith in overcoming trials, the unmatched love between a parent and child, and the power of complete trust in Allah’s will.
    As we celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, let us remember these lessons and strive to live by them.