Following Ibrahim’s (AS) Example
Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah (SWT) in a dream to sacrifice that which he held most dear to him – his son, Ismail (AS). Ibrahim (AS) did not question God’s word and, when he explained his dream to his son, neither did Ismail (AS) who asked only that his father tie him so he could no struggle and that Ibrahim (AS) wore a blindfold, so he would not see him suffer.
Upon the top of Mount Arafat, Ibrahim (AS) set about carrying out the sacrifice of his son. After removing his blindfold once he believed the act had been carried out, his eyes were greeted by the sight of his son standing completely unharmed and loose of the rope he had been tied in. Ibrahim (AS) held a ram in his arms, taking the place of Ismail (AS) who had been spared.
Allah (SWT) recognised the faith that both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) had displayed and, as a reward, He saved the young son and gave them a sacrificed ram. Thus, the tradition of Qurbani was born.
He (Ismail) said: ‘O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient.”
(Qur’an, 37:102)