Inspiring Children – Abraham’s son

Abraham (PBUH) and son

Around this time last year I talked about the women who should be a source of inspiration for everyone. This year I will talk about the children and teenagers who made a difference.

Today I will tell you about one of Prophet Abraham’s sons (PBUH). We all know the story of how Abraham had children when he was very old and this was a miracle of God. We all know what happened afterwards:

One night, Prophet Abraham saw a vision in his dream, commanding him to slaughter his son. He woke up in fear and shock, thinking it was a whisper from the devil. For days and days, Prophet Abraham kept on having the same dream and realised it was a command from God.  He then took his son to the slaughter and at the last moment, God replaced the son with a sheep to be slaughtered.

What we don’t emphasise is the courage of Abraham’s son. He was a kind, obedient boy, helping his father in his work. When he was bound and prepared for slaughter, he was prepared to be sacrificed in the name of God, without questions. Abraham’s son showed from his childhood that he would become a great leader of nations.

Up to this day, in Islam, a sheep is slaughtered during Hajj to commemorate this event.

To be continued...