562 - AS-SAAFAAT (Ayat# 100-113)
The Quran highlights the stories of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail as pivotal examples of submission and faith. The narrative details a divine command to Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, which he willingly accepts as a test of his devotion to Allah. While the Quran specifically mentions ‘Halim’ (gentle, forbearing) in relation to Ismail, it uses ‘Aleem’ (knowledgeable) alongside ‘Halim’ for Isaac, suggesting distinct qualities and subsequent prophetic lineages. The account emphasizes Ismail’s patience and resilience, earning him divine commendation. Historical accounts reveal efforts to distort the Quranic narrative, particularly concerning the identity of the sacrificial son, with attempts to replace Ismail with Isaac in earlier scriptures. Scholarly analysis, such as that by Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi in his work *Al-Ra'y al-Sahih fi man huwa al-Zabih*, clarifies the Quranic perspective, affirming Ismail as the intended sacrifice. The ultimate outcome, as narrated in the Quran, involves divine intervention and the substitution of Ismail with a ram, establishing the tradition of sacrificial offerings and recognizing the unwavering faith of Ibrahim and Ismail.
