To sacrifice between love and faith - 2

As the story unfolded prophet Ibrahim pbuh had proved himself that in sacrificing between love and faith, he had chosen his faith thus he found his peace. The story then us taught us an experience of a greater love.


To most people the definition of love is always attached to humanly love; the love to material things and the love to family. The love to family to some often surpass their love to others because they are part of them. There is nothing wrong with that. Even Quran has said and put them first " Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to). " [QS 3: 14]

An image of happy life

But as stated at the end of the verse "... But in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals ". The trial of sacrificing his son had been commanded to prophet Ibrahim pbuh to prove whether his love to Allah is greater than his love to his family. For in another verse Allah has warned human being: " Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious. " [QS 9: 24]

In following the divine message, prophet Ibrahim pbuh didn't do the command of sacrifice out of insanity. He did it because he had an unwavering faith from the Knowledge of his Lord, Allah The Most High. That no matter the end result of his action, he rested his fate and life to Allah, his Creator just like at time when he was burned by Namrudz, the king of Egypt.

He was fortunate that his family, Hagar and Ismael pbuh had embraced the words of Tawhiid wholeheartedly thus he had full-support from them in executing the divine message. Because of that, the family of Ibrahim pbuh had been chosen as the best family in the Knowledge of Allah as stated in Qur'an: " Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of 'Imran above all people, " [QS 3: 33]

In reading through this story of sacrifice then reflected it on my recent experience, looked at it under the light of Qur'an and experienced it myself, I am humbled and grateful that I had undergone the same - in its essence - experience as what had happened to Prophet Ibrahim pbuh. 

As Prophet Ibrahim pbuh had waited wishfully for a son thus expressed it in his prayer: 'Robbi hablii minash shalihiin'. "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" [QS 37: 100] I had also waited wishfully for a spouse. It was expressed in my prayer : 'Robbij'alni dzawjim minash shalihiin'. "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (mate)!".

Considering my age now compare to my other friends, they would say I am a spinster. This was similar to Prophet Ibrahim pbuh when his wish was granted; he was considered to be late in having his first son, at the age of 80years old. But then for me personally the age doesn't really matter. Because I don't see marriage as just a biological act to have progeny or to release the sexual desire. I seek a higher purpose of marriage; I want to have it as a way to learn the Knowledge of Allah. I am bound by Allah's wills and my heart seek Allah's approval to whom I should give (under the name of Allah) myself to. That's why the requirement of a righteous (mate) is very important.

To be continued...