Prophet Ibraheem and Qurbani: The Story Behind Eid al-Adha

Every year, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world offer Qurbani in remembrance of Prophet Ibraheem’s extraordinary test of faith. A father, his son, and a command from Allah that seemed to defy reason. Yet at its heart, the story of Prophet Ibraheem and Qurbani is a story of trust, surrender and love for Allah.

Who Was Prophet Ibraheem (Peace Be Upon Him)?

Prophet Ibraheem is honoured across the Abrahamic faiths, though the Islamic account has its own distinct details and emphasis. In Islam, the story is not simply about sacrifice, but about complete submission to Allah. It reminds us that true faith means trusting Allah even when the path is difficult to understand.

In Islam, he holds a rank of unique closeness to Allah. The Qur’an refers to him as Khalilullah, the intimate friend of Allah:

“And Allah took Ibraheem as an intimate friend.” Qur’an 4:125

When Muslims pray five times a day, we invoke his name in every single salah during the final tashahhud, sending blessings upon him and the family of Ibraheem just as we do upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his family. There is no other prophet mentioned so frequently in our daily prayer.

The Prophet Who Rejected Idols

Prophet Ibraheem (peace be upon him) was raised in a society steeped in idolatry. His own father, Azar, was a maker of idols. Yet from a young age, his heart refused to accept stone and wood as objects of worship.

The Qur’an captures his search beautifully. He looked at a star and thought, “This is my Lord”, until it set. Then the moon. Then the sun. And with each, when it faded, his heart turned to the reality:

“I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.” Qur’an 6:79

He confronted his people, smashed their idols, and was thrown into a blazing fire for his defiance. Allah commanded the fire:

“O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibraheem.” Qur’an 21:69

He walked out unharmed. A single man, standing against an entire civilisation, protected by the power of the One he worshipped.

The Great Sacrifice: The Heart of Eid al-Adha

The most famous episode of Prophet Ibraheem’s life is the test of sacrifice. After years of praying for a righteous child, he was finally blessed with a son. And then came the command no father could imagine.

The Qur’an narrates the moment with striking tenderness:

“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Ibraheem said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.'” Qur’an 37:102

Notice what is remarkable here. Ibraheem does not hide the command. He consults his son. And the son, with a maturity that surpasses his years, submits not out of fear, but out of love for Allah.

As the blade was about to fall, Allah called out:

“O Ibraheem, you have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” Qur’an 37:104 to 107

A magnificent ram was sent in place of the son. The test was not about the killing. It was about the willingness to give up the most beloved thing in the world for the sake of Allah.

This is the moment that every Muslim re-enacts, in spirit, through Qurbani on Eid al-Adha.

Why His Story Still Matters Today

The story of Ibraheem is not a relic. It is a mirror.

Each of us carries our own “Isma’eel”, the thing we love most, the thing we would find hardest to give up for Allah. It might be wealth, career, comfort, a relationship, or even our own ego. The test is not always to lose it. The test is whether, if Allah asked, we would be willing to let it go.

Qurbani is the physical symbol of that inner readiness.

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” Qur’an 22:37

The sacrifice Allah wants is not of flesh. It is of the heart.

Practical Lessons from Prophet Ibraheem’s Life

From his remarkable life, there are lessons every believer can apply today:

• Seek the truth with sincerity. Ibraheem questioned, reflected and searched, and Allah guided him.
• Stand firm when it is costly. He faced fire, exile and loss for the sake of his faith.
• Consult your family in matters of faith. He did not impose the test on his son but spoke with him first.
• Trust Allah’s wisdom even when you cannot see it. The command seemed impossible, but Allah’s plan was mercy.
• Leave a legacy of iman. His descendants include Prophet Musa, Prophet Isa and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A single sincere believer can shape history.

Honour His Legacy: Give Your Qurbani 2026

This Eid al-Adha 2026, follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibraheem by offering your Qurbani on behalf of yourself and your family. Your sacrifice can provide fresh meat and real joy to families facing hunger, displacement and hardship around the world.

Arrange your Qurbani 2026 through GLMCC’s humanitarian relief programme, support our wider welfare work, and join us throughout Dhul Hijjah for reminders, lectures and Eid events.

May Allah accept from us, as He accepted from Ibraheem. Ameen.