The story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the sacrifice of his son - in the Quran

The story of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) son is mentioned in multiple places in the Quran, including Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37, Verses 99-113 and Surah Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, Verses 51-71.

According to the story, Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which he saw himself sacrificing his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a sign of his obedience to Allah. Upon seeing the dream repeatedly, he realized it was a divine commandment and informed his son. Ismail, who was also willing to obey Allah, agreed to be sacrificed.

As Prophet Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This event is celebrated by Muslims during the Eid al-Adha festival, where they sacrifice an animal and distribute the meat to the needy.

Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37, Verses 102-107

[37:102] Then when he (the son) was old enough to work with him, he said, "O my son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do what you are commanded. You will find me, God willing, patient."

[37:103] So when they both submitted, and he put him down on his forehead,

[37:104] We called him, "O Abraham,

[37:105] You have confirmed the vision." Thus indeed We reward the doers of good.

[37:106] That was a clear trial.

[37:107] And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.

Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, Verses 51-71:

And indeed We gave Ibrahim (Abraham) his guidance before, and We were [his] well-knowers,

When he said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoted?"

They said, "We found our fathers worshippers of them."

He said, "You were certainly, you and your fathers, in manifest error."

They said, "Have you come to us with truth, or are you of those who jest?"

He said, "[No], rather, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth who created them, and I, to that, am of those who testify.

And [I swear] by Allah, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned and gone away."

So he made them into fragments, except a large one among them, that they might return to it [and question].

They said, "Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers."

They said, "We heard a young man mention them who is called Ibrahim (Abraham)."

They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify."

They said, "Have you done this to our gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)?"

He said, "Rather, this - the largest of them - did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak."

So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other], "Indeed, you are the wrongdoers."

Then they reversed themselves, [saying], "You have already known that these do not speak!"

He said, "Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you?

Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?"

They said, "Burn him and support your gods - if you are to act."

Allah said, "O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham."

And they intended for him harm, but We made them the greatest losers.

And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We had blessed for the worlds.

The story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the sacrifice of his son is a well-known story in Islamic tradition. In short, Allah tested Ibrahim's devotion by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isma'il (Ishmael), in a dream. Ibrahim consulted his son, who willingly agreed to be sacrificed as it was Allah's command. As they were about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram as a substitute. This story is commemorated during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. The story can be found in several verses throughout the Quran, including Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37, Verses 100-111.