Prophet Ibrahim: A legacy of sacrifice

Photo: MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA - AUGUST 08, 2017: Muslim pilgrims from all around the World performing the Hajj this year on August 08, 2017 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. / Tuah Roslan / Shutterstock.com

Thousands of years ago, a man left his wife and newly born son, in a valley that had neither water nor fruit. They survived. Years later, that same man came back ready to sacrifice his son.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is a fascinating story of faith and sacrifice that has been re-told across generations. Can you imagine a loving husband, who just had a baby, being asked to travel with his family across the desert and leave his wife and child in a barren valley called Bakkah (modern day Makkah)? And can you imagine a father, who after years of not seeing his son, comes back wanting to spend quality time with him, only to be told in a dream to sacrifice him?

What is it that pushes a man to act against his natural instincts as a husband or father? Some might call it heresy, or blind faith, others might say that he's a Prophet and therefore is expected to act with such faith in God's commands.