Prophet Ibrahim (AS), honoured as Khalilullah is a pioneer in the path of Divine love and sacrifice. Revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, he was not only the ancestor of many prophets but also a leader in Tauheed (Oneness of Allah), who faced monumental trials with unwavering faith and submission.
His life was marked by revolutionary devotion. One of his earliest trials was being thrown into the fire by Nimrod. Despite offers of angelic help, Prophet Ibrahim chose to rely solely on Allah. As a result, the fire was commanded to become cool and safe for him, showcasing a miracle of Divine intervention. This act alone illustrates his absolute trust in Allah.
The second trial came when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to leave his wife, Hajar, and infant son, Ismail, in the barren valley of Makkah. Trusting in Allah’s wisdom, he obeyed. His prayer, recorded in the Qur’an, reflects his reliance and hope that Allah would care for them near His Sacred House.
The most intense trial was the dream commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. Without hesitation, Prophet Ibrahim consulted his son, who too accepted the Divine will with remarkable patience. Their willingness to submit to Allah’s command exemplifies the essence of love and loyalty to the Creator. However, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, declaring it a “Great Sacrifice” and making its remembrance an annual act of worship for Muslims.
The life of Prophet Ibrahim challenges the logic of intellect. Leaving loved ones in the desert, destroying idols, and leaping into fire are acts that defy rational thinking. Yet, these actions are understood through the lens of love, not logic. As Allama Iqbal beautifully expressed, love leaps into fire while intellect hesitates at the edge.
True understanding of Allah, the journey to spiritual closeness, and the ultimate truth can only be attained through the path of Divine love. Prophet Ibrahim’s life embodies this path, proving that Divine love surpasses all worldly measures.
As Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman states, love demands loyalty and sacrifice – not always in action, but always in intention. Prophet Ibrahim’s sincerity became a legacy of eternal guidance for seekers of Allah. His trials are not just historical events but spiritual symbols for every Divine lover.
Prophet Ibrahim and Divine Love
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) has been honoured with titles such as ‘Khalilullah’ (Friend of Allah), the builder of the House of Allah (Kaaba), the father of the one who was to be sacrificed (Ismail), the ancestor of the Prophets, a leader and guide, a generous host, the one of the blooming gardens (referring to his trial by fire), the spokesman of the Oneness of Allah Almighty, and one who was gentle and noble.
Allah Almighty made the dwelling place of Prophet Ibrahim a place of prayer and his way of Tauheed an enduring declaration of faith. He has been mentioned in Quran several times. All the prophets who came after him were all his descendants. That’s why he is called ‘Abul-Anbiya’ (father of the Prophets). He is highly respected in Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Prophet Ibrahim, the glorious prophet of Allah, the paternal grandfather of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), passed through many trials and hardships. He migrated, left his wife Hajra and his son Ismail in the desert. He adopted a revolutionary path to propagate the Divine message. It is as if his entire life is a revolutionary struggle. Prophet Ibrahim is the head of the caravan of the Divine lovers. The story of his Divine love and his trials are described in detail in the Quran.
The Fire of Nimrod
The first test of Prophet Ibrahim was the fire of Nimrod in which he jumped. According to traditions, angels descended by the command of Allah and offered their help, saying they could turn Nimrod’s fire back upon him if he wished. But this embodiment of submission and contentment did not seek escape from the test of love. Without concern for the outcome, he leapt into the fire fearlessly out of love.
As Allah the Almighty has said:
قُلْنَا یٰنَارُ كُوْنِیْ بَرْدًا وَّ سَلٰمًا عَلٰۤی اِبْرٰهِیْمَۙ
We said: ‘O fire, be cool and become absolute safety for Ibrahim (Abraham).’ (21: 69)
This was a miracle from Allah Almighty for Prophet Ibrahim, an event that went against the usual laws of nature – just as when Allah commanded Prophet Musa to strike the sea with his staff, and the sea split. Similarly, by the command of Allah, the fire became a garden of peace for Prophet Ibrahim.
The second trial of love for Prophet Ibrahim (AS) came when Prophet Ismail was still an infant. He was commanded to leave his wife, Hajar, and their son in a barren desert. Prophet Ibrahim faced this trial too with grace and succeeded.
Allah the Almighty says:
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنِّیْۤ اَسْكَنْتُ مِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِیْ بِوَادٍ غَیْرِ ذِیْ زَرْعٍ عِنْدَ بَیْتِكَ
O our Lord! Verily, I have settled my offspring (Ismail) in the barren valley (of Makkah) in the close vicinity of Your Sacred House. (14: 37)
Sacrifice of Prophet Ismail
The third trial of love for Prophet Ibrahim came at a time when his son, Prophet Ismail had reached an age where he could run around and assist his father. At that point, Prophet Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his beloved son, the one he had received after many prayers and in old age. Understanding the dream as a command from Allah, he resolved firmly to carry it out without hesitation.
He said to his son, “O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you, so tell me, what is your view on this?”
The purpose of asking his son’s opinion was not because he would refrain from following Allah’s command if his son disagreed, but rather because he wanted to include his son in the obedience of Allah’s will. He also hoped that his son would willingly accept it, as Allah had given him the glad tidings of a forbearing son.
This event is described in the Quran as follows:
قَالَ یٰبُنَیَّ اِنِّیْۤ اَرٰی فِی الْمَنَامِ اَنِّیْۤ اَذْبَحُكَ فَانْظُرْ مَا ذَا تَرٰی ؕ قَالَ یٰۤاَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ؗ سَتَجِدُنِیْۤ اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ مِنَ الصّٰبِرِیْنَ
Ibrahim (AS) said: ‘O my son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you. So, what is your opinion?’ Ismail said: ‘O my father, do that (immediately) which you are being commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me amongst the patient (and steadfast).’ (37: 102)
Unwavering Determination
In this trial of love, both father and son presented themselves without hesitation. The father held the knife and moved it toward the son’s throat, and the son, in a state of complete submission, was wholeheartedly ready to be sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah.
Satan made every effort to mislead and tempt them, but their steadfastness did not waver in the slightest. The father drew the knife across the son’s neck in full submission to Allah’s will, and the eyes of the heavens witnessed a scene so extraordinary that history itself stands incapable of presenting its like.
The spirit with which Prophet Ismail offered himself for sacrifice in the path of Allah is unparalleled in the history of sacrifice.
As Iqbal said:
یہ فیضانِ نظر تھا یا کہ مکتب کی کرامت تھی
سکھائے کس نے اسماعیلؑ کو آدابِ فرزندی
Yeh faizaan-e-nazar tha ya ke maktab ki karamat thi
Sikhaye kis ne Ismail (A.S) ko aadaab-e-farzandi
Was it the blessing of a spiritual gaze, or the miracle of schooling? Who taught Prophet Ismail (AS) the manners of true sonship?
Allah Almighty was so pleased with this act of His special servants that He declared it a “Great Sacrifice” and made its annual commemoration a part of sharia for the umma of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Exemplary Life of Prophet Ibrahim
The entire life journey of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is a story of love and devotion. The title “Khalilullah” that he was granted is the peak of this Divine love otherwise, the logic of intellect dictates something entirely different.
To rebel against the traditions and gods of one’s family and society, to destroy idols, and to migrate – this does not conform to the standards of rationality.
To leave behind a precious blessing received in old age (his beloved son and cherished wife) in a barren desert is, by reason’s measure, a questionable act.
To lay one’s own child on the ground and run a knife across his throat, such an action would be harshly criticised by the intellect. And for a living human of flesh and blood to leap into the fire of Nimrod is beyond the realm of intellect!
Intellect gives knowledge, shows the path, and even brings one close to the destination but it cannot lead one to the final goal. Intellect gets lost in the maze of causes and consequences, constantly criticises, and creates doubts. But love does not focus on the external; it sees the inner reality and it inspires a person to make the ultimate sacrifice.
بے خطر کود پڑا آتشِ نمرود میں عشق
عقل ہے محوِ تماشائے لبِ بام ابھی
Be-khatar kood pada aatish-e-Namrood mein ishq
Aqal hai mehv-e-tamasha-e-lab-e-baam abhi
Love leapt fearlessly into the fire of Nimrod, while intellect still stands lost, gazing from the rooftop.
This famous couplet by Allama Iqbal beautifully contrasts love (ishq) and intellect (aqal) showing how Divine love inspires fearless action, while intellect hesitates, overthinks, and remains passive.
Intellect vs Divine Love
So, in conclusion, if life is lived solely on the foundation of intellect, then attaining the truth becomes not just difficult, but nearly impossible. This is because intellect may build temples of ideas and concepts, but it falls short in offering true guidance and direction for life. Therefore, the only path to discovering truth and reaching the Beloved is the path of love (ishq).
It is by walking this very path of love that a human being reaches the spiritual height attained by Khalilullah – Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) recognised the reality of his Lord, he began openly inviting his people towards Him. When a punishment of being cast into the fire was decreed for him, he willingly prepared to leap into it. When Allah commanded, he left behind the child he had been blessed with in old age, along with his wife, in a barren desert. And when that child became old enough to understand, he readied himself to sacrifice him at the mere signal from his Lord. The greater the sacrifice, the greater was the reward from Allah.
From his lineage, the line of Prophets continued, and this act of sacrifice was made obligatory upon the Muslim umma.
Faqr Demands Sacrifice
Once, the Companions asked Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), “O Messenger of Allah! What is this sacrifice?” He replied, “It is the tradition of your father, Ibrahim (AS).”
This statement contains a subtle message for us: just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offered his life, wealth, child and everything in the path of Allah, in the same way, when a seeker of Allah walks the path of Faqr (Sufism) to attain the pleasure of the Divine Essence, they must pass through different stages of love. For the path of Faqr is, in essence, the path of love. And success on this path is only achieved when the seeker sacrifices everything they have in the way of truth.
As Allah the Exalted declares:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰی تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ
You can never attain to piety unless you spend (in the cause of Allah) out of that which you like the most. (3: 92)
The word برَّ is written in this verse though some translate it as a piety but it is the name of Allah.
The greatest Sunnah is to sacrifice one’s home and possessions in the path of Allah. Allah Almighty said to Prophet Mohammad:
فَلَا تَتَّخِذُوْا مِنْهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءَ حَتّٰی یُهَاجِرُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ۙ
And do not take (any of) them as an ally until they migrate (leave everything) for the cause of Allah. (4: 89)
Divine Seeker is Tested Through Trials
The seeker of the Divine is tested in every field of life, because love demands sacrifice. And to attain Faqr, one must be willing to risk everything: wealth, life, and home. Nearness to Allah cannot be achieved until a person sacrifices their home and possessions in His path.
Just like Prophet Ibrahim, every seeker must go through trials. The greater the seeker’s love, passion, and spiritual rank, the greater will be their test. The seeker who, like Prophet Ibrahim, becomes complete in love is the one who succeeds. Such a person reaches the rank of Insan-e-Kamil and it is their name that lives on forever.
As Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sultan Bahoo says:
نام فقیر تِنہاں دا باھوؒ، قبر جنہاں دی جیوے ھوُ
Naam faqeer tinhaan da Bahoo, qabar jinhaan di jeeve hoo
Only those are true Fakirs, O Bahoo, whose graves remain alive.
This verse by Sultan Bahoo (RA) reflects the Sufi concept of spiritual immortality that the true lovers and seekers of God, though physically departed, remain spiritually alive and their legacy continues to illuminate the inwards of Divine seekers even after death.
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen
The present era’s Insan-e-Kamil and perfect spiritual guide, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman, says the following about love:
In love, there is loyalty, and loyalty demands sacrifice and that sacrifice must be given. Sometimes, love demands sacrifice but does not actually take it. Just look at the incident of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail, sacrifice was demanded, but it was not taken. The victory of love is achieved only through loyalty and sacrifice.
The requirement of loyalty and sacrifice on the path of love is that there should never be any shortcoming or wavering in loyalty, and when the time for sacrifice comes, one must not turn away, nor should they expect any compensation in return.
The measure of a seeker’s loyalty and sacrifice is, in fact, the true measure of their sincerity and love.
To read more wisdom-filled sayings of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, refer to the book “Taleemat-o-Farmoodat Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen.“
FAQ
What was Prophet Ibrahim known for?
Prophet Ibrahim is a great Prophet of Allah. He is known as the father of prophet because all the prophets who came after him were from hi lineage. He faced many trials in his life in the way of Allah. Greatest trial of his life was his dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his only son in His way. Prophet Ibrahim, did exactly as Allah commanded. Allah liked his sacrifice so much that He made it part of the sharia, making it obligatory for Muslims to sacrifice an animal on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.
Which prophet was thrown in fire?
When Prophet Ibrahim preached Divine message to his nation, the ruler of the time Nimrod did not like his preaching. To challenge him, Nimrod kindled a huge fire and challenged Prophet Ibrahim to jump into it. Without fearing anything, he jumped into the fire but with Allah command the fire became cool.
Note
This is an English translation of Urdu blogعشق اور حضرت ابراہیمؑ that appeared in the June 2025 issue of monthly Sultan-ul-Faqr Magazine. Mrs Noreen Sarwari Qadri authored the original article. Zahid Anjum Siddiqui has translated it in English.
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