CHILDREN’S CORNER

be upon him) was still a child, but the Prophet Ibrahim told him about the dream. Ismail was a brave boy. He was ready to obey the command of Allah, Who had created him. So, without hesitating, he said to his father, “Do what are you commanded, father. God willing, you will find me one of the steadfast.” Ibrahim took his son away to sacrifice him. As he reached a place, which is now known as Mina—a valley near Makkah—Satan appeared and tried to stop him from doing his Lord’s bidding. The Prophet Ibrahim picked a few small stones and threw them at Satan. Little Ismail and his mother did likewise. The Prophet Ibrahim gently placed his son on the ground and blindfolded himself with a handkerchief so that he could not see his beloved son while carrying out his Lord’s command. As Ibrahim took a knife to sacrifice Ismail, Allah sent the angel Jibril (Gabriel) down with a ram. “Sacrifice this ram. Do not sacrifice Ismail,” said Jibril (May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to Ibrahim. Allah was so pleased with the readiness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son that he commanded the believers to observe this day as Id al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice. Every year, Muslims sacrifice an animal in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s trust in Allah. This story reminds the believers of the readiness of the Prophet Ibrahim to give up his beloved son. Likewise, believers should be ready to part with their precious belongings, and their wealth, and dedicate their lives, if the cause of Islam so requires. Thus the Quran says: “Truly, my prayers, my sacrifice, my life and my death all belong to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.” (Surah al-Anam, 6: 162) o There is no gift a parent can give his child that is better than good manners. -Prophet Muhammad.