By Dr. Sajid Abbasi
The Qur’an states about Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim علیہ السلام) that Allah tested him through several trials, and he succeeded in all of them. After this, Allah granted him the status of a leader for humanity: “And remember when Abraham was tested by his Lord with certain commands, and he fulfilled them. Allah said: ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for mankind.’” (The Qur’an 2:124)
This verse makes it clear that the position of leadership and guidance is not attained without trials. The stronger the faith, the greater the trial. And the greater the trial, the greater the reward. This is an eternal principle established by Allah, applicable in every age. The life of Prophet Abraham (علیہ السلام) clearly demonstrates this reality: trials are according to the level of faith, and rewards are according to the level of sacrifice and perseverance.
The Qur’an also presents another fundamental principle regarding trials: Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” (The Qur’an 2:286)
This reflects Allah’s mercy, for He never places upon a person a burden greater than what they can bear. According to this principle, tests are given in proportion to one’s faith and ability.
The life of Prophet Abraham (علیہ السلام) is filled with extraordinary examples of complete submission to Allah. As he reflected deeply upon the universe, his recognition and understanding of Allah continued to grow, and so did his faith. Once he attained certainty in faith in Allah, he asked Allah about life after death so that his heart might be fully reassured: “And when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.’ Allah said, ‘Do you not believe?’ Abraham replied, ‘Yes, but I ask so that my heart may be at peace.’ Allah said, ‘Take four birds, train them to return to you, then place portions of them on different hills, and call them; they will come flying to you. Know that Allah is Almighty and Wise.’” (The Qur’an 2:260)
This demonstrates that the faith granted to the prophets was not based merely on assumptions or speculation; rather, it was based on direct observation and certainty. They witnessed divine realities with their own eyes, giving them rock-solid conviction. Allah says: “Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he would be among those possessing certainty.” (The Qur’an 6:75)
The greater the certainty and faith bestowed upon Abraham (علیہ السلام), the greater the trials awaiting him.
The First Trial: Speaking the Truth
The first major test was the test of proclaiming the truth. Abraham openly called his people toward monotheism and exposed the helplessness of idols. In fact, to demonstrate their inability, he broke the idols and argued that those incapable of helping themselves could not possibly help others. When the matter was brought before the king, the Qur’an presents one of the finest examples of inviting toward Allah with wisdom and reasoned debate: “Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord because Allah had given him kingship? Abraham said, ‘My Lord is the One who gives life and causes death.’ He replied, ‘I too give life and death.’ Abraham said, ‘Indeed, Allah brings the sun from the east, so bring it from the west.’ The disbeliever was dumbfounded. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (The Qur’an 2:258)
Prophet Abraham (علیہ السلام) stood courageously and intelligently before the tyrant king Nimrod and proclaimed the oneness of Allah. Tyrants, when defeated intellectually, often attempt to cover their humiliation through brutal punishment. The king ordered that Abraham be thrown into a blazing fire. However, Allah decreed that Abraham should be saved, because greater trials still awaited him. Allah commanded: “O fire! Be coolness and safety for Abraham.” (The Qur’an 21:69)
This was the first great trial, and Abraham emerged victorious. This miracle stands as proof that whoever places complete trust in Allah, Allah makes the impossible possible for them.
The Second Trial: Migration and Sacrifice
The second major trial was the trial of migration and sacrifice. Allah commanded Prophet Abraham to leave his wife Hajar (Hagar) and his infant son Ishmael (Ismail) in a barren desert valley – Makkah. This was a trial in which there appeared to be no worldly support and no human solution. It was pure trust in Allah – complete trust.
Hajar asked only one question: “Is this Allah’s command?” When Abraham replied, “Yes,” she responded: “Then Allah will never abandon us.”
This is among the greatest examples of reliance upon Allah. When Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah searching for water, Allah loved this act so much that He made it a permanent part of the rituals of Hajj. Allah did not allow this sacrifice to go unrewarded. He caused the spring of Zamzam to gush forth, and later made that very place the spiritual centre of the world.
The Greatest Trial: Sacrificing His Son
When Ishmael reached the age at which he could work alongside his father, Abraham saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his son for the sake of Allah: “When the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, ‘My son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you, so tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘Father, do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me among the patient.’ Then when both submitted, and Abraham laid him down upon his forehead, We called out: ‘O Abraham! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward those who do good. Surely, this was a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (The Qur’an 37:102–107)
This incident represents complete submission from both father and son.
After Abraham successfully passed all these trials, Allah made him a leader of humanity. All prophets who came after him were from his descendants, which is why he is called “The Father of the Prophets.” The three major Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – all regard him as their spiritual leader.
The rituals of Hajj have been permanently connected with his memory, and every year millions of pilgrims remember his sacrifices and renew their faith. The life of Prophet Abraham teaches us that the stronger the faith, the greater the trial – and the greater the reward. Complete trust in Allah is the key to success. True faith demands courage, determination, and speaking the truth with evidence and wisdom, no matter how oppressive the audience may be. Complete submission before Allah’s command is what ultimately leads a person toward greatness.
The Trials of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Just as Prophet Abraham raised the banner of truth before Nimrod, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ proclaimed monotheism before the chiefs of Makkah: “Say: There is no god but Allah, and you will succeed.”
The leaders of Quraysh fiercely opposed him, mocked him, denied him, and subjected him to severe persecution.
Prophet Abraham was thrown into fire, while Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was stoned in Ta’if until he bled profusely. Yet even then, his prayer was: “O Allah, if You are not displeased with me, then I do not care.”
Just as Abraham left his homeland for Allah’s sake, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too was forced to leave beloved Makkah during the migration to Madinah. At that moment he said: “O Makkah! You are the most beloved land to me. Had your people not expelled me, I would never have left.”
Prophet Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. Likewise, the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was filled with sacrifices involving his family. His beloved wife Khadijah (رضی الله عنہا) passed away during his lifetime. He witnessed the deaths of his sons and three daughters.
During the boycott in the Valley of Abu Talib, the Prophet and the Banu Hashim clan endured hunger for three years. After migration, battles began. As commander, the Prophet ﷺ displayed remarkable military strategy and bravery in battles such as Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq, risking his own life repeatedly for the sake of Allah’s religion.
Both Prophet Abraham and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teach the same lesson: true faith requires sacrificing everything for Allah, remaining steadfast in trials, standing firmly for truth, and placing complete trust in Allah.
The Sacrifices of the Companions
After Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Companions spread Islam across the world through immense sacrifices. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (رضی الله عنہ) spent his wealth freely for Islam, purchased and freed slaves like Bilal, and risked his life alongside the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Thawr. The Qur’an praises this moment: “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (The Qur’an 9:40)
During the expedition of Tabuk, Abu Bakr donated all his wealth. When asked what he had left for his family, he replied: “Allah and His Messenger.”
Umar ibn al-Khattab fearlessly supported Islam and devoted his entire personality to its cause.
Uthman ibn Affan dedicated his wealth to Islam. During Tabuk, the Prophet ﷺ said regarding him: “Nothing Uthman does after today will harm him.”
Ali ibn Abi Talib risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet’s bed during the migration and displayed unmatched bravery in battle, earning the title ‘Conqueror of Khaybar’.
Bilal endured torture upon scorching sands with heavy stones placed upon his chest, yet he continued repeating: “Ahad, Ahad” – “One, One.”
Sumayyah became the first martyr of Islam. Mus‘ab ibn Umayr abandoned luxury and family for Islam and became a caller toward truth in Madinah. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt was laid upon burning coals but remained steadfast.
Imam Husayn later sacrificed himself and his family in Karbala to resist the corruption of tyranny. Even after the Companions, the chain of sacrifice continued. Tariq ibn Ziyad burned the ships during the conquest of Andalusia. Salahuddin Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem. Imam Abu Hanifah endured imprisonment and torture for speaking the truth.
Until today, people of determination continue this journey of sacrifice. It is through their blood and struggles that the light of Islam remains illuminated.
The Crisis of Our Time
Today, we observe that neither are we undergoing great trials, nor are we receiving the great rewards promised by Allah. The reality is that our faith today is often inherited and superficial rather than conscious and deeply rooted. It is easily shaken by fear or greed. When we fail small tests, how can we expect greater responsibilities?
Allah’s principle is that one good deed opens the door to a greater one. Success in smaller tests prepares a person for larger challenges. Just as a student unwilling to progress beyond high school will never be given graduate-level examinations, similarly Allah tests people according to their spiritual level.
Human beings may choose either the path of convenience or the path of determination and sacrifice. Most people choose comfort and safety. Whenever wealth or life is threatened, they avoid sacrifice.
The people of Gaza provide a powerful example. One option before them was exile in order to save their lives. They could have abandoned Palestine and settled elsewhere with foreign support, as desired by Israel and certain global powers. This would have been the easier path. Instead, they chose steadfastness. They decided to live and die in Gaza so that Al-Aqsa Mosque would not fall permanently under Israeli occupation. Their cities were devastated, yet they remain proud of their martyrs who sacrificed their lives seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Throughout history, the majority have chosen comfort, while a minority have chosen courage and sacrifice. The essence of this discussion is that trials always correspond to a person’s capacity. Weak faith brings smaller trials, while strong and unwavering faith prepares a person for greater responsibilities and greater tests.
If Muslims in India were sincerely striving to fulfil the prophetic mission of calling people toward Allah with determination and perseverance, Allah would also place them through trials whose outcomes would ultimately be magnificent. The path of struggle is undoubtedly difficult, but it builds a glorious future. The path of comfort appears easy, yet it often leads future generations toward disaster.
Even today, the world longs for people with the spirit of Abraham – those who will courageously call humanity toward monotheism and save people from destruction through both words and actions.
