Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Welcome back, TrueDay. Life often tests us with moments so profound that they demand the greatest sacrifices from our hearts. It is in these crucibles of trial that our faith in Allah is truly measured. The exemplary story of sacrifice and unwavering trust in Allah is vividly illustrated in the lives of the beloved Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) honored grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and his son, Abdullah.
Important News
Israel plans to expand military control in Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian crisis; faces strong international condemnation.
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Bangladesh and Malaysia sign agreement to strengthen economic ties; Malaysia invited to support Bangladesh’s Halal industry park.
Saudi Arabia makes progress in economic diversification; premium residency program gains growing interest.
Sacrifice and Unwavering Faith in Allah: An Unforgettable Lesson
A Solemn Vow Amidst Deep Love
Abdul Muttalib was blessed with ten sons, among whom Abdullah shone as the most handsome and virtuous. Deeply beloved by his father, Abdullah was nonetheless the subject of a solemn vow Abdul Muttalib made to Allah: should he be granted ten sons, he would dedicate one to Allah’s service.
When the moment of fulfilling this vow arrived, Abdul Muttalib chose to draw lots, a method of divine arbitration. Time and again, the lot fell upon Abdullah. Though the weight of this fate was unbearable, Abdul Muttalib’s faith in Allah did not waver.
Advised by the Quraysh tribe to find a less painful alternative, Abdul Muttalib, guided by the wisdom of a respected elder woman, initiated a lottery between Abdullah and ten camels. Each time Abdullah’s name appeared, ten more camels were added, extending the lottery until the number reached one hundred camels. Finally, when the camels were drawn, their names were selected, sparing Abdullah’s life. Abdul Muttalib honored his vow by sacrificing these camels in Allah’s name—a profound testament to unwavering faith and obedience.
Illuminated by Qur’an and Sunnah
This narrative embodies the Qur’anic injunction of steadfastness in faith:
“And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) poignantly said, “I am the son of two sacrifices,” referring to the sacrifice of his forefather Ismail (peace be upon him) and his father Abdullah, whose life was spared through this sacred vow. This Hadith encapsulates sacrifice as a pivotal virtue within Islam’s heritage.
Practical Wisdom for Our Journey
How might we embody this timeless lesson in our contemporary lives?
Embrace Sacrifice: Willingly relinquish personal desires or habits to seek Allah’s pleasure.
Anchor in Trust: Maintain resolute faith that Allah’s wisdom governs all outcomes, especially amidst adversity.
Honor Your Vows: Fulfill commitments made to Allah as an expression of sincere devotion.
Such conscious practice draws us nearer to Allah and enriches the spiritual fabric of our lives.
Deepening the Legacy: Reflections on Abdullah’s Life
Abdullah’s life, though brief, profoundly shaped Islamic history. His marriage to Aminah bint Wahb, from a noble Quraysh lineage, exemplified a union of esteemed heritage and faith. Tragically, Abdullah passed away in Medina at the young age of 26—either due to illness en route from business or shortly after.
His death deeply grieved his wife, Aminah, who expressed her sorrow through a moving elegy, lamenting the loss of a kind, gentle, and generous soul. Abdullah left behind a modest inheritance: five camels, a flock of goats, and a slave woman named Barakah (Umm Ayman), who later nurtured the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself.
Historical scholarship debates whether Abdullah lived to see the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ), but consensus holds that his legacy remains immortal through the faith and sacrifice he embodied.
A Final Note
A Heartfelt Dua
O Allah, instill in us unwavering faith and the courage to sacrifice in Your cause. Grant us patience, steadfastness, and the strength to overcome life’s trials with sincerity. Ameen.
May Allah (SWT) bless us with the wisdom to reflect upon and embody these lessons of sacrifice and faith, illuminating our path in this life and the hereafter.
Thank you for reading today’s email.
Until next time,
Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Mahin
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