When Ishmael reached his youth, had travelled and was able to look after the matters of his father, Ibrahim had a dream that he was being commanded to offer his son in sacrifice and as Ibn Abbas said the dreams of the Prophets were revelations. It was a tremendous trial that Ibrahim would be asked to sacrifice his own son, who he had previously left, as another trial, in a barren land with his mother Hajar.

At this command, Ibrahim did not even hesitate. He told his son of his dream for him to mentally prepare beforehand. Ishmael's reaction was that of devout obedience to both his father and ultimately Allah.

He later said, “I am leaving ˹in obedience˺ to my Lord. He will guide me.37:99

My Lord! Bless me with righteous offspring.”37:100

So We gave him good news of a forbearing son.37:101

Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”37:102

When they had both got ready to fulfil the command of Allah, Ibrahim laid his son facing downwards so that he could not see it happen. Both had made their intentions and the knife went through Ishmael's neck but did not cut anything.

Then when they submitted ˹to Allah’s Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺,37:103

We called out to him, “O Abraham!37:104

You have already fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers.37:105

That was truly a revealing test.37:106

And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice,37:107

Allah, The Most Kind, intended to give Ibrahim this trial to test their intentions. Instead of sacrificing his son, most scholars believe he, after this revelation, sacrificed a white sheep mentioned above as 'a great sacrifice'.

Allah praised Ibrahim highly for passing this test, willfully submitting to The One, True Lord of The Worlds.

and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations:37:108

“Peace be upon Abraham.”37:109

This is how We reward the good-doers.37:110

He was truly one of Our faithful servants.37:111