وَفَدَيْنَـٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ 107
Translations
And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,
Transliteration
Wa fadaynahu bi dhibhin adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's redemption of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) from sacrifice by replacing him with a great ram. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Allah substituted a magnificent sacrifice in place of Ismail, fulfilling His promise to Abraham and demonstrating His mercy and wisdom. This act became a symbol of obedience to Allah and established the foundation for the ritual of animal sacrifice ('Qurbani') during Hajj and Eid al-Adha.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah As-Saffat's narrative of Prophet Abraham's trial (37:102-107), where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son. The surah, revealed in Mecca, presents this as one of Islam's greatest tests of faith and obedience. The context emphasizes Abraham's unwavering submission to Allah's command and Allah's merciful intervention at the critical moment.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (2307): 'The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best of days is the day of An-Nahr (slaughter).' Related thematically: Muslim (1218) narrates Abdullah ibn Umar's account of the Prophet's practice of animal sacrifice, which stems from this Quranic precedent.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true obedience to Allah brings divine mercy and deliverance, and that Allah never burdens us beyond our capacity—He provides alternatives and relief. For believers, it exemplifies how sincere intention and submission, coupled with patience during trials, result in Allah's favor and establish lasting legacies of worship.
Related Ayahs
وَإِن كَانُوا۟ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمُبْلِسِينَ
Although they were, before it was sent down upon them - before that, in despair.
۞ فَنَبَذْنَـٰهُ بِٱلْعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌ
But We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill.
ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا۟ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
رَّبُّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى يُزْجِى لَكُمُ ٱلْفُلْكَ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا
It is your Lord who drives the ship for you through the sea that you may seek of His bounty. Indeed, He is ever, to you, Merciful.