Surah As-Saffat 37:102
سُورَةُ الصَّافَّاتِ · Meccan · Verse 102 of 182
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ
Translation
When the boy was old enough to work with his father, Abraham said, ‘My son, I have seen myself sacrificing you in a dream. What do you think?’ He said, ‘Father, do as you are commanded and, God willing, you will find me steadfast.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse from Surah As-Saffat draws us into one of the most poignant dialogues in the Quran: the moment Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) reveals a divine command to his beloved son, who is traditionally understood to be Ismail, concerning a profound test of faith. Allah recounts this conversation, highlighting the unique words exchanged between a father and son, both submitted entirely to God's will.
A Father's Tender Revelation
The verse opens, "فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ" (When he reached with him the age of striving). This phrase beautifully describes the son's maturity. Scholars like Al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur explain "السَّعْىَ" (striving or working) here as the age when a child becomes capable of accompanying his father in daily affairs and helping him. It implies a stage of physical and intellectual development, often around thirteen years old, where the son is a companion and aide. The choice of "مَعَهُ" (with him) emphasizes this close bond and shared activity, making the upcoming command even more weighty for Ibrahim. He then addresses his son with "يَٰبُنَىَّ" (Oh my dear son), a tender diminutive form that expresses deep affection and love, softening the gravity of the message he is about to deliver.
The Weight of a Dream
Ibrahim continues, "إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ" (Indeed, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you). The phrasing "in a dream" is significant. As Al-Jalalayn and Al-Razi explain, dreams of prophets are a form of divine revelation. Ibn Ashur notes that presenting it as a dream might have been a gentle way to prepare his son for this immense trial, as dream interpretations can sometimes involve symbolic layers. The command, though relayed through a dream, was an unmistakable directive from Allah. Ibrahim then says, "فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ" (So consider what you think). This was not a request for a counter-opinion or a search for an alternative, but rather, as scholars like Al-Zamakhshari explain, it was a way for Ibrahim to gauge his son's readiness and ensure his willing participation. It invited his son to reflect, to embrace the divine command, and thus earn the full reward of patient submission.
A Son's Absolute Submission
The son's response is a beacon of faith: "قَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ" (He said, "Oh my father, do what you are commanded"). Similar to his father's affectionate address, the son uses "يَٰٓأَبَتِ" (Oh my father), a tender and respectful form. Instead of saying "sacrifice me," he uses the general "مَا تُؤْمَرُ" (what you are commanded), emphasizing that this is not his father's personal desire but a divine instruction. This wording highlights his complete understanding and acceptance of Allah's decree. He then adds, "سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ" (You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient). The phrase "مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ" (among the patient ones), rather than simply "patient," conveys a profound level of patience, aligning himself with those exalted for their steadfastness. The addition of "إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ" (if Allah wills) is not an expression of doubt, but a deeply humble acknowledgment that true patience and strength to endure come solely from Allah's grace and help, as noted by Al-Razi and Ibn Ashur. It serves as a reminder that even in the greatest acts of obedience, believers rely entirely on their Creator.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah As-Saffat 37:102 is discussed in 15 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
- Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) (key verse)
- Visions (Ru'ya) (key verse)
- Trials (Ibtila) (key verse)
- Striving (Sa'y) (key verse)
- Command (Amr)
- Role Model (Qudwah)
- Fatherhood (Ubuwwah)
- Blessing (Barakah)
- Rights (Huquq)
- Hastening (Musara'ah)
- Divine Revelation (Wahy)
- Despair (Ya's)
- Evil (Sharr)
- Patience (Sabr)
- Praise (Madh)
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah As-Saffat 37:102 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.