How does one respond to those who claim that the command to sacrifice Ishmael, upon him be peace, which came through a vision, was from Satan, arguing that God does not command indecency and evil?
The claim that the command to sacrifice Ishmael (peace be upon him) came from Satan is false and baseless. Its falsity is evident from several perspectives: First, it is inconceivable that Abraham (peace be upon him), the leader of the monotheists, would proceed to sacrifice his son based on a satanic vision. Second, the predecessors of this Ummah used this story as proof that the visions of prophets are a form of revelation, citing the saying of Ubayd ibn Umayr and Allah’s (the Exalted) saying: "Indeed, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you." Third, Allah the Almighty praised Abraham for his truthfulness and obedience to His command, and Ishmael for his patience. How could He praise them if the one who commanded it was Satan? Fourth, Ibn Kathir said that Allah's (the Exalted) saying: "Indeed, this was the clear trial" indicates a clear test from Allah. And the argument of some that Allah does not command indecency is false, for Allah judges and legislates as He wills, and He commanded the Children of Israel to kill themselves as repentance. Therefore, the truth is that the command came through a vision from Allah Almighty.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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