The Sons of Abraham

(Peace be upon them)

By Mahnaz M. Shabbir

April 3, 2002

In November 2001, the world was paying much attention to the upcoming Islamic month Ramadan. Would America go to war during the time when Muslims were observing the fasting month?  Most of the American public wasn’t even aware of this religious observance, but began to learn about another facet of the Islamic religion.  And, in a few days, Ramadan became a household word in America.

Another Islamic holiday occurred on February 23rd—“Eid al Adha” -the festival that marks the completion of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.  Unfortunately, I did not hear as much information from the media (mostly on public radio/television and National Geographic magazine) regarding this Islamic observance.  Instead, what was and unfortunately still is, played out on the nightly news is another bombing and retaliation in the Middle East.  Of course, we need to know about these tragic events and we need to find solutions to what gets masked in the name of a religious vs. a political cause. Yet, if we only focus on what divides us, we will never come together as a community of people.

Let me share with you why I think the American public should know more about Hajj.  The significance of Hajj comes from incidents over 4000 years ago. The Prophet Abraham, Peace Be on Him (Islamic traditions calls for when we speak of any prophet to say “Peace Be On Him”.  Therefore, future references of Prophets will be followed by P.B.H.), had two sons, Ishmail  (P.B.H.) and Isaac (P.B.H.).   Most people know the story of how the Prophet was commanded by God to sacrifice his son to demonstrate his faith in God. When Prophet Abraham (P.B.H.) was performing this ultimate sacrifice, a goat miraculously appeared—sparing the  son.  Christians and Jews believe this son was Isaac (P.B.H.).   Muslims believe this son was Ishmail (P.B.H.).   In fact, the significance of this event is so strong in the Muslim faith, that they believed God commanded Prophets Abraham (P.B.H.) and Ishmail (P.B.H.) to build a place of worship at this site in Mecca. The black Kabbah was constructed on the original site of a sanctuary established by Prophet Adam (P.B.H.).  Over 3000 years later, Prophet Mohammed (P.B.H.) commanded all Muslims pray towards the Kabbah’s direction no matter where they may be in the world.   Muslims believe in the same prophets from the Old Testament.   Another ironic thread woven in the Middle East issue-- the great faiths of the world stem from the same ancestry!

Know that all Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform Hajj once in their lifetime. During that week in February, there were over 2 million people circling the Kabbah seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as Prophet Abraham’s wife Hagar did searching for water for her son Ishmail (P.B.H.).  People from every corner of the globe-- black, white, rich, poor, men and women are

brought together during this significant time, wearing simple clothes that strip specific identification so that in the in the eyes of God they are all equal.  During “Eid al Adha”, Muslims around the world pray together, a lamb is sacrificed in God’s name and is shared with the needy.

Recently, I have been asked to give several talks in the community about Islam. What a great country where people at a grass roots level are wanting more information about the most misunderstood religion in the western world!  One of the facts that receive the most attention is the story of Prophet Abraham (P.B.H.).  I find it interesting and gratifying that the American community wants to know more about Muslims and our faith. They are trying to find the bridges of understanding.

Another story of two sons.  My 70 -year old father completed the Hajj for the second time.  In February 2002, he completed this Hajj on his father’s behalf. Being the elder son, Muslim faith states he is required to complete any obligations his parents were not able to perform in their lifetime.  What makes this story more interesting is that my grandfather died when my father was four years old. Yet he was there, traveling in a time of uncertainty and experiencing a spiritual closeness, not only with God, but also with a father he never knew. 

I was in a discussion with my two older sons (19 and 14 years of age) about our faith and the significance of their grandfather’s Hajj. The conversation was directed to my eldest—creating an awareness of what his future obligations may be. Of course, at his impressionable age, this is a mighty task to absorb. Sensing the magnitude of this responsibility, his younger brother, leaned over to him and whispered, “ I’ll help you.”

I find it interesting that the sons of Abraham are amongst all of us during these holy days of many faiths.  Perhaps we can all look for the bridges that bring us together rather than the walls that divide us.

About the Author: Mahnaz Shabbir lives in Stilwell, Kansas.   She is a first generation American Muslim Woman. Her parents immigrated to the United States in the 1950s from India. She was born in Philadelphia and has lived in the Kansas City area for the last 21 years.  She is married and the mother of four boys-second generation Americans.  She is the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Business Development at Carondelet Health, a Catholic health care system in Kansas City, Missouri. She can be reached at mshabbir@carondelet.com.