With Hajj happening very soon, we all know the story of Ibrahim (AS), and his son, who had waited over 80 years , and just as his son was becoming a fine young man, he was told by Allah to sacrifice him.

What often gets missed in this event is that Ismail (AS) was a just as willing to give his life for Allah, as his father was to take it. Ismail (AS) accompanied his father when they together built the Kabah and it was at this point that they together recited the Talbiyah. Together they called the people to come for Hajj.

At no point did Ismail (AS) think that maybe he should wait, maybe he should enjoy his life, chase the ladies, boozy benders. Nor did he spend his time chasing the fastest ride, luxury clothes or just chilling out with his boys.

We see regularly, Muslim youth doing all of these, sleeping around, doing circuits in fancy cars, dressed in the latest gear, just killing time. And at the back of our minds we think its ok, we have time, I’ll change later.

Let me have my chills, get married, have kids, I’ll get a job and nice house with a flash car…

Then I’ll go to do Hajj and all my sins will be forgiven, because Allah is so merciful. Then I’ll pray, and I’ll fast and make amends with Allah.

Well let me tell you something, there is no guarantee you will live long enough. We know about the 4 brothers who passed away in the Bradford car crash. How many people younger than us have gone before us?

This Eid, when we go for Eid Salah and we recite the Talbiyah

“Labaik Allahumma Labaik”

Here I am O Lord Here I am.

Remember that it means I am here at your service to do what you command and live how you want me to live. Let us use our energies and youth for the sake of this noble Deen. The only thing that will stop you falling for anything is by following the Deen.

May Allah accept the haj of the Hujjaj and may this be a turning point for us in our life