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Fatwa CenterWhy Allaah ordered Ibraaheem to kill his son
Question
salam, For my prev question, you referred to a fatwa 81672. In the fatwa, you had written that the dream which Abraham had was a test from God. Killing innocent children is prohibited according to quran, why did God tested Abraham by commanding him to do something that He prohibited. God says He will not order something forbidden but yet He tested by asking Abraham to do something forbidden. I am unable to understand, please clarify.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
What you ask about is not a complicated matter if we keep in mind that Allaah is the One who had shown the dream to Ibraaheem (Abraham) 
and praised him when he accepted to act according to the dream; Allaah says (what means): {We called to him, “O Abraham. You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.} [Quran 37:104-105] It is also Allaah Who has forbidden killing and it is He Who rules and legislates whatever He wishes; no one can adjust His Decree or repel His Judgment. Allaah says (what means): {….And Allaah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account.} [Quran 13:41]
What is forbidden for people to do may be made lawful by Allaah at a certain time. Allaah made it part of the perfect repentance for the Children of Israel that some of them kill themselves; Allaah says (what means): {…. And [recall] when Moses said to his people, “O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by your taking of the calf [for worship]. So repent to your Creator and kill yourselves [i.e. the guilty among you]. That is best for you in the sight of your Creator.” Then He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.} [Quran 2:54]
So, could it be argued that Allaah has ordered evil and immorality? It is the slaves of Allaah who are commanded to do what is lawful and avoid what is forbidden, but Allaah is the One Who orders and forbids.
Finally, we warn you against such thoughts as the devil may lure you into evil consequences. You are obliged to close the door before the devil. The disbelievers in the Pre-Islamic Era of Ignorance used to dispute with the Muslims and say, "What Allaah slaughtered with a golden knife – meaning carcasses – is forbidden and what you yourselves slaughter with a knife is lawful". Then, the following verse was revealed (which means): {And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allaah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. And indeed do the devils inspire their allies [among men] to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators [of others with Him]} [Quran 6:121]
So, a Muslim should instead ask about matters that would lead him to do good deeds and earn rewards, as this is better for him.
Allaah Knows best.
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