A Resolution to Do Something is Tantamount to Doing It
I was saying that the state of being overwhelmed is found in Wilaayat [that is with the Awliya], not with the Ambiya. To summarize, Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) was not maghloobul haal [overwhelmed by some condition]. Hence, this action of his [of slaughtering his son] was a huge test on him.
Now listen! On this occasion Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) did two actions. One was the slaughtering of his son, and the other was slaughtering a ram.
Perhaps you think that he did not slaughter his son, because only the animal was slaughtered. The son was not slaughtered. Listen to a Shar’i principle and that notion will be dispelled.
In the Shariat the basis of thawab and ‘iqaab [reward and punishment] is by virtue of a resolution of a volitional action, irrespective of that action not happening due to some obstacle, or the lack of a precondition. In the case of a person making a resolute intention of an action over which he has a choice, it will indeed be rewarding or punishable.
For example, a person went with a firm intention to commit zina. He reached the den of this vice and waited to commit the act of zina. Coincidentally, the roof collapsed and this person died in the rubble. Although he did not commit the act of zina, however, in view of having the resolution of committing zina, he dies as a zaani [fornicator] in terms of the Shariah.
Similarly, a person stood with the firm intention of offering Salaat, but due to a tremor the roof collapsed and he died. He receives the reward of performing Salaat.
In the same vein, here when Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) was instructed to slaughter his son, he immediately resolved to carry it out and he even did the action of slaughtering. The intention and action of Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) both materialized.
The meaning of Zabah is:
اِمْرَارُ السِّكِّيْنَ عَلَى الْحُلْقُوْمِ
To pass a knife over the throat.
This action was completely fulfilled by Hazrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam). It is, therefore, proven that Hazrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) carried out the action of slaughtering his son and he became deserving of a huge reward.
Insofar as the son being slaughtered is concerned, it was not the action imposed upon Hazrat Ibraheem; it would be the effect of the action. The basis of reward and retribution does not hinge on this. The effect is not even necessary. That is another issue.
This Shar’i principle is mentioned by Allah Ta’ala in the Aayat:
اِنْ تُبْدُوْ مَا فِيْٓ اَنْفُسِكُمْ اَوْ تُخْفُوْهُ يُحَاسِبْكُمْ بِهِ اللهُ
“The intentions you have in your hearts, irrespective of you expressing them openly or concealing them, Allah will hold you accountable for them.”
What is meant by these “intentions” is a resolve to do the act.
(Sunnat-e-Ibraheem)