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The Story of Prophet Ismāʿīl (Ishmael) – عليه السلام
Who was Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام)?
Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) – known as Ishmael in English – was the eldest son of Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) and his wife Hājar (Hagar). He is regarded as a prophet and messenger of Allāh and holds a significant position in Islam. He is considered the forefather of the Arabs, especially the tribe of Quraysh from whom Prophet Muhammad ﷺ descended.
Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) is remembered for his obedience, patience, strong connection with Allāh, and his vital role in establishing the legacy of Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allāh) in Makkah alongside his father.
Qur'ānic References:
"And mention in the Book [the story of] Ismāʿīl. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet."
— Surah Maryam (19:54)
"And We gave him tidings of a forbearing boy."
— Surah As-Saffāt (37:101)
🌿 Early Life: Alone in the Desert
When Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) was still an infant, Allāh commanded Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) to take Hājar and Ismāʿīl to a barren desert (now Makkah) and leave them there.
Though heartbreaking, Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) fulfilled Allāh’s command. When Hājar asked him, “Has Allāh commanded you to do this?” and he nodded, she replied with firm faith:
“Then He will not abandon us.”
This trust became the foundation of a great miracle.
🌊 The Miracle of Zamzam Water
Left with only a small amount of dates and water, Hājar desperately ran between the hills of Ṣafā and Marwah in search of water for her thirsty baby.
She ran back and forth seven times — and suddenly, by the mercy of Allāh, a spring burst forth under the feet of baby Ismāʿīl. This blessed water is known as Zamzam.
“This is the water of Zamzam, which Allāh caused to flow for Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام).”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 3364
This act of Hājar is commemorated by every Muslim during Hajj and ʿUmrah when performing Sa'i between Ṣafā and Marwah.
🕋 Building the Kaʿbah – A Father-Son Legacy
Years later, Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) returned to find Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) grown into a young man. Allāh commanded both of them to raise the foundations of the Kaʿbah.
"And [mention] when Ibrāhīm was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismāʿīl, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'"
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:127)
This monumental act became a symbol of obedience, devotion, and worship. They prayed together, making duʿā for themselves and their descendants.
"Our Lord! Make us both submissive to You and from our descendants a submissive nation to You..."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:128)
🕋 The Great Sacrifice – Dream of Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام)
One of the most profound moments in the life of Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) is the story of the Divine Dream where Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) saw himself sacrificing his son.
"O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you. So see what you think."
— Surah As-Saffāt (37:102)
Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام), without hesitation, replied:
"O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allāh wills, among the patient."
Just as Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) was about to sacrifice him, Allāh sent a ram from Jannah in place of Ismāʿīl. This incident is commemorated during Eid al-Adhā, symbolizing ultimate submission to Allāh’s will.
"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
— Surah As-Saffāt (37:107)
🏹 Character and Role
The Qur’ān describes Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) as:
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Ṣādiq al-waʿd (True to his word)
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Rasūl (Messenger)
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Nabī (Prophet)
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Ṣābir (Patient)
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Kind to his family
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Steadfast in Prayer and Charity
"He used to enjoin on his people prayer and charity, and was to his Lord pleasing."
— Surah Maryam (19:55)
He lived among the Jurhum tribe, learned Arabic, and was well-respected. He later married from them and raised a righteous generation that upheld monotheism.
📜 Prophet Ismāʿīl’s Mission
Though the Qur’an does not detail the specific Shari’ah of Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام), it confirms his mission:
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To call his people to Tawḥīd
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To establish Ṣalāh and Zakāh
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To be obedient to Allāh and kind to his parents
❤️ Lessons from the Life of Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام)
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Obedience to Allāh Over All Else
Even a child can embody true submission. Ismāʿīl’s readiness to be sacrificed proves his unwavering trust in Allāh. -
Patience and Faith During Hardship
Hājar and Ismāʿīl (عليهما السلام) were abandoned in a barren land, but their sabr and duʿā led to the miracle of Zamzam and the rise of Makkah. -
Respect and Loyalty to Parents
Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) was always obedient and supportive of his father. He served alongside him in building the House of Allāh. -
Legacy of Worship
His story is eternally embedded in the rituals of Hajj — Sa’i between Ṣafā and Marwah, and the Udḥiyah (sacrifice) of Eid. -
True Manhood is in Submission
Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) teaches that the strongest of men are those who surrender their ego to the will of Allāh.
🕌 Final Reflections
Prophet Ismāʿīl (عليه السلام) was not just a prophet — he was a symbol of sincere devotion, patience, and strength in submission. His legacy lives on through:
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The Kaʿbah
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Zamzam
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Hajj rituals
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And the final prophet ﷺ who came from his descendants.
He teaches us that even in the deepest deserts of despair, faith and trust in Allāh can bring forth endless blessings.
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