إسماعيل
Ismail (Ishmael)
The Sacrificed
Prophet Ismail (Ishmael, peace be upon him) was the firstborn son of Prophet Ibrahim through Hajar (Hagar). He is considered the ancestor of the Arab people and through him, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) descended.
As an infant, Ismail was left with his mother Hajar in the barren valley of Makkah by Allah's command. When they ran out of water, Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for help. Allah caused the spring of Zamzam to burst forth at the infant Ismail's feet.
When Ismail grew older, Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was to sacrifice his son. Both father and son submitted to Allah's will. When Ibrahim was about to fulfill the command, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, and this event is commemorated every year on Eid al-Adha.
Ismail helped his father Ibrahim build the Kaaba and was known for being true to his promises and constant in his prayers. He preached to the Arab tribes and is praised in the Quran as patient and righteous.
Key Events
Left in the Desert
As an infant, Ismail was left with his mother in the barren valley of Makkah.
Zamzam Springs Forth
Allah caused the spring of Zamzam to appear at Ismail's feet.
The Sacrifice
Ismail submitted to be sacrificed but was replaced by a ram.
Building the Kaaba
Ismail helped his father Ibrahim build the Kaaba in Makkah.
Zamzam Spring
Allah caused the spring of Zamzam to burst forth under infant Ismail's feet in the desert.
Substitution with a Ram
When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice Ismail, Allah provided a ram as a substitute.
وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا
And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet.
Read Full Verseقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'
Read Full Verseوَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ
And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and Ishmael.
Read Full VerseTrue submission to Allah - Ismail's willingness to be sacrificed shows the ultimate submission.
Keep your promises - Ismail is praised as 'true to his promise' in the Quran.
Trust in Allah's provision - Zamzam emerged in a barren desert when needed.