The story of Prophet Isma'il (إسماعيل) is closely connected
to the life of his father, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The narrative is
primarily found in the Quran and is an integral part of the Abrahamic
tradition. Here is a summary
of the story of Prophet Isma'il:
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1.Birth and Early Life: Prophet Isma'il was born to Ibrahim and Hagar, the maidservant of Ibrahim's wife Sarah. Ibrahim and Sarah had faced difficulties conceiving a child, and in accordance with Sarah's suggestion, Ibrahim married Hagar.
Isma'il was born in response to the divine promise made to Ibrahim that he
would have descendants.
2.Settlement in Mecca: After Isma'il's birth, Ibrahim, Hagar, and Isma'il settled in the barren desert valley of Mecca (Makkah), as per Allah's divine plan. The area was initially uninhabited, and there were no signs of life. Ibrahim left Hagar and Isma'il near the site of the future Kaaba with some supplies, trusting in Allah's care.
3. The Miracle of the Well of Zamzam: As Hagar and Isma'il faced the challenges of the harsh desert environment, Hagar ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, searching for water. In response to her desperate prayers, the well of Zamzam miraculously sprang forth near the feet of the infant Isma'il. The well became a source of sustenance for the mother and son and later attracted
people to settle in the area.
4. Father-Son Relationship: Ibrahim would visit Mecca periodically to spend time with Isma'il and
Hagar. On one occasion, Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice Isma'il. Both father and son willingly submitted to Allah's command, demonstrating their unwavering faith and submission. However, before the sacrifice could take place, Allah provided a ram as a substitute.
5.Prophetic Lineage: Prophet Isma'il grew up in Mecca and became a righteous man. He married
from the local community, and his descendants played a significant role in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Among his notable descendants is the final prophet in Islam, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
6.Legacy: The story of Prophet Isma'il illustrates the importance of trust in Allah, patience in times of difficulty, and submission to divine commands. Isma'il's legacy is intertwined with the establishment of the Kaaba and the eventual emergence of the Prophet Muhammad from his lineage.
Prophet Isma'il is highly esteemed in Islam, and his story is commemorated annually during the Hajj
pilgrimage, particularly in the ritual of Sa'i (going back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah).
