The Prophet Jacob (Yaqub) – Peace Be Upon Him
Jacob, known as the father of the Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) – Peace Be Upon Him, is the son of Prophet Isaac (Ishaq) and grandson of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) – Peace Be Upon Them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to this lineage when he stated: “The noble son of the noble, the son of the noble, the son of the noble: Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham.” His mother, Rebecca, was the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Nahor. Additionally, Jacob is also known as Israel, and his descendants are referred to collectively as the Children of Israel.
Spouses and Children of Jacob, the Prophet of Allah
Prophet Jacob married two sisters: Leah and Rachel. Some traditions suggest that such a union was permissible in their religious laws, while others indicate that he married Rachel only after Leah’s passing. Jacob also had two concubines who bore him additional children. Below is a list of Jacob’s children along with their respective mothers:
- Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and a daughter named Dinah, all from his wife Leah.
- Dan and Naphtali, born to his concubine Bilhah.
- Gad and Asher, from his concubine Zilpah.
- Joseph and Benjamin, born to his wife Rachel.
An Insight into the Life of Prophet Jacob
Prophet Jacob was born in Palestine and lived with his mother and father, Isaac, until his mother advised him to migrate to Harran due to the potential threat from his brother Esau. Following her counsel, he moved to Harran, where he stayed with his uncle and married both of his daughters. Throughout his life, Jacob was a devoted messenger of Allah, demonstrating remarkable patience, particularly during multiple trials, including the prolonged loss of his son Joseph. His grief for Joseph was profound, leading him to weep to the extent that he lost his sight. Eventually, Allah reunified him with his son after many years apart.
The Death of Prophet Jacob and His Final Wishes
Jacob – Peace Be Upon Him – passed away after reaching the age of over a hundred, following a seventeen-year period of reunion with his son Joseph. Jacob expressed a wish to be buried in the same location as his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. This request was honored by his son Joseph. Furthermore, it is noted that Prophet Jacob entrusted his remaining children with additional guidance at the time of his passing, as mentioned in the Holy Quran. The essence of this advice was for them to remain steadfast in the faith of their father and grandfather, Abraham – Peace Be Upon Him, and to continue in obedience to Allah until their last moments. Allah states: “And this was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons, and [so did] Jacob, ‘O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims.'”