The Offspring of Prophet Isma’il (Peace Be Upon Him)
Prophet Isma’il (Peace Be Upon Him) is revered as the sacrificial son of Ibrahim Al-Khalil (Abraham), and he is also an ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). His mother, Hagar, was initially a maidservant to Sarah, the wife of Ibrahim, who later gifted her to her husband. Subsequently, Hagar gave birth to Isma’il. The children of Prophet Isma’il were twelve in total, all from his second wife, whose name was Lady Bint Mudadh, the daughter of Amr Al-Jurhumi. Among their children were Nabt, Qidar, Azbal, Mishi, Masma, Mash, Dosa, Azar, Yatur, Nabash, Tayma, and Qidhma. Additionally, it is noted that he had a daughter named Qisma.
References to Isma’il in the Holy Quran
The Quran mentions Prophet Isma’il (Peace Be Upon Him) multiple times, praising him and highlighting his virtues of patience and forbearance. In the Quran, Allah recounts the story of the glad tidings given to his father Ibrahim. Allah says: (My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous. So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy). Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) received his son Isma’il when he was around 87 years old, according to some scholars. Subsequently, Allah blessed Isma’il (Peace Be Upon Him) with prophethood, making him a prophet to the giants and the people of Yemen, guiding them toward Allah.
Isma’il: The Sacrifice of Allah
Both Isma’il and Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Them) faced a tremendous trial from Allah and emerged triumphant. Allah revealed to Ibrahim in a dream that he should sacrifice his son Isma’il, who had grown and was actively assisting his father. The visions of the prophets are true revelations. Understanding this divine command, Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) submitted and informed his son of the matter. Isma’il displayed remarkable resilience and obedience as well. The Quran narrates this event without explicitly naming the sacrificial son; however, scholars assert that the sacrificial figure is indeed Prophet Isma’il, not Ishaq (Isaac). The verses clearly share the story of the glad tidings regarding Isma’il (Peace Be Upon Him), the command to sacrifice him, followed by the announcement of another son, Ishaq (Peace Be Upon Him).