Did you know that the story of the Prophet Ismael is the reason why we celebrate Eid Al-Adha every year?
Prophet Ismail's story is a symbol of unprecedented patience, obedience, and faith in Allah SWT. From his miraculous birth to his crucial role in the construction of the Kabaa, it is filled with lessons for all of us. Ready to delve into this exciting tale? Let's begin
Prophet Ismail: The Blessed Son of Prophet Ibrahim
Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) was the son of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his second wife, Hajar. The first wife of Prophet Ibrahim, Sarah, was sterile; hence, they stayed without a child for a long time. In consequence, Sarah asked him to marry her servant Hajar so he could have a child of his own.
After a very long time, Prophet Ibrahim and Hajar were blessed with a child, Ismail Alyeh Alsalam. At the time, Prophet Ibrahim was around 86 years old!
“Praise be to Allah, who has granted me Ismail and Ishaq in my old age. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of Supplication.” (Quran 14:39)
"And he prayed, 'O Lord, grant me a righteous son." So we gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy." Saffat 37:100-101
Ismail’s arrival brought immense joy to his father; his prayers were finally answered after a very long time. However, his arrival marked the beginning of great tests of faith for his family. So what happened? Keep reading to find out.
The Miracle of Zamzam: A Gift from Allah
Another significant event in Prophet Ismail’s life is the creation of the well of Zamzam. What is Zamzam? Your kids may ask. Zamzam is a well that has still running from the day it appeared until the moment you are reading this. Drinking the Zamzam water is one of the rituals of Hajj. It is considered the most sacred water on earth. So what is the story of this miraculous well?
Until the birth of Ismail, Allah SWT commanded Prophet Ibrahim to travel with both his wife and son (Ismail). So they traveled until they reached barren land, without water, fruits, or trees.
Only leaving them with some water and food that were enough only for a few days, Prophet Ibrahim had to leave. He prayed for them that Allah would help them
“Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred house, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful." (Quran 14:37)” (Quran 14:37)
At the time, Ismail was just an infant, and as the water began to run out, think about it: a mother alone in the desert with no one around, a baby crying, and water running out! Hajar started a desperate search for water for her baby.
She ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa 7 times between the two hills, searching for water or for someone to help them. She could have easily given up after one time, right?
However, she didn't; she kept doing this seven times in the hope of finding help. She had faith that Allah would help her and her baby! And indeed it happened!
In her moment of desperation, she heard a voice; she couldn't tell what it was. When she looked, she found the angel Jibreel, who struck the ground with his wing, causing a spring of water to gush forth.
Hajar started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand. This water became known as the Well of Zamzam. This story is mentioned in detail in Sahih al-Bukhari 3364
Zamzam isn't just about a physical miracle; it is a symbol of Allah’s mercy and provision. Today, Muslims reflect on this miracle during Hajj and Umrah. They also perform Sai (going back and forth between Safa and Marwa 7 times) in honor of Hajar's efforts.
Truly, Safa and Marwa are the symbols of God. Whoever goes on pilgrimage to the House (of God) or on a holy visit is not guilty of wrong if he walks around them, and he who does good of his own accord will find appreciation with God, who knows everything. (Al-Baqarah, 158)
The Zamzam well was the beginning of people coming down to the valley. After some time, a group of people passed by this place and saw flying birds.
When they got close, they found the water fountain. They asked Hajar for permission to live here, and she allowed it. This way, the Prophet Ismail and his mother became the founders of the holy city of Mecca.
The story of Prophet Ismail doesn't end here! keep reading
Building the Kaaba: Prophet Ismail’s Contribution
Did you know that it was Prophet Ismail and Prophet Ibrahim who built the Kaaba? The Kaaba holds unparalleled significance in Islam. It is the direction (qibla) that Muslims face during prayers. Moreover, during Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims gather around it to perform the rituals of the Hajj every year.
Years passed, and Prophet Ismail grew to be a young man. When Prophet Ibrahim returned to Mecca, he told him that Allah SWT had ordered him to construct the house of Allah, the Kaaba.
Prophet Ismail eagerly helped his father in fulfilling Allah’s command. Prophet Ibrahim used to bring stones, and Prophet Ibrahim did the construction work. Together, they laid the foundation of the Kaaba, using stones from the surrounding hills.
While working, they continuously prayed, seeking Allah’s acceptance of their effort and His guidance for future generations. As the walls of the Kabaa began to get higher, Prophet Ibrahim couldn't reach it to place more stones above.
So Prophet Ismail brought a big stone above which his father could stand to complete the Kabaa. This stone is now known as Maqam-e-Ibrahim near the walls of the Ka’aba.
"And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'" (Quran 2:127)
The Test of Sacrifice: Prophet Ismail's Willingness to Obey Allah
One of the most well-known events in Islamic history in the story of the prophet Ismail is the test of sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim kept seeing a dream in which he slaughtered his own son! It was really strange and scary.
However, being a prophet, he realized that this was a vision and a command from Allah to sacrifice his child, Ismail. Can you imagine how he must have felt at such an astonishing vision?
He was asked to sacrifice his own son, the one he had waited and prayed for years and years for, so what did he do? The next thing he did was tell his son Ismail about it.
The situation seems impossible for both. One might think that Prophet Ismail would resist, plead with Allah, or even run away. I mean, he was a young kid after all. However, just as Ibrahim had complete trust in Allah's plan, Ismail showed nothing less. He was obedient and told his father to do what Allah had ordered him to!
“And when he reached with him the age of exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed, I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’” (Saffat, 37:102)
As Prophet Ibrahim put Prophet Ismail's head on the rock and prepared to sacrifice him. Allah SWT intervened, replacing Ismail with a ram as a reward for their faith.
And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, we called to him. "O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, we thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was a clear trial. And we ransomed him with a great sacrifice. (Saffat, 103-107)
Every year during Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate this story and slaughter sacrificial animals. By doing so, we obey Allah's command and sacrifice for him, just as Prophet Ibrahim did.
Prophet Ibrahim’s Legacy of Patience and Obedience
Throughout his life, Prophet Ismail showed extraordinary patience and obedience.
“And mention in the book [the story of] Ismail. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet.” (Quran 19:54)
Let's look at more lessons we can learn from the story of the Prophet Ismail.
- Trust in Allah
- Both Ismail and his mother, Hajar, displayed unwavering trust in Allah during trials. Their faith teaches us to rely on Allah’s mercy and provision even in the most desperate moments. Because Allah is always our best source of help.
- And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him." (Quran 65:3).
Tell your kids that there might come a time when they feel like they are in an impossible situation. Let them think: What would Prophet Ismail have done? Remember, his ultimate trust in Allah in the face of challenges is something that will help them get through these times.
- Sacrifice and Submission
- The story of Ibrahim and Ismail's willingness to obey Allah's command is all about being willing to give up what you love most for the sake of Allah. This is a powerful lesson for kids. It will help them understand that we need to put our faith first. Our love and obedience to Allah should always be above everything else, even the things we love most. True faith requires surrendering to His plan with confidence that He knows what’s best for us.
- Gratitude
- We're surrounded by Allah's blessings every day and every moment of our lives. We just need to look and be thankful for them. The miraculous well of Zamzam reminds us of Allah’s endless blessings and mercy.
It calls us to always recognize and give thanks for what we have, no matter how small or great. Whether it was through acts of worship or serving Allah’s cause.
We must follow the lead of our beloved Prophet Ismail and his gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Patience and staying steadfast during life’s challenges.
It happens to all of us that we wait and pray for something to happen, but it takes longer than we thought, and sometimes, it doesn't even happen at all. Some of us may lose hope, get sad, or even be angry! However, we must be patient and trust that Allah’s timing is always right.
Just like Prophet Ibrahim waited and prayed to have a son, Allah gave him Prophet Ismail at the right time as a reward for his patience. He was even tested on the thing he wanted the most. Yet he always obeyed and trusted Allah's plan. And for this, Allah rewarded him and didn't make him lose his child after all.
Teach your kids that Sabr (patience) is such a great quality to hold on to, especially during trials and hardships, and it is rewarded by Allah. And even if they don’t get what they asked for right now, Allah knows best and always has the best plan for their life.
In conclusion
The story of Prophet Ismail and the lessons we draw from it encourage us to reflect on our own lives. Are we trusting Allah during difficult times? Are we prioritizing His commands over our desires?
Do we consistently thank Him for His blessings? By applying these principles, we can navigate challenges with the same grace and faith that Prophet Ismail exemplified.
Ready to learn more? Explore the lives of other prophets in Islamic Galaxy and share these inspiring stories with your family.
