09. Story of Prophet Ismail (AS)
Story of Prophet Ismail (AS)
Prophet Ismail (AS), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), is a great example of patience, obedience, and trust in Allah. His story teaches us the importance of sacrifice and submission to Allah’s commands.
The Birth of Ismail (AS)
For many years, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Sarah did not have children. Later, Allah blessed Ibrahim (AS) with a son, Ismail (AS), through his wife Hajar. Ismail (AS) was a special child, and his birth brought great joy to Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
The Journey to the Desert
Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to take Hajar and baby Ismail (AS) to a deserted valley in Makkah. It was a barren land with no water or vegetation. Despite the difficulty, Ibrahim (AS) obeyed Allah’s command.
When Ibrahim (AS) was about to leave them, Hajar asked, “Has Allah commanded you to do this?” Ibrahim (AS) replied, “Yes.” Hajar then said with faith, “Then Allah will not abandon us.”
The Miracle of Zamzam
When their water ran out, baby Ismail (AS) began to cry out of thirst. Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, searching for water. Suddenly, Allah sent Angel Jibreel (AS), who struck the ground near Ismail (AS), and water gushed out! This was the miraculous Zamzam water, which still flows in Makkah today.
Ismail (AS) Grows Up
Ismail (AS) grew up in Makkah and became strong and righteous. He learned many skills, including archery. He was also very obedient to his parents and followed the teachings of Allah.
The Great Sacrifice
One of the most famous stories about Ismail (AS) is the story of sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son. Ibrahim (AS) told Ismail (AS) about the dream, and Ismail (AS) responded with incredible faith and obedience:
“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:102)
When they were ready, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram as a sacrifice. This test showed the deep faith and submission of both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). Muslims remember this act of obedience during Eid al-Adha every year.
Building the Ka’bah
Later, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) were commanded by Allah to build the Ka’bah in Makkah. Together, they worked hard, laying the foundation of the sacred house. As they built, they made this beautiful dua:
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ١٢٧
“Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127)
|
✦ Lessons for Kids: 1. Obey Allah’s commands. Like Prophet Ismail (AS), we should trust and follow what Allah asks us to do. 2. Have faith in Allah. Hajar believed Allah would take care of her and Ismail (AS), and He did. 3. Be helpful and obedient to parents. Ismail (AS) worked with his father and showed kindness and respect. 4. Do good Deeds and ask Allah for acceptance.
|
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.