Prophet Isma'il (pbuh)

The Story of the Prophet Isma'il (pbuh)

Isma'il (pbuh) was the elder son of Ibrahim (pbuh), and Hajirah. While Isma'il (pbuh) was still a babe in his mothers arms. Allah instructed Ibrahim (pbuh) to take his wife Hajirah and his son Isma'il (pbuh) to Hejaz. Hejaz was located deep in the desert of Arabia. It was a barren and waterless place. Not another person in sight. Ibrahim (pbuh) placed Isma'il (pbuh) on the ground near we're the Ka'bah stands today. Beside him he placed a bag filled with dates and skin of water. He started to walk away. Hajirah called him, begging him not to leave them. He did not listen. Finally she asked him if Allah had commanded him to leave them there. Ibrahim (pbuh) told her yes. She to had faith in Allah, that if this is the will of Allah, she knew that no harm would come to them. He left them in the desert with a sorrowful heart, placing their lives in the hands of Allah.

In time she and Isma'il (pbuh) ran out of supplies, she had begun running between the two hills, in search of people or subsidence. Seven times from the hill of Safa to Marwah she ran in her quest of water. Isma'il (pbuh) became so thirsty, that he began crying and kicking the ground with his heels. The ground we're his heels had hit, a small spring rushed miraculously forth from the ground. This water is still running to this day it is known as the Zam Zam water.

A tribe that had been searching the desert for food and water known as the Banu Jaham, came upon Hajirah. They we're sitting by the stream. In aw, they two made camp, for they knew that their was no stream on this land before. She told them the story of the water, fascinated by her story. The Jaham decided to stay. The tribe set up a temporary settlement that became the city of Mecca.

Ibrahim (pbuh) confronted Isma'il (pbuh) when he was nine with the dreams that Allah had shown him. Allah had asked Ibrahim (pbuh) to sacrifice Isma'il (pbuh). Isma'il (pbuh) having such strong faith in Allah said that if this was Allah's will then they must obey. Isma'il (pbuh) and his father traveled to Mina to perform their sacrifice. Ibrahim (pbuh) laid Isma'il (pbuh) down on the ground, with his arms and legs tied. He crouched over his son. Sorrow filled his heart. He placed the knife at the throat of Isma'il (pbuh). As soon as he did this the angel Jibril appeared and told him that Allah was pleased with the efforts of both of his Prophets. They we're willing to make this ultimate sacrifice to please him. A lamb appeared out the air to be sacrificed in the place of Isma'il (pbuh). Jibril told them of Allah's great pleasure with them. He announced the birth of Ishaq (pbuh), to Sarah.

Allah also commanded Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son Isma'il (pbuh), to build the Ka'bah in Mecca. To serve as a House of worship for Allah. Isma'il (pbuh) and Ibrahim (pbuh) began to call people to prayer at the Ka'bah. The Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) asked his son to bring a good stone to mark the corner of foundation. So that for all times this place would be marked. The black stone was placed said to have come directly from the heavens. The stone was known as Hajar al-Aswad. When they completed the Ka'bah, both of them prayed to Allah for acceptance of their service.

Isma'il (pbuh) fathered many sons and daughters who moved to several parts of the Arabia. Wherever they settled, they taught the way of Allah. Isma'il (pbuh) is also known as Abul Arab, the father of the Arabs. May peace be upon Isma'il.