In the Previous Post, We learned about Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). Now, In this post, We will learn about his son Prophet Ismail (A.S.).
Birth of Prophet Ismail (A.S.):
After praying to Allah, Ibrahim (A.S.) and Hajarah (Hajar) were blessed with a baby boy who they named Ismail (Ismael). Some scholars say that Ibrahim (A.S.) was 86 years when Ismail (A.s.) born.
Hajar and Ismail’s trials in the desert
Sooner or later, Ibrahim (A.S.) awakened and requested his spouse Hajar to get her son Ismail (A.S.) and all went for a long journey and reached a desert with no food, fruit, and water. Then, the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) left them in the desert with some food and water which they brought with them.
When Ibrahim (A.S.) was leaving, his wife Hajar requested him: “Did Allah command you to take action?” He replied: “Sure.” Then his nice spouse mentioned: “We’re not going to be misplaced, since Allah (S.W.T.) Who has commanded you is with us.”
Hajar and Ismail’s supplies of food and water were soon over, Hajira (Hajar) was very thirsty and the baby was crying. She kept running between the Al-Safa and Al-Marwa mountains 7 times to find water and food. Then she heard a voice, The Angel Jibreel (A.S.) appeared and striking his foot against the sandy ground to bring up water. Hajar gathered the water, The stream of water was called “Zamzam”, from that day, Muslims on the Hajj pilgrimage drink this holy water.
Soon Hajar and Ismail (A.S.) had all the food and drink they needed. Allah (s.w.t) sent travelers to Makkah, they saw Hajira and her son and asked them if they could join. They agreed and the travelers became residents around the Zam Zam water.
The Sacrifice
One day Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) dreamt, Allah (S.W.T.) instructed him to sacrifice Ismail (A.S.), his beloved son, who is now a grown-up. The next night, Allah (s.w.t) showed him the same dream again. Ibrahim (A.S.) realized that this was a message from Allah (S.W.T.).
Ibrahim (A.S) cherished his son, Ismail (A.S.). But he was totally ready to comply with Allah’s (S.W.T.) command and do as He instructed. He took his son to the highest of Mount Arafat and introduced with him a knife and rope. Upon reaching an acceptable place, he instructed his son about his dream and what Allah (S.W.T.) had commanded him to do. Being an obedient son, Prophet Ismail (A.S.) instantly obliged to the needs of Allah (S.W.T.) and his father and requested that his palms and legs be tied in order that he could not wrestle and that his father blindfolds himself in order that he doesn’t need to witness him undergo.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) placed Ismail’s forehead on the ground and the divine miracle happened. At that moment, Allah (s.w.t) sent down a sheep instead of Ismail, for having fulfilled his command.
Performing Qurbani (Eid ul-Adha)
Since then, yearly, through the month of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the holy calendar, Muslims from around the globe carry out Qurbani to bear in mind what Ibrahim (A.S.) did. We use his deed to encourage devotion, obedience, and submission in our personal lives. Muslims sacrifice animals (ideally a goat, cow, or camel) using special rules and practices, in reminiscence of Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) sacrifice.
Subsequently, Qurbani for Muslims is a lesson in obedience and submission. We should obey Allah’s (S.W.T.) command without pause. We should carry out the duties He has ordained obligatory on all Muslims similar to praying Salat, performing Sawm, paying Zakat and embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage. Could Allah (S.W.T.) allow us to carry out the Sunna of Ibrahim 12 months in and 12 months out. Ameen.
Stoning (pebble) of Satan
When Ibrahim (A.S.) was going to sacrifice his son Ismail (A.S.), then Satan tried to stop Ibrahim (A.S.) by giving the argument of old age and who’s going to look after you in such an age. However, Ibrahim (A.S.) was strong in his faith and in order to drive Satan away, he threw pebbles at him. It was an act of casting aside his desires and wishes, something all Muslims are expected to do during Hajj and otherwise also.
The construction of the Kaaba
Ibrahim (A.S.) and Ismail (A.S.) continued to call people to worship Allah (S.W.T.) but there was no place for prayer. Ibrahim wished that there was a special place for people to find peace and focus completely on the praise of Allah. Soon after, Allah (S.W.T.) ordered Ibrahim to build the Sacred House or the Kaaba.
Ibrahim and his son worked together to build the Kaaba. Ismail (A.S.) bring the stones, while Ibrahim (A.S.) placed them to build high walls. When the construction of Kaaba was finished, the Angel Jibreel (A.S.) came down from heaven to teach Ibrahim (A.S.) the rituals of Hajj.
Using a large stone as a platform, Ibrahim addressed his people, urging them to obey Allah. This large stone can still be seen near the Kaaba. It is known as ‘Makam e Ibrahim’.
Prophethood of Ismail (A.S.):
Allah (S.W.T.) gave Ismail (A.S.) the duty of prophethood. So, he guided the people of Amalika in Yemen. According to some sources, Ismail (A.S.) lived with this nation for fifty years and conveyed them the divine message and orders. Some of them believed in him but others insisted on unbelief and polytheism.
Allah Has stated in Quran about the prophethood of Ismail (A.S.):
And mention in the Book (the Quran) Ismail (Ishmael). Verily! He was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet. And he used to enjoin on his family and his people As-Salat (the prayers) and the Zakat, and his Lord was pleased with him.
– (SurahMaryam 19:54 and 55)
Death of Ismail (A.S.):
Ismail (A.S.) lived 130 or 137 years on earth. when he passed away. He is reported to have had 12 sons. According to some sources, Ismail (A.S.) lived in Makkah till his death. Ismail (A.S.) buried alongside his mother Hajar near Kabaa in Masjid Al-Haram, according to different sources. Allah (S.W.T.) knows best.
References
www.islamicfinder.org/knowledge/biography/story-of-prophet-ismail
www.humanappeal.org.uk/news/news-2017/the-story-of-the-prophet-ibrahim-as
theislamicinformation.com/full-story-prophet-ibrahim-life-events
www.islamicfinder.org/knowledge/biography/story-of-prophet-ibrahim