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Ishaq (Isaac), the blessed son of Ibrahim and Sarah
Ishaq (Isaac)
The News of His Birth
The Divine Blessing
His Prophethood
The Prophetic Line
His Guidance
The Gift of Wisdom
His Moral Excellence
His Legacy
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him). The English translations are given as a guide.
- Refer to the original Arabic texts
- Consult the commentaries of the scholars
- Study the historical context of each account
- Check the authentic sources
Ishaq, prophet of Islam: discover his story on Muslim Alim
Ishaq, also called Isaac, holds an important place among the prophets of Islam. The son of Ibrahim and Sarah, he was born after his parents had waited a long time for a child. The Quran speaks of his birth as a divine miracle, granted to Ibrahim despite his wife's advanced age.
The story of Ishaq begins before he was even conceived. Allah announced to Ibrahim and Sarah the coming of this blessed son during the visit of the angels. Sarah laughed in astonishment at the news, for she believed herself too old to bear a child. But the will of Allah goes beyond all human reckoning.
Ishaq grew up in the faith of his father Ibrahim. He became a prophet in turn and continued the mission of preaching the oneness of Allah among his people. His place in the prophetic line is especially important. From him would come Yaqub (Jacob), who would father the twelve tribes.
The Quran speaks of Ishaq in several verses, underlining his piety and his uprightness. Allah blessed him with prophethood and made him a guide for the people of his time. His life is a perfect illustration of obedience to Allah and of passing on the monotheistic faith.
The central lesson of Ishaq lies in his steadfastness through trials. Like all the prophets, he met difficulty with patience and trust in Allah. His example inspires believers on their own spiritual path.
To deepen your knowledge of the prophetic accounts, you can turn to the Quran which contains many passages about Ishaq. The lessons of his life remain relevant to any Muslim seeking to strengthen their faith and their understanding of Islam.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is the Prophet Ishaq in Islam?
Ishaq (Isaac) is the son of the prophet Ibrahim and his wife Sarah, born when his parents were already old. Allah made him a prophet among the righteous (Surah As-Saffat, verse 112) and blessed him. He continued his father's mission, calling people to worship Allah alone, and was the father of the prophet Yaqub (Jacob).
How was the birth of Ishaq foretold?
Angels who came to Ibrahim brought news of the birth of Ishaq and, after him, of Yaqub. Sarah, who was standing by, laughed in astonishment and exclaimed: Shall I bear a child when I am old and my husband is an old man? (Surah Hud, verses 71-72). This birth is presented as good news and a sign of Allah's power.
Who is the son of the Prophet Ishaq?
Ishaq's son is Yaqub (Jacob), also called Israel, from whom the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel descend. The Quran recalls: We gave him Ishaq and Yaqub, and We guided them both (Surah Al-An'am, verse 84). From that line came many prophets, among them Yusuf, Musa, Dawud and Isa.
Where is Ishaq mentioned in the Quran?
Ishaq is named in several surahs, in particular Hud (the news of his birth), As-Saffat (verse 112), Sad (verses 45-47), Al-Ankabut (verse 27) and Al-An'am (verse 84). The Quran presents him as a prophet endowed with strength and vision, chosen by Allah and counted among the best of His servants.
What is the link between Ishaq and Ismail?
Ishaq and Ismail are brothers, both sons of Ibrahim: Ismail was born to Hajar and Ishaq to Sarah. Ismail, the elder, settled in Mecca and built the Kaaba with his father, while Ishaq stayed in the land of Sham. Both brothers were prophets, and Islam honours both their lines.