Do Muslims believe in Isaac and Jacob?

Yes, Muslims believe in Isaac and Jacob. In the Quran they are called Ishaq and Ya'qub, and both are honored prophets in the family of Abraham. Jacob is also known as Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.

Abraham's blessed family

The Quran presents Isaac and Jacob as a gift to Abraham in his old age. Angels brought the good news to Sarah, Abraham's wife: "We gave her good tidings of Isaac and after Isaac, Jacob" (Quran 11:71). Elsewhere Allah says:

وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ نَافِلَةً ۖ وَكُلًّا جَعَلْنَا صَـٰلِحِينَ "And We gave him Isaac and Jacob in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous." Quran 21:72

Muslims believe in Abraham's two prophet sons, Ishmael and Isaac, and in the line of prophets that came from each. See Do Muslims believe in Abraham?

Jacob's last advice to his sons

One of the most moving scenes in the Quran is Jacob on his deathbed. He asked his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They answered that they would worship his God, the God of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, one God, and submit to Him (Quran 2:133). For Muslims, this shows that the message of these prophets was the same as Islam: worship one God and surrender to Him.

Jacob and Joseph

Jacob plays a big part in Surah Yusuf. He lost his beloved son Joseph for years, grieved until his eyes turned white, yet said "patience is most fitting" and never gave up hope in Allah (Quran 12:18, 12:84–87). The Prophet ﷺ described Joseph as the honorable son of honorable fathers: Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham (Sahih al-Bukhari 3382). See Do Muslims believe in Joseph?

Israel and the Children of Israel

The Quran calls Jacob "Israel" (Quran 3:93), and his descendants are the Bani Isra'il, the Children of Israel. Many later prophets came from them, including Moses, David, Solomon, Zechariah, John and Jesus. See Do Muslims believe in Moses?

Where Islam differs from Genesis

Muslims accept these men as prophets protected from major sins. So stories like Jacob tricking his blind father to steal Esau's blessing are not part of the Islamic account. There is also one known debate: most scholars hold that the son Abraham was asked to sacrifice was Ishmael, while some early scholars said it was Isaac. Either way, both sons are loved and respected.

Key points

Isaac (Ishaq) and Jacob (Ya'qub) are prophets in the Quran.
Jacob is also called Israel, father of the twelve tribes.
Jacob told his sons to worship the one God of Abraham (Quran 2:133).
Muslims don't accept stories that show prophets cheating or sinning.

Tip: If you're from a Jewish or Christian background, you don't have to "let go" of Isaac and Jacob. Reading Surah Yusuf is a lovely way to meet Jacob again, this time through the Quran.