Who was Ishmael in Islam?

Ishmael (Isma'il) is a prophet of Islam and the eldest son of Abraham, born to Hagar. He grew up in Mecca, helped his father build the Kaaba, and is the ancestor of the Arabs and of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

A prophet true to his promise

The Quran praises Ishmael with beautiful words:

وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِسْمَـٰعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صَادِقَ ٱلْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا "And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet." Quran 19:54

The next verse adds that he told his family to pray and give charity, and that his Lord was pleased with him (Quran 19:55). He is also listed among the patient (Quran 21:85).

Hagar, Mecca and Zamzam

Abraham, by Allah's command, left Hagar and baby Ishmael in the dry valley of Mecca. When the water ran out, Hagar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa looking for help, until the angel Gabriel struck the ground and the spring of Zamzam burst out (Sahih al-Bukhari 3364). Pilgrims still walk between those two hills today in Hajj and Umrah, remembering her trust in Allah. See What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Building the Kaaba

Years later, Abraham returned, and father and son raised the foundations of the Kaaba together while praying, "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing" (Quran 2:127). See Do Muslims believe in Abraham?

The sacrifice

Abraham saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his son. The boy answered, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast" (Quran 37:102). Allah stopped the sacrifice and ransomed him with a great ram (Quran 37:107). Most scholars hold that this son was Ishmael, since the good news of Isaac comes after the story (Quran 37:112); some early scholars said Isaac. Muslims remember this event every Eid al-Adha. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?

Father of the Arabs

Ishmael married into the Arab tribe of Jurhum and his descendants spread across Arabia. The Prophet ﷺ said Allah chose Kinanah from the descendants of Ishmael, and from them chose Quraysh and then him (Sahih Muslim 2276). He also encouraged archery, saying, "Shoot, children of Ishmael, for your father was an archer" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2899).

Key points

Ishmael is a prophet and messenger, Abraham's eldest son.
Zamzam appeared for him and his mother Hagar in Mecca.
He built the Kaaba with Abraham (Quran 2:127).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is his descendant.

Tip: Next time you drink Zamzam water or see pictures of the Kaaba, remember the family behind it: a mother who ran, a son who said yes, and a father who trusted Allah.