Prophet Ishaq was among the noble messengers of Allah. His life was full of divine blessings, wisdom, and the fulfillment of Allah’s promise to his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His story is a reminder of Allah’s mercy and the continuation of the blessed lineage of prophethood. Together, the Quran and Hadith tell us about the circumstances of his birth, his role as a prophet, his legacy, and how we can go on to learn from these invaluable lessons.
Birth: A Child of Miraculous Promise
Prophet Ishaq (AS) was born to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Sarah (AS) when they were elderly. His birth was a miracle and the fulfillment of glad tidings given by God. The Qur’an explains when the angels visited Ibrahim (AS) to bring the glad tidings:
“And his wife was standing, and she laughed. Then we gave her good tidings of Ishaq, and after Ishaq, Yaqub.”
(Surah Hud 11:71)
Sarah the Aged (AS), who had been barren for the longest time, was shocked by the news and asked how she could give birth when she was so old. The angels assured her that this was Allah’s will:
“They said, ’Are you amazed at the decree of Allah? May the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, O people of the house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Honourable.”
(Surah Hud 11:73)
Hence, Ishaq (AS) was born into a family of prophecy, his father Khalilullah (Friend of Allah) and his brother Ismail (AS) playing a key role in Allah’s divine plan.
Youth and Early Life: Growing in Righteousness
The early life of Prophet Ishaq (AS) is not specifically provided in the Quran, but by having insight into Islamic tradition, we understand that he was raised in a household of faith and submission to God’s will. From his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), he inherited noble characteristics and was taught to submit to Allah. While his elder brother Ismail (AS) resided among the Arabs, Ishaq (AS) is reported to have remained in the land of Canaan (today’s Palestine), continuing the dissemination of the message of monotheism.
The Quran praises Ishaq (AS) alongside other prophets for his righteousness:
“And We gave him Ishaq and Yaqub, and all [of them] We made righteous. And We made them leaders guided by Our command. And we inspired them to do good deeds, establish prayer, and give zakah. And they were worshippers of Us.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:72-73)
This verse wonders at him (AS), who fought for the truth and the establishment of divine rule.
Prophethood and Divine Mission
Ishaq (AS) was appointed by Allah as a prophet who had the responsibility of calling people to Tawhid (monotheism). Quran explains that his prophethood was a part of divine succession:
“And We gave him [Ibrahim] good tidings of Ishaq, a prophet from among the righteous.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:112)
Prophet Ishaq (AS) continued to spread the teachings of Islam and guide his people to righteousness in Palestine. He focused on worship, justice, and obedience to God’s laws. He also imparted his teachings to future generations, such as his son, Prophet Yaqub (AS), who was later blessed with the lineage of Bani Israel (the Children of Israel).
Family and Descendants: The Lineage of Prophets
The Prophet Ishaq (AS) married a woman named Rifqah (Rebekah), and she bore him twin sons, Esau and Yaqub (Jacob, AS). The mission was continued by these prophets till at last, Allah chose Prophet Yaqub (AS) to be amongst them. He, therefore, was the father of the twelve tribes of Bani Israel, from whom came forth many other prophets, such as Prophet Musa (AS), Prophet Dawud (AS), and Prophet Isa (AS).
This high status and noble lineage also mark the completion of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) promise, which Allah recorded in the following verse in the Quran:
“And We made of them [his descendants] leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.”
(Surah As-Sajdah 32:24)
Later Years and Death
He led a life of piety and worship, devoting himself to the remembrance of Allah, likely living beyond his years. He lived for about one hundred and eighty years, and so lived a long and blessed life, the narrative continues. He appointed his son Yaqub (AS) as the new prophet; before passing away, he blessed him with prophetic authority.
It is said in Islamic texts that Ishaq (AS) was buried in the Cave of Machpelah located in Hebron, Palestine, with his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and his mother, Sarah (AS). This site today is still a place of historical significance and reflects the legacy of these great prophets.
Prophet Ishaq (AS) in the Light of Hadith
Hadith literature comparatively provides fewer details about Prophet Ishaq (AS), nevertheless, some narrations do highlight his noble status:
1. The Position of Ishaq (AS) in the History of Prophets
He is mentioned in the Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the book of Sahih Muslim:
“The noble son of a noble father, of a noble grandfather, and of a noble great-grandfather: Yusuf, son of Yaqub, son of Ishaq, son of Ibrahim (peace be upon them all).”
(Sahih Muslim, 2378)
This hadith proves the great status of Ishaq (AS) from the Prophet.
2. The Divine Blessing Upon Ishaq’s Descendants
It is also related that Ibrahim (AS) made du’a for his descendants, and Allah TA blessed Ishaq (AS) and Ismail (AS) with pious children.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Ishaq (AS)
The story of Prophet Ishaq (AS) offers several profound lessons:
- The Power of Allah over everything: The miraculous nature of the birth is significant in the way that we should never forget that Allah can cause the impossible to happen.
- The Importance of Tawhid: Like every other prophet, Ishaq (AS) devoted his life to calling people to monotheism.
- Family Matters in Spiritual Legacy: His descendants were gifted with many prophets, underlining the power of a good upbringing.
- Practicing Patience and Tawakkul: Despite his trials, he remained patient and trusted Allah’s decree.
Conclusion
Prophet Ishaq (AS) was a man of great piety and wisdom, who was chosen by Allah to convey the message of God. He was divinely blessed in every aspect of his life and pivotal in the spiritual history of future generations. We know much about his noble character and firm Iman through the Quran and the Hadith. His story is a reminder that we must hold strong to our worship, trust that Allah has a plan, and that we will remain faithful in our lives. Peace be upon Ishaq (AS) and all the prophets of Allah.
