Episode 6
Episode 6: Isma'il, True to His Promise
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The Qur'an immortalizes Isma'il not only as a son in the story of the sacrifice, but as a noble prophet and messenger with a distinctive quality. Allah said, "And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet" (Qur'an 19:54). Being "true to his promise" is the highest praise for a person's character. Allah then mentioned his deeds, "And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and zakah, and was to his Lord pleasing" (19:55). Isma'il is also mentioned among the patient prophets. Allah said, "And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient" (21:85). Reflection: Isma'il's legacy is not only lineage, but character โ keeping promises, establishing prayer, giving zakah, and attaining Allah's pleasure. His story affirms that true nobility is attained through consistent obedience and tested honesty, from the trial of the sacrifice to the matters of everyday life.