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Ismail (AS) was the baby son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Hajar. Ibrahim (AS) left them in a dry, empty valley with some dates and a little water. There was no one else there.
When the water ran out, baby Ismail (AS) needed water. Hajar ran back and forth between two hills, Safa and Marwa, seven times, looking for water.
Then a miracle happened. The angel struck the ground and water burst from the earth. This is the blessed Zamzam water, still flowing today. π§
Hajar ran and tried her hardest and she trusted Allah. When we do our best and trust Allah, He opens doors. π§
Ismail (AS) grew up in Makkah. A tribe called Jurhum settled near the Zamzam water. Ismail (AS) grew up with them and learned to speak Arabic.
Ismail (AS) grew up and married a woman from the Jurhum tribe. Allah tells us in the Quran that Ismail (AS) was true to his promise, he called his family to prayer and charity, and he was well-pleasing to his Lord.
Keep your promises, pray every day, and be kind. That is what Ismail (AS) did and Allah was well pleased with him. π
When Ismail (AS) had grown up, his father Ibrahim (AS) told him about a dream. Allah was showing Ibrahim (AS) that he should sacrifice Ismail (AS). Ismail (AS) said:
O my father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the patient ones.
Both of them submitted to Allah completely. Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry it out, Allah called to him: O Ibrahim (AS), you have fulfilled the vision. A great sacrifice came in place of Ismail (AS).
This is why we have Eid ul-Adha, to remember this day. π
Ismail (AS) was patient and brave even in the hardest test. We remember his bravery and trust in Allah every Eid ul-Adha. π
When Ismail (AS) was a young man, his father Ibrahim (AS) came back to Makkah. Allah commanded them to build the Ka'bah, the sacred house of worship.
Ismail (AS) passed stones to his father. As they built, both of them made dua together: Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us Muslims who submit to You, and from our children a Muslim nation.
Every Muslim who prays facing the Ka'bah is the answer to that dua. That means you. π
When you pray facing the Ka'bah, you are part of the dua of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). That dua includes you. π
Ismail (AS) was patient, true to his promises, and always pleased Allah. He submitted to the hardest test without hesitation. He helped build the Ka'bah and his memory is kept alive by every Muslim who makes Hajj.
Sources: The Noble Quran & Sahih Bukhari
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