وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِسْمَـٰعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صَادِقَ ٱلْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا 54
Translations
And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet.
Transliteration
Wa-dhkur fil-kitābi Ismā'īl, innahu kāna sādiq al-wa'd wa-kāna rasūlan nabiyyā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad to mention Ishmael in the Quran, praising him for his truthfulness in fulfilling his promises and affirming his status as both a messenger and a prophet. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Ishmael's most notable characteristic mentioned here is his unwavering commitment to his covenant with Allah, exemplified by his willingness to be sacrificed as commanded by his father Abraham. This ayah establishes Ishmael as one of the great prophets whose integrity and obedience made him worthy of prophethood.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Maryam, a Meccan surah that primarily focuses on the stories of great prophets and righteous servants of Allah. The surah contextually honors the lineage of prophets, and this particular mention of Ishmael comes as part of a series of commendations of faithful prophets, reinforcing the continuity of divine guidance throughout human history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding the fulfilment of oaths and promises: 'The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise, and when he is entrusted he betrays' (Sahih Bukhari 33). This contrasts sharply with Ishmael's praised characteristic of being 'Sādiq al-Wa'd' (truthful in promise).
Themes
Key Lesson
Ishmael's virtue of keeping his word and honoring his covenants reminds believers that true greatness lies not in claims or status, but in unwavering integrity and faithfulness to one's commitments—especially to Allah and His commands. This ayah invites modern Muslims to emulate Ishmael's example by being truthful in speech and steadfast in fulfilling their promises to God and fellow humans.