The history of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) [peace be upon him], the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) [peace be upon him], and his descendants holds monumental significance in both Islamic and world history. This lineage marks the beginning of ‘Banu Isra’il’ (the Israelites), a clan from which thousands of prophets emerged.
When referring to Prophet Ishaq (AS), Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) honored him by saying:
“The noble, son of the noble, son of the noble, son of the noble.”
(Referring to Yusuf, son of Yaqub, son of Ishaq, son of Ibrahim).
Through the two sons of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), world history split into two major branches:
- The Lineage of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) (AS): From this line emerged the Arab clans, culminating in the arrival of the final messenger to the universe, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Lineage of Prophet Ishaq (AS): From this line came thousands of prophets, including Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), and Isa (Jesus) [peace be upon them all], establishing the Banu Isra’il clan.
- The Miraculous Birth of Prophet Ishaq (AS)
Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) first wife was Sarah, but they did not have any children for a very long time. Consequently, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) married Hajar (Hagar), who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Ismail. Ismail grew up to be a prophet and assisted his father in building the Holy Kaaba.
By Allah’s command, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Hajar and the infant Ismail in the barren, uninhabited desert where the Kaaba stands today. It was only long after this event, in their extreme old age, that Ishaq (AS) was born to Ibrahim (AS) and his first wife, Sarah (AS).
At the time, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was over 100 years old, and Sarah (AS) was past 90. Conceiving a child was beyond their wildest imagination. On their way to destroy the city of Prophet Lut (Lot), angels visited Ibrahim’s (AS) home disguised as human guests. Upon realizing they were angels, the visitors delivered glad tidings to the couple that they would be blessed with a knowledgeable son.
Astonished, Sarah (AS) placed her hands on her face and asked how she could bear a child being an old, barren woman. The angels responded that it was Allah’s decree and supreme blessing.
Quranic Revelation (Surah Hud, Verses 71–73):
Verse 11:71
وَامْرَاَتُهٗ قَاۤىِٕمَةٌ فَضَحِكَتْ فَبَشَّرْنٰهَا بِاِسْحٰقَۙ وَمِنْ وَّرَاۤءِ اِسْحٰقَ يَعْقُوْبَ
“And his wife was standing by and she laughed, so We gave her the good news of Ishaq, and after Ishaq, of Yaqub (Jacob).”
Verse 11:72
قَالَتْ يٰوَيْلَتٰىۤ ءَاَلِدُ وَاَنَا عَجُوْزٌ وَّهٰذَا بَعْلِيْ شَيْخًا ۗاِنَّ هٰذَا لَشَيْءٌ عَجِيْبٌ
“She said, ‘Woe to me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is an amazing thing!'”
Verse 11:73
قَالُوْۤا اَتَعْجَبِيْنَ مِنْ اَمْرِ اللّٰهِ رَحْمَتُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكٰتُهٗ عَلَيْكُمْ اَهْلَ الْبَيْتِۗ اِنَّهٗ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ
“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 Honorable.'”
Meaning of the Name: The Hebrew word ‘Ishaq’ translates to “one who laughs” or “happiness.” The child was given this name due to the immense joy he brought to his parents in their old age.
- The Life and Virtues of Prophet Ishaq (AS)
Prophet Ishaq (AS) grew up in Palestine (the land of Canaan). He followed the footsteps of his father, preaching the message of Monotheism (Tawheed).
- Marriage: In accordance with his father’s wishes, he married a woman named Rebekah (Rafaaqa) from the land where his relatives resided.
- Prophethood: Highlighting their virtue, Allah mentions them in the Quran: “And remember Our servants, Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Yaqub, men of strength and religious vision” (38:45), stating that He made them leaders guiding people by His command.
- The Children of Ishaq (AS): Esau and Yaqub (AS)
Prophet Ishaq (AS) and Rebekah did not have children for a long time. Following their earnest prayers, they were blessed with twin boys:
- Esau (Isu): The firstborn son, who was born with a hairy body. Historians note that he is the forefather of the Edomites and Romans (ancestors of the Byzantine Empire).
- Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) (AS): The second son, born holding onto his older brother Esau’s heel. The name ‘Yaqub’ stems from a root meaning “one who follows.” He was later chosen by Allah as a prophet.
- The Rise of the Lineage: ‘Banu Isra’il’
The lineage that reshaped world history—the Banu Isra’il (Israelites)—descended directly from Prophet Yaqub (AS).
- The Title ‘Isra’il’: Allah bestowed the title ‘Isra’il’ upon Prophet Yaqub (AS). In the ancient Hebrew tongue, it means “Servant of Allah” (equivalent to the Arabic name Abdullah). Thus, his progeny came to be known as Banu Isra’il (The Children of Israel).
- The 12 Tribes: Prophet Yaqub (AS) had 12 sons through four wives. These sons became the patriarchs of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
The 12 Sons of Prophet Yaqub (AS):
- Reuben (Ruben)
- Simeon
- Levi: Known historically to be fierce and passionate. Centuries later, the great messengers Musa (AS) and Harun (AS) were born into this tribe.
- Judah (Yahuda): Highly intelligent and a natural leader among his brothers. The term “Jews” (Yahud) is derived from his name. Mighty prophet-kings like Dawud (AS) and Sulaiman (AS) were born into this lineage.
- Dan
- Naphtali
- Gad
- Asher
- Issachar
- Zebulun
- Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (AS): Blessed with unparalleled physical beauty and chosen as a prophet. He was granted the divine wisdom of dream interpretation. He held a uniquely tender spot in his father’s heart, which sparked the intense jealousy of his older brothers.
- Benjamin: The youngest son of Prophet Yaqub (AS). Since his mother passed away during childbirth, both Prophet Yaqub (AS) and Prophet Yusuf (AS) held an extraordinary affection for him.
- Migration to Egypt and Subsequent Bondage
After Prophet Yusuf (AS) rose to power as the Grand Vizier (Treasurer) of Egypt, a severe famine compelled his father, Prophet Yaqub (AS), and all his brothers to migrate from Palestine to Egypt.
The Banu Isra’il settled and multiplied in Egypt for generations. However, long after the passing of Prophet Yusuf (AS), tyrannical rulers known as the Pharaohs (Fir’awn) came to power, subjecting the Israelites to brutal slavery and oppression.
- Prominent Prophets Raised from Banu Isra’il
To liberate the Banu Isra’il from the tyranny of Pharaoh, Allah raised Prophet Musa (AS) and his brother Prophet Harun (AS) from the lineage of Ishaq (AS) (specifically from the tribe of Levi).
Following Musa (AS), countless prophets were sent to guide the Israelites over the centuries. Some of the most notable include:
- Prophet Yusha bin Nun (Joshua) (AS): Led the Israelites after the passing of Musa (AS) and successfully reclaimed the holy lands of Palestine.
- Prophets Dawud (David) & Sulaiman (Solomon) [AS]: Their reigns marked the golden age of Banu Isra’il. Dawud (AS) was revealed the holy scripture, the Zabur (Psalms). His son, Sulaiman (AS), miraculously constructed the magnificent Bayt al-Maqdis (Al-Aqsa Mosque).
- Prophets Zakariyyah (Zechariah) & Yahya (John) [AS]: Sent during the later stages of the Israelites’ history to guide them back to righteousness.
- Prophet Isa (Jesus) (AS): The final prophet sent exclusively to the Banu Isra’il. Born into this ancient lineage, he was given the holy scripture, the Injeel (Gospel).
Conclusion
Prophet Ishaq (AS) passed away in Palestine at the age of 180. He was laid to rest in the Cave of Machpelah (the Masbih cave) located in the city of Hebron (Al-Khalil), right beside his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
In summary, the history of Prophet Ishaq (AS) is the foundation of a magnificent prophetic lineage. It is a lineage that championed monotheism, introduced divine scriptures, and brought forth sacred laws (Shariah) to the world for millennia.