The Story of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac)

Prophet Ishaq (Isaac, peace be upon him) is one of the revered prophets in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. In Islamic tradition, he is regarded as a righteous servant of Allah and one of the sons of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). His life was marked by divine blessings, trials, and a legacy that shaped generations of prophets to come. This article provides a detailed look into the story of Prophet Ishaq as described in Islamic sources, especially the Qur’an and Hadith.

The Birth of Prophet Ishaq

The birth of Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) was a miracle and a gift from Allah. His father, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), had reached old age and was already blessed with a son, Ismail (PBUH), from his wife Hajar. However, his first wife Sarah (Sara, peace be upon her) remained childless for many years. She had grown old, and the possibility of childbirth seemed impossible.

But Allah had decreed otherwise.

One day, three angels came to Prophet Ibrahim in the form of men. As was his custom, Ibrahim welcomed them with generosity and prepared a meal for them. When he noticed they didn’t eat, he became slightly uneasy. The angels reassured him and then gave him the glad tidings: “Indeed, We give you good news of a knowledgeable boy” (Qur’an, 15:53).

Sarah, standing nearby, laughed in surprise and disbelief. She said, “Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Verily, this is a strange thing!” (11:72). The angels replied, “Do you wonder at Allah’s command? The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, O people of the house!” (11:73)

Thus, Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) was born—a child of old age, a gift of divine grace.

the story of prophet ishaq

Prophet Ishaq was raised in a household devoted to monotheism and worship of Allah. His father, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), is known as the “father of prophets” and instilled the values of faith, obedience, and righteousness in his son. Ishaq grew up witnessing the strong faith of his father and the trials he endured, such as the command to sacrifice his son Ismail, his struggles with idolatry, and his commitment to calling people to the worship of Allah.

From a young age, Ishaq was intelligent, gentle, and wise. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prophet of Allah. The Qur’an refers to him as “a prophet from among the righteous” (37:112). He was also blessed with a calm demeanor, patience, and a pure heart.

Prophethood and Mission

Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) was appointed as a prophet to the people of Canaan and continued the message of his father: to worship one God, avoid idol worship, and live righteously. The Qur’an says:

“And We gave him [Ibrahim] Ishaq and Yaqub — all [of them] We guided. And Nuh, We guided before; and from his descendants, Dawud and Sulaiman and Ayyub and Yusuf and Musa and Harun. Thus do We reward the doers of good.” (6:84)

Prophet Ishaq’s main mission was to maintain the monotheistic tradition and guide people away from sin and disbelief. Though the Qur’an does not detail specific incidents from his prophethood, it does highlight his elevated status, righteousness, and the continuation of the prophetic lineage through his descendants.

Family and Descendants

Prophet Ishaq married a woman named Rifqah (Rebekah), and Allah blessed them with twin sons: Esau and Yaqub (Jacob, PBUH). According to Islamic tradition, Yaqub (Jacob) was chosen by Allah to be a prophet, and he inherited the spiritual leadership from his father, Ishaq.

This lineage of Ishaq and Yaqub became significant as it led to the descendants of many great prophets such as:

Yusuf (Joseph)
Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)
Dawud (David)
Sulaiman (Solomon)
Zakariya (Zachariah)
Yahya (John the Baptist)
Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him)

This noble line is often referred to as the “Children of Israel” (Bani Israel), named after Yaqub (whose title was Israel). The Qur’an frequently praises these prophets and their commitment to the message of Allah.

Characteristics and Personality

The Qur’an describes Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) with noble attributes:

Righteous and among the chosen: “And remember Our servants, Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Yaqub—those of strength and vision.” (38:45)
Given revelation and guidance: “And We gave him Ishaq and Yaqub in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous.” (21:72)
Blessed with posterity: Allah promised to bless his lineage and make prophets among them.

He is also described as gentle, wise, and spiritually insightful. Unlike his half-brother Ismail, who is associated with hardship and struggle, Ishaq is more associated with prosperity, peace, and the nurturing of divine wisdom.

Comparison with His Brother Ismail

Islamic tradition respects both Ismail and Ishaq equally. While prophet Ismail (PBUH) is often associated with the Arab lineage and was the forefather of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ishaq is associated with the Israelite lineage. Both sons were beloved by their father, Prophet Ibrahim.

There is a distinction in their roles:

Ismail (PBUH): Associated with the construction of the Kaaba, sacrifice story (according to many Islamic scholars), and settlement in Arabia.
Ishaq (PBUH): Associated with the lineage of many Israelite prophets and a settled life in Canaan.

Both brothers carried the same message—submission to Allah—but served different communities and had different prophetic missions.

Death and Legacy

Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) lived a long and blessed life. Islamic narrations indicate he lived around 180 years. Upon his death, he was buried beside his father Ibrahim (PBUH) and his mother Sarah in the cave of Machpelah in Hebron, a site still respected today.

His legacy lives on not only through his direct descendants but through the values he upheld: devotion to Allah, wisdom, and the continuation of monotheism.

The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of remembering the prophets and learning from their lives. Ishaq’s life serves as a reminder of the mercy of Allah, the importance of family and lineage, and the fulfillment of divine promises.

FAQs

Who was Prophet Ishaq in Islam?

Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him), known as Isaac in English, was the son of Prophet Ibrahim and Sarah. He was a prophet and the father of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), continuing the prophetic lineage in Bani Israel.

Was Ishaq the son who was to be sacrificed by Ibrahim?

Most Islamic scholars believe that it was Prophet Ismail (PBUH), the elder son of Ibrahim, who was intended for sacrifice. However, some minority opinions consider Ishaq. The Qur’an does not mention the name explicitly.

How old were Ibrahim and Sarah when Ishaq was born?

According to Islamic and biblical traditions, Ibrahim was around 100 years old and Sarah was around 90 years old at the time of Ishaq’s birth, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his arrival.

What is the significance of Prophet Ishaq in Islam?

Prophet Ishaq is honored as a righteous prophet and a key figure in the Abrahamic family tree. Many prophets, including Musa, Dawud, and Isa, descended from his line. His story highlights Allah’s mercy and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Are there any stories or miracles specifically attributed to Ishaq in the Qur’an?

While the Qur’an mentions Ishaq in several verses and praises his character, it does not detail specific miracles or stories. His importance lies more in his status, lineage, and continuation of the prophetic mission.

Conclusion

Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him) is a shining figure in Islamic tradition, a prophet born out of divine mercy, raised in a house of piety, and blessed with righteous offspring. Though the Qur’an mentions his story briefly compared to others, the significance of his life lies in his role in the prophetic chain and his embodiment of virtue, obedience, and faith.

The story of Ishaq teaches us that no situation is too difficult for Allah, that faith and patience are rewarded, and that divine promises are always fulfilled. It is also a reminder of the bond between generations and the importance of raising children with the principles of faith and righteousness.

The Story of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac): Life, Legacy & Lessons