النص المفهرس

pronounced Shima'eel in Hebrew, with the word Shimaa having the
same meaning as Isma.
Hadhrat Isman'eel V in the Qur'aan
The Qur'aan introduces Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v with the following words:
وَ اذْكُرْ فِى الْكِتُبِ اِسْمَعِيْلَ وْ إِنَّهَ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُوْلًا نَّبِيًّا (٥٣) وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ أَبْلَهَ بِالصَّلُوةِ
وَالزَّكُوةِ ﴾ وَكَانَ عِنْدَ رَبِّم مَرْضِيًّا (٥٥)
TRANSLATION: Mention Ismaa'eel v in the scripture (the Qur'aan). Verily he was true to his
promise and he was a Rasool, a Nabi. (Besides being steadfast with salaah and Zakaah,) He
(also) used to instruct his family to perform salaah and to pay zakaah and he was beloved
to his Rabb.95
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v is mentioned several times in the Qur'aan with his father
Hadhrat Ibraheem v, but there he is also mentioned exclusively in the following
verses:
1. Surah Baqarah, verses 125, 127, 133, 136, 140
2. Surah An'aam, verse 86
3. Surah Nisaa, verse 163
4. Surah Ibraheem, verse 39
5. Surah Saaffaat, verse 101
6. Surah Maryam, verse 54
7. Surah Ambiyaa, verse 85
95 Surah Maryam, verse 55/6.
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A Valley that Cannot be Cultivated
As the agitation grew between herself and Hadhrat Haajirah wie dil they Hadhrat Sarah
Wie dil go, insisted that they live far apart.6 Despite his best efforts to pacify her,
Hadhrat Ibraheem u did not manage to convince her otherwise. When the
insistence became intolerable for him, Allaah instructed Hadhrat Ibraheem v to
fulfil the request because this would lead to better consequentces for all of
them.
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v was still an infant at the time. Although the Torah and other
history books claim that and Hadhrat Is'haaq v was already born at the time,
narrations of Bukhaari and other books of history prove the contrary.
In a narration of Bukhaari (Vol.1 Pg.474), Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t reports
that in accordance with the command of Allaah Hadhrat Ibraheem u left his wife
Hadhrat Haajirah ( al ) and his son Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v in Makkah (which was
then just barren ground). They had with them only some dates and a water bag.
When Hadhrat Ibraheem v began to leave, his wife walked behind him asking,
"O Ibraheem! Are you leaving us here? There are no people here and nothing
else." She repeated this several times, but each time she received no reply.
Finally she asked, "Did Allaah instruct you to do this?" When he replied in the
affirmative, she remarked, "In that case, Allaah will not allow us to be
destroyed." Thereafter Hadhrat Ibraheem v proceeded, leaving the two alone.
When he reached a point from where he could not longer be see, he turned to
the direction of the Kabah and made the following du'aa:
رحمه الله by Ibn Katheer , عليهم السلام Qasasul Ambiyaa 96
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رَبَّنَا إِنِّىْ أَسْكَنْتُ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِىْ بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِيْ زَرْعٍ عِنْدَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ ﴿ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَوةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ
النَّاسِ تَهْوِى الَّتِهِمْ وَارْزُ قْهُمْ مِّنَ الثَّمَرَتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُوْنَ (٣٧) رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِئٌ وَمَا نُعْلِنُ ٥* وَمَا
يَخْفِى عَلَى اللهِ مِنْ شَىْءٍ فِى الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِى السَّمَاءِ (٣٨)
TRANSLATION: "O our Rabb! I have settled some of my children (Isma'eel v) in a valley
that cannot be cultivated, close to Your sacred house (the Kabah). O our Rabb! (I have left
them here) So that they establish salaah, so cause the hearts of some people to be inclined
towards them (so that people may love them and settle with them). And provide for them fruits
(referring to all types of provisions) for their sustenance so that they may be grateful." (As a
result of this du'aa, despite being a place where crops do not generally grow, Makkah receives foods
and manufactured articles from all over the world, especially from Taa'if, a piece of fertile land which
Allaah took from Shaam and placed next to Makkah.) O our Rabb! Indeed You know what we
conceal and what we disclose (so forgive us for all the mistakes we make). Nothing in the
heavens and the earth is hidden from Allaah."
Hadhrat Haajirah lie alge, continued to breastfeed her child and drink from the
waterbag. When the water was exhausted, she and her infant child grew thirsty.
Seeing her child in a restless condition, she ascended the mount of Safa to see
whether any people were approaching. When she could not see anyone she
hastened to Marwah, running through the valley in between to reach the top as
soon a possible so as to keep an eye on her child as well. There too she could
sight no one. Once again she hurried back to Safa and again to Marwah. In this
manner she went to and fro seven times. Upon reaching this point Rasulullaah p
said, "For this reason, people perform the Sa'ee between Safa and Marwah (i.e.
in commemoration of her act)."
Upon the final descent from Marwah, she heard a sound and tried to remain
calm. She then listened attentively and she heard it again. Addressing the voice
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she said, "O speaker! You have made yourself heard. If you have any help to
offer, then render it." Suddenly she witnessed an angel (Hadhrat Jibra'eel v)
scraping the ground with his heel, from which water emerged. Hadhrat Haajirah
bic als, began making a form of retaining wall around it and filled her waterbag.
The water continued to gush forth. Rasulullaah p said, "May Allaah have mercy
upon the mother of Ismaa'eel. Had she left it to be, this water of Zamzam would
have been a flowing river."
She continued to drink from the well and to feed her child. The angels would
reassure her not to fear since Allaah would not allow them to be destroyed
because this child and his father will construct the house of Allaah in this place.
They added that Allaah would never destroy His own, the faithful.
It was not long thereafter that people from the Jurhum tribe passed by and
noticed birds. Knowing that it was a sure sign of water, they approached the
place and sought permission from Hadhrat Haajirah wie dil go, to settle there. She
told them that they were free to settle, but that they would not become
shareholders of the well. They accepted her condition and started to live there.
Rasulullaah p mentioned that Hadhrat Haajirah wie al porto, did want people to settle
there rather than living all by herself.
The Jurhum people then sent some of their men to call the others and people
gradually started to settle and build there. Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v also learnt their
language and played with their children. When he grew up, the Jurhum people
loved him for his good looks and intelligence and got him married to a woman
from amongst them. Hadhrat Haajirah kcal , eventually passed away there.
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Hadhrat Ibraheem u visited his son and wife from time to time. One day, he
visited when Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v was out hunting for food. To ascertain the
personality of his daughter-in-law, Hadhrat Ibraheem v asked the wife of
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v how things were at home. She complained that they were
struggling and having a hard time. When she was done, Hadhrat Ibraheem u told
her to convey his Salaams to Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v and to tell him to change his
doorstep.
When Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v returned home, he sensed the earlier presence of his
father and asked his wife if anyone had dropped by. She related the incident to
him and gave him the message from Hadhrat Ibraheem v. Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v
informed her that the man was his father Hadhrat Ibraheem v and the
instruction was to be separated from her. He then did as his father bade him.
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v then married another woman and it so happened that
Hadhrat Ibraheem v again came by to visit when Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v was out.
When he posed the same question to the second daughter-in-law, she was full of
praise for Allaah for granting them His bounties. "What do you eat?" Hadhrat
Ibraheem v asked. "We have meat to eat," she replied. "And what do you
drink?" was the next question. "We have delicious water to drink," came the
reply. Hadhrat Ibraheem v then made du'aa saying, "O Allaah! Bless them in
their meat and water." As he was leaving, Hadhrat Ibraheem u told her to
convey his Salaams to Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v and to tell him to preserve his
doorstep. When Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v got back and she informed him of the
visitor, he said, "That was my father and his advice was to keep you as my wife
for always."
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This lengthy narration appears in the Chapter of Dreams as well as the Chapter
of the Ambiyaa pul cin Bukhaari. Both narrations make it evident that Hadhrat
Ismaa'eel v was the infant child whom Hadhrat Ibraheem v left in Makkah,
which was the "valley that cannot be cultivated", even though the Qur'aan does not
state his name.
Surah Saaffaat states that after Hadhrat Ibraheem v made the du'aa,
"O my Rabb! Grant me a son from among the pious", Allaah then "conveyed to him
the good news of (the birth of) a tolerant son (Ismaa'eel v)". This son was indeed
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, who was born from Hadhrat Haajirah ( al )
because it was only after the tidings of this 'tolerant son' that Allaah
informed him, "We gave him the good news of (the birth of his son) Is'haaq v, (who was
to be) a Nabi from the pious".97 This verse makes it clear that the previous
one could not have been referring to Hadhrat Is'haaq v, but to Hadhrat
Ismaa'eel v
The Great Sacrifice
Hadhrat Ibraheem u faced three tests during his lifetime that were of a great
magnitude. This was because the greater a person is in the sight of Allaah, the
greater trials thay have to endure. This then magnifies their worth as they
persevere and remain content with the decrees of Allaah. They then became
examples for all to emulate. Rasulullaah p stated that the Ambiyaa pul we Were
tested according to their ranks. Therefore, the highest ranking ones were tested
the most.
Being amongst the highest ranking Ambiyaa pul , Hadhrat Ibraheem v, was
tested with the following three major tests, which he passed with flying colours:
97 Surah Saaffaat, verse 112.
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1. When he was thrown into the inferno, he exercised patience and fortitude
2. He was then instructed to leave his wife and only son at the time in a barren
desert where there were no means of life. This was at a time when he was
still entertaining hopes of spending time with his son and settling with him
3. The next test was the most daunting and will be discussed now
Hadhrat Ibraheem u was in Makkah with his family when he saw a dream for
three consecutive nights. Allaah had commanded him in this dream to slaughter
his son Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v. Since the dreams of the Ambiyaa pul we are
revelation, Hadhrat Ibraheem v realised that he will have to comply with this
command.
As difficult as it was, he prepared himself for the task. However, since he was not
the only one involved in this command, he had to explain the matter to his son
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v. Like his father, Hadhrat Ismaa'eel u did not hesitate to fulfil
the command of Allaah and the two soon left to do that which pleased Allaah.
While some Mufassireen state that Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v was 13 years old at the
time, others mention that he was a few years elder. The Qur'aan merely states
that he was of an age when he could run about with his father98. Some
Mufassireen have interpreted this as an age when he could do the same
exertions as his father. The age was therefore in the early teens. And Allaah
knows best.
Nonetheless, father and son proceeded away from the Kabah to fulfil the
command. Historical reports mention that thrice en route Shaytaan tried to
dissuade them from the task at ahand, but Hadhrat Ibraheem u pelted him with
98 Surah Saaffaat, verse 102.
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seven pebbles each time to chase him off. These are the three places in Mina
where the Jamaraat are located. Allaah loved this act so much that it is
commemorated every year by millions of people who perform the Hajj.
When they reached the place of sacrifice, Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v told his father to
tie him up so that the procedure proceeds speedily. Hadhrat Ibraheem v then
turned Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v on his side, with the side of the forehead upon the
ground. It is this act that the Qur'aan decribes as "Ibraheem v (lay his son down and)
turned his son on his side (to slaughter him, placing the knife on the boy's throat) ... ".99
Although some Mufassireen have translated the verse to mean that Hadhrat
Ibraheem v turned Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v to lie with his forehead upon the
ground, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas t mentions that this refers to the side of
the forehead. In fact, the Arabic word Jabeen used in the verse refers to the side
of the forehead, while the word for the centre of the forehead is Jabha.
Some Mufassireen write that as Hadhrat Ibraheem v started to cut,
Allaah placed a sheet of copper between the knife and the throat of
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, thereby preventing the child from being harmed.
Hadhrat Ibraheem v was then stopped from cutting and told, "o
Ibraheem! You have certainly brought the dream to a realisation (fulfilled the command). In
this manner (as We shall reward you) do We reward those who do good. This (command to
slaughter your son) is definitely a decisive test (of Imaan)".100
Hadhrat Ibraheem v immediately stopped and looked up to Hadhrat
Jibra'eel v approaching with a large ram. Some narrations indicate
that this was the same ram that Hadhrat Aadam v's son Haabeel
presented to Allaah. Nonetheless, the ram was brought from Jannah
and it was this ram that Hadhrat Ibraheem v slaughtered in place of his
son. This is referred to in verse 107 of Surah Saaffaat, in which Allaah
says, "And We ransomed him (Ismaa'eel v) with a grand sacrifice".
99 Surah Saaffaat, verse 103.
100 Surah Saaffaat, verses 104-106.
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In the Words of the Qur'can
This incident is described in verses 99-113 of Surah Saaffaat in the
following words:
وَقَالَ إِنِّىْ ذَابِبٌ إِلَى رَبِّئْ سَيَهْدِيْنِ (٩٩) رَبِّ بَبْ لِيْ مِنَ الصُّلِحِينَ (١٠٠) فَبَشَّرْنُهُ بِغُلَمٍ حَلِيِمٍ (١٠١) فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ
السَّعْىَ قَالَ يُبْنَىَّ إِنِّىَ آَرَى فِى الْمَنَامِ أَنِّيَّ أَذْبَحُكَ فَانْظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَى ٥* قَالَ يَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ و سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ
مِنَ الصَّبِرِيْنَ (١٠٢) فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَ تَلَّمَ لِلْجَبِيْنِ (١٠٣) وَ نَادَيْتُمُ أَنْ يُِّبْرُبِيْمُ (١٠٣) قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّعْيَا ىَ إِنَّا كَذلِكَ
نَجْزِى الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ (١٠٥) إِنَّ بُذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلْؤُا الَّمُبِيْنُ (١٠٢) وَ فَدَيْنُهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيْمٍ (١٠٧) وَ تَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِىِ الْآخِرِيْنَ
(٦١٠٨ سَلْمٌ عَلَى إِبْرَبِيْمَ (١٠٩) كَذْلِكَ نَجْزِى الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ (١١٠) إِنَّمْ مِنَّ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١١١) وَ بَشَّرْنُهُ بِاِسْحُقَ
نَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّلِحِيْنَ (١١٢) وَ بُرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَى اِسْحُقَ * وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا مُحْسِنٌّ وَّ ظَالِمٌ لَّنَفْسِمٍ مُبِيْنٌ (١١٣)
TRANSLATION: (When his father and his people refused to accept his message of
Towheed) He (Ibraheem v) said, "I am going to (a place where) my Rabb (has
commanded me to go), (it is only Allaah) Who will soon guide me (to the blessed land of
Shaam, where I am commanded to live). O my Rabb! Grant me a son from among the
pious." So We conveyed to him the good news of (the birth of) a tolerant son (Ismaa'eel
v). When the child (Ismaa'eel v) reached the age where he could run about, he (Ibraheem
v) said to him, "O my beloved son! Verily, I have seen (thrice) in a dream that I am
slaughtering you. So (carefully) consider your opinion (on the matter because your life is
at stake)." He (Ismaa'eel v) replied, "O my beloved father! Do as you have been
commanded (because the dreams of the Ambiyaa entail revelation). If Allaah wills, you
will soon find me to be among the patient ones (who will endure the sacrifice)." So when
the two submitted (to Allaah's command, they proceeded to carry out the sacrifice) and
Ibraheem v (lay his son down and) turned his son on his side (to slaughter him, placing
the knife on the boy's throat). We (stopped him from slaughtering his son and) called to
him saying, "O Ibraheem! You have certainly brought the dream to a realisation (fulfilled
the command). In this manner (as We shall reward you) do We reward those who do
good." This (command to slaughter your son) is definitely a decisive test (of Imaan). And
We ransomed him (Ismaa'eel v) with a grand sacrifice (a ram from Jannah, which
Ibraheem v then slaughtered in the place of Ismaa'eel v). And, in his favour, We left (as
praise and remembrance of him) among those to come after. "Peace be to Ibraheem v." (He is
therefore remembered with words like this by all Mu'mineen.) Thus do We reward those who do
good. He was certainly from Our slaves who were Mu'mineen. We gave him the good
news of (the birth of his son) Is'haaq v, (who was to be) a Nabi from the pious. We blessed
him (Ibraheem v) and Is'haaq v (with numerous favours such as prophethood, knowledge and
wisdom). From the progeny of the two, there was the one who did good (the Mu'min), as
well as the open oppressor of his soul (the Kaafir).
Dhabehullaak (One who is Sacrificed for Allaah)
The verses of the Qur'aan do not refer to Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v as Dhabeehullaah,
but state only that he was a lad of great tolerance, fortitude and patience. This is
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demonstrated by the fact that as soon as Hadhrat Ibraheem v informed him of
Allaah's command, he immediately agreed and said, ""O my beloved father! Do as
you have been commanded. If Allaah wills, you will soon find me to be among the patient
ones".
Eventually, Allaah substituted Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v with a ram and Hadhrat
Ibraheem v was congratulated for his devotion to Allaah. Allaah appreciated
this sacrifice so much that it is in commemoration of this millions of Muslims
throughout the world sacrifice an animal on the occasion of Eidul Adhaa.
Nonetheless, the point in question is that it was Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v who was
given the title of Dhabeehullaah (the One who was sacrificed for Allaah) since he
was the one Allaah commanded Hadhrat Ibraheem v to sacrifice. As stated
above, his brother Hadhrat Is'haaq v was born later and Hadhrat Ibraheem v
had no other children then besides the two of them.
The verses of Surah Hood also prove that the Dhabeehullaah (the One who was
sacrificed for Allaah) was not Hadhrat Is'haaq v. These verses explain that when
Allaah decreed to punish the nation of Hadhrat Loot v, the angels charged with
the task of punishment came to Hadhrat Ibraheem v to inform him about it. It
was during their conversation with Hadhrat Ibraheem v at the time that they
informed him that he will be fathering a son by the name of Is'haaq, who will
then have a son named Ya'qoob. When Hadhrat Ibraheem v's wife Hadhrat
Sarah til , heard about it, she was very much surprised because she had aged
considerably by then. Describing this incident, Allaah says:
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وَامْرَاتُهُ قَائِمَةٌ فَضَحِكَتْ فَبَشَّرْنُهَا بِسْحُقَ " وَمِنْ وَّرَآءِ اِسْحَقَ يَعْقُوْبَ (٧١) قَالَتْ يُوَيِّلْتُى ءَالِدُ وَ أَنَا عَجُوْزٌ
وَّبِذَا بَعْلِى شَيْخًا - إِنَّ بَذَا لَشَىْءٌ عَجِيْبٌ (٧٢) قَالُوا أَتَعْجَبِيْنَ مِنْ آَمْرِ اللهِ رَحْمَتُ اللهِ وَبَرَكْتُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَبْلَ الْبَيْتِ ـ
إِنَّمْ حَمِيْدٌ مَّحِيُّدٌ (٧٣)
TRANSLATION: His wife (Sarah), standing by, laughed (with happiness) as We conveyed to
her the good news (that she would be giving birth to a son by the name) of Is'haaq v, and (that
she will have a grandson by the name of) Ya'qoob v after Is'haaq v. She said (in astonishment),
"Oh dear! Shall I bear a child when I am an old woman (of over 80 years) and my husband
here is an old man (of over 100 years) ? This is indeed a strange event!" They (the angels)
said, "Are you surprised at the command (and power) of Allaah (Who can do anything) ? May
Allaah's mercy and blessings be on you, O members of the household (of Ibraheem v).
Verily He is Worthy of all praise, The Exalted."
When this verse makes it clear that even before the birth, Hadhrat Ibraheem v
was informed that Hadhrat Is'haaq v was destined to have a child by the name
of Ya'qoob v, would it not be futile to then command him later to sacrifice that
son? What great test would it have been to Hadhrat Ibraheem v if he knew that
his son was to live to an age where he would marry and father children?
It is therefore obvious that it was Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v whom Allaah commanded
to be sacrificed and who told his father to go ahead, for he would be amongst
the patient ones. Describing him in verse 54 of Surah Maryam, Allaah says,
"Mention Ismaa'eel v in the scripture (the Qur'aan). Verily he was true to his promise and
he was a Rasool, a Nabi". He was indeed true in his promise to be patient and to
persevere through the test so that his father would pass successfully.
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In his book Qasasul Ambiyaa >Jl posle , Allaama Abdul Wahaab alan, cites another
proof for the fact that it was Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v and not Hadhrat Is'haaq v who
was the Dhabeehullaah. He writes that after relating the incident of the sacrifice,
Allaah states, "We blessed him and Is'haaq v"101 He explains that the pronoun "him"
in the verse refers to Dhabeehullaah, who could not be Hadhrat Is'haaq u since
mention is made of his birth only later in the verses.
It is also clear that this incident took place in Makkah, since the Hajj rituals and
sacrifice had been practised by the Arabs even before Rasulullaah p. In fact, the
horns of the ram that Hadhrat Ibraheem v slaughtered on that occasion had
been preserved for centuries and hung on the wall inside the Kabah. Hadhrat
Aamir Sha'bi ail Ano, has been quoted as saying that personally saw the horns.102
Historical reports are clear about the fact that Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v lived in
Makkah and not Hadhrat Is'haaq v.
What about the narrations reported by several Sahabah w and Taabi'een stating
that the Dhabeehullaah was Hadhrat Is'haaq v? Haafidh Ibn Katheer al das, writes
that these narrations most probably stem from Hadhrat Ka'b Ahbaar ilway, who
was a scholar from the Ahlul Kitaab who reverted to Islaam during the time of
the Sahabah w. When he accepted Islaam during the Khilaafah of Hadhrat Umar
t, he would narrate to Hadhrat Umar t the incidents from the previous
scriptures. Because Hadhrat Umar t listened to him, many people saw it as
sanction to narrate these. However, his narratives included many
101
Surah Saaffaat, verse 113.
102
Ibn Katheer (Vol.4 Pg.18).
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unsubstantiated incidents, which the Ummah has no need for. And Allaah knows
best.103
The Qur'aan cites the incident of the construction of the Kabah, which was
jointly done by Hadhrat Ibraheem v and Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v. the verses include
the du'aa father and son made and the fact that the Kabah is the headquarters
of Towheed.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Verses 96 and 97 of Surah Aal Imraan states:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِى بِبَكََّ مُبْرَكًا وَّبُدَّى لَّلْعُلَمِيْنَ (٩٦) فِيْهِ أَيْتُّ بَيِّنَتْ مَّقَامُ اِبْرُبِيْمَ ٥٥َّ وَمَنْ دَخَلَمْ
كَانَ أُمِنَّا ن﴿ وَلِلّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَيْهِ سَبِيْلًا * وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٩٤)
TRANSLATION: Indeed the first house designated (appointed and set up) for man (as a
direction to worship Allaah) was the one at Bakkah (Makkah) which is blessed and a guidance
for the (people of the) universe. In it are clear signs; (among these is) the Maqaam (station) of
Ibraheem v. Whoever enters it (the Haram of Makkah) shall be safe. Hajj (pilgrimage to show
love for Allaah) to the House (the Kabah) is a duty that people who are able to find a way
there owe to Allaah (therefore, Muslims who can afford to go to Makkah to perform Hajj have to do
so). Whoever rejects (this obligation), then (it should be borne in mind that) surely Allaah is
Independent of the entire universe (Allaah does not need man's worship. Man benefits only
himself by worshipping Allaah).
Verses 125-129 of Surah Baqarah states:
103 Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.4 Pg.17).
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وَ إِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنَا * وَ اتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامٍ إِبْرُبِمَ مُصَلَّى * وَعَبِدْنَا إِلَى اِبْرُبِمَ وَ اِسْمَعِيْلَ أَنْ طَبِّرَا
بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّائِفِيْنَ وَالْعُكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُوْدِ (١٢٥) وَ إِذْ قَالَ اِبْرُبِمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ بِذَا بَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ آَبْلَهٌ مِنَ
الثَّمَرَتِ مَنْ أَمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْأُخِرِ - قَالَ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَأُمَتَّعُمْ قَلِيْلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّةً إِلَى عَذَابِ النَّارِ * وَبِئْسَ
الْمَصِيْرُ (١٢) وَ إِذْ يَرْفَعُ اِبْرُبِمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَ اِسْمَعِيْلُ * رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا " إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْمُ
(١٢٧) رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةَ مُسْلِمَةَّ لَّكَ وَآَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَاء إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ
الرَّحِيمُ (١٢٨) رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيْهِمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ أَيْتِكَ وَيُعَلَّمُهُمُ الْكِتُبَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكَّتِهِمْ ﴿ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ
الْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيْمُ (١٢٩)
TRANSLATION: (Remember also the time) When We made the House (the Kabah) a gathering
place for people (throughout the world) and a place of safety (from injustice and attack and a
place of peace). (O people) Take the Maqaam of Ibraheem (the stone on which Ibraheem v stood
while building the Kabah) as a place of salaah (a place behind which you perform two Rakaahs of
salaah after Tawaaf). We commanded Ibraheem v and Ismaa'eel v (saying), "Clean (remove
idols from) My house (the Kabah) for those who perform Tawaaf, those who stay in it, those
who bow (in Ruku) and those who prostrate (referring to those who perform salaah there)."
(Remember) When Ibraheem v said, "O my Rabb! Make this (city of Makkah) a city of safety
(of peace) and feed with fruit those inhabitants who believe in Allaah and the Last Day."
(Allaah accepted this prayer and made Makkah a place where no killing should take place, no plants
should be uprooted and no animal hunted. Allaah also saw to it that Makkah receives food and
products from the entire world.) Allaah said, "As for him who carries out kufr, I shall grant
him enjoyment for a while, after which I will drive (compel) him into the punishment of the
Fire (in the Aakhirah). It is the worst of places to be." (Remember) When Ibraheem v and
Ismaa'eel v were raising the foundation of the House (the Kabah, and they prayed) "O our
Rabb! Accept from us (the effort of building the Kabah). Indeed You are the All Hearing, the
All Knowing (You hear our prayer and know our actions and intentions). O our Rabb! Make us
obedient to You and make from our descendants (progeny) a nation (a group) that is also
obedient to You. Show us (teach us) our rites (the manner in which we should worship You) and
accept our repentance (forgive our mistakes). Without doubt, You are the Most Pardoning,
the Most Merciful." (Although they were sinless, they asked for forgiveness because they were
humble and this was done to teach people to ask for forgiveness after every good act. ) O our Rabb!
Send to them (to our descendants) a messenger from among them (who was Rasulullaah p)
who will recite Your verses (of the Qur'aan) to them, teach them the Book (the meanings and
necessary explanations of the Qur'aan) and wisdom (the Ahadeeth and the hidden mysteries and
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intricate allegories of the Qur'aan) and purify them (from Shirk). Without doubt, You are the
Mighty, the Wise."
Allaah says in verses 26-33 of Surah Hajj:
وَ إِذْ بَوَّأنَا لِإِبْرُبِيْمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَنْ لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِئْ شَيْئًا وَّ طَهِّرْ بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّائِفِيْنَ وَ الْقَائِمِيْنَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُوْدِ (٢٢)
وَ أَذِّنْ فِى النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوْكَ رِجَالًا وَّعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِيْنَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجِّ عَمِيْقٍ (٢٧) لَّيَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ
وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللهِ فِىْ آَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُوْمُتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّنَّ بَّهِيْمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ نَّ فَكُلُّوْا مِنْهَا وَ أَطْعِمُوا الْبَآئِسَ الْفَقِيْرَ
(٢٨) ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوْا تَفَنَّهُمْ وَلْيُوْفُوْا نُذُوْرَبُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوْا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَنِيْقِ (٢٩) ذُلِكَ * وَمَنْ يُّعَظِّمْ حُرُمُتِ اللهِ فَهُوَ
خَيْرٌ لَّمَ عِنْدَ رَبِّ ن﴿ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ
(٣٠) حُنَفَاءَ لِلّهِ غَيْرَ مُشْرِكِيْنَ بِم ٥* وَ مَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَتَخْطَفُهُ الطَّيْرُ أَوْ تَهْوِى بِ
الرِّيْحُ فِى مَكَانٍ سَحِيْقٍ (٣١) ذُلِكَ * وَ مَنْ يُّعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوْبِ (٣٢) لَكُمْ فِيْهَا مَنَافِعُ
إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمَّى ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَا إِلَى الْبَيْتِ الْعَثِثْقِ (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: (That time is worth remembering) When We showed Ibraheem v the location
of the House (the Kabah) saying, "Do not ascribe any as partner to Myself and cleanse My
House (from physical dirt and spiritual dirt such as idols) for those who make Tawaaf, those
who stand (in salaah), those who bow (in Ruku) and those who prostrate. And announce the
Hajj among the people, (in response to your announcement) they will come to you (walking) on
foot and on every lean camel (in every condition), travelling from every distant road to
witness the things of benefit to them (which include material benefits such as benefiting from
trade and the meat of sacrificed animals, as well as spiritual benefits such as spiritual enlightenment
and rewards in the Aakhirah) and, during the stipulated days (of Hajj), to take Allaah's name
on every animal that Allaah has provided for them (before they slaughter it). So eat from it
(from the sacrificed animal) and feed it to the afflicted poor (those who are truly in need). Then
they should remove their untidiness (unwanted hair and long nails), fulfil (any of) their oaths
(that they may have taken) and perform Tawaaf around the Freed House (the Kabah, which has
been freed from tyrants). So it is. Whoever respects the things that Allaah has made sacred,
then this (respect) will be best for him with his Rabb (because Allaah will reward him for this).
Livestock animals have been permitted for you (to consume), with the exception of those
(animals) that have been recited to you (in other verses of the Qur'aan, making it clear that they
are Haraam). So abstain (totally) from the impurity of idols and abstain from false talk in a
state that you are all Haneef (inclined only towards Allaah and turning away from all other gods),
not ascribing any partners to Him. The example of the one who ascribes partners to
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Allaah (the Mushrik) is like one who has fallen from the sky, to have his remains snatched
up by birds or blown off to a distant place by the wind. (Just like the person falling from the
sky who cannot help being either ravaged by birds of prey or being carried away by a strong wind, the
Mushrik will also be unable to avoid his imminent destruction if he does not become a Mu'min.) So it
is. Whoever honours the landmarks (distinctive signs) of (the Deen of) Allaah (which are unique
to Islaam), then this (respect) is because of the Taqwa of hearts (respect for these landmarks
denotes Taqwa in a person's heart). There are things of benefit for you in it (in the livestock
animals that you intend to sacrifice during the days of Hajj) until a stipulated period (until the time
when you declare them to be sacrificial animals. When you make this declaration and proceed with
them for Hajj, you will have to stop milking them, riding them or deriving any other benefit from
them). Then (once you declare that they are to be sacrificed during Hajj) their destination is the
Freed House (the Kabah).
Verses 36/7 Surah Hajj states:
وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنُهَا لَكُمْ مِّنْ شَعَائِرِ اللهِ لَكُمْ فِيْهَا خَيْرٌ ** فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللّهِ عَلَيْهَا صَوَآَفَّ ◌َ فَإِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوْبُهَا فَكُلُوْا
مِنْهَا وَ أَطْعِمُوا الْقَانِعَ وَالْمُعْتَرَّ ﴿ كَذُلِكَ سَخَّرْنُهَا لَكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ (٣٢) لَنْ يَّنَالَ اللهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُبًا
وَلَكِنْ يَّنَالُهُ التَّقْوَى مِنْكُمْ * كَذُلِكَ سَخَّرَبَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللهَ عَلَى مَا بَدُكُمْ * وَ بَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ (٣٧)
TRANSLATION: And We have made the large (sacrificial) animals (camels and cows) from the
landmarks (distinctive signs) of (the Deen of) Allaah, in which lies good for you. So take
Allaah's name on them (when you intend slaughtering them) as they stand in rows (ready to be
slaughtered). Then eat from them when they fall on their sides (after being slaughtered) and
feed (their meat to) the perseverant (those who are content with what they are given and although
poor, they do not beg) and (feed also) the beggar. We have placed them (the animals) at your
service in this manner so that you could be grateful (for this favour). (When sacrificing these
animals, remember that) Their flesh and blood will never reach Allaah, but it is your Taqwa
(your intention for sacrificing) that will reach Him. Allaah has placed them (these animals) at
your service in this way so that you proclaim His greatness (abundantly) for the guidance
that He has granted you. And convey good news (of Jannah) to those who do good.
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The Children of Hadhrat Isman'el v
Neither the Qur'aan nor the Ahadeeth provide much details concerning the
children of Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v. The Torah mentions that he had twelve sons,
who were known as the twelve leaders and became the forefathers of the Arab
nation. It is also stated that he had a daughter by the name of Bashaamah or
Mahallah. According to the Torah, the names of his sons were Naabit, Qidaar,
Awba'eel, Hishaam, Mishmaa, Roomah, Mansha, Adaar, Teema, Yatoor,
Naaqeesh and Qeedmah. The eldest of them were Naabit and Qidaar, who were
very well known and are spoken about in Arab history. The progeny of Naabit
were known as the people of Hijr, while the progeny of Qidaar were known as
the people of Rass. Both these nations have been mentioned in the Qur'aan.
Hadhrat Ismad'eel v in the Qur'aan
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v is mentioned in the incident of the sacrifice, as well as in the
two places in the Qur'aan where Hadhrat Ibraheem v was given glad tidings of a
son. In addition to this and the verses concerning the contruction of the Qur'aan,
he is also mentioned by name in the following verses:
وَ اذْكُرْ فِى الْكِتْبِ اِسْمَعِيْلَ وْ إِنَّهَ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُوْلًا نَّبِيًّا (٥٣) وَكَانَ يأمُرُ أَبْلَهُ بِالصَّوةِ
وَالزَّكُوةِ ﴾ وَكَانَ عِنْدَ رَبِّه مَرْضِيًّا (٥٥)
TRANSLATION: Mention Ismaa'eel v in the scripture (the Qur'aan). Verily he was true to his
promise and he was a Rasool, a Nabi. (Besides being steadfast with salaah and Zakaah,) He
(also) used to instruct his family to perform salaah and to pay zakaah and he was beloved
to his Rabb.104
104
Surah Maryam, verse 55/6.
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Verses 85/6 of Surah Ambiyaa pull & speaks about him amongst the names of
other Ambiyaa wl , when it says:
وَ اِسْمَعِيْلَ وَ اِدْرِيْسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّبِرِينَ (٨٥) وَ أَدْخَلْتُهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا ﴿ إِنَّهُمْ مِّنَ الصُّلِحِيْنَ
(19)
TRANSLATION: And (remember also) Ismaa'eel v, Idrees v and Dhul Kifl v. They were all
from the patient ones. We admitted them all into Our mercy. They were indeed from the
righteous.
The Demise of Hadbrat Imad'el V
Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v passed away at the age 136 years. By this time, his progeny
had spread in many areas, including Hujaaz, Shaam, Iraq, Palestine and Egypt. It
is narrated that he was buried next to his mother in the Haram of Makkah.
Conclusions and lessons
The First House of Allah
Before the Kabah was built, there were many large temples dedicated to idols,
celestial bodies and other false gods. Egypt had massive temples dedicated to
the sun, while the people of Can'aan built an enormous fortress where they kept
a statue of their god Ba'l. There was also the people of Ghuzza who dedicated a
temple for the worship of their god Dajoon, who was half fish and half man. The
Amweeni people built a temple dedicated to the sun and the moon, the Persians
dedicated temples to the worship of fire and the Romans constructed large
citadels dedicated to Hadhrat Isa v and his mother Hadhrat Maryam ( algoa). Then
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there were the Hindus, who dedicated countless temples to the worship of
countless gods.
However, the first site to be dedicated to the worship of the One Allaah was the
Kabah, which is also known as Baytullaah (The House of Allaah).
Construction of the Kabah
The history of the Kabah reaches back further than human history. When the
earth was still only water, the first thing that emerged was a bubble upon the
where the Kabah now stands. The angels made Tawaaf of this place and when
Allaah decided to create land, it starts to spread from this bubble until land
covered a third of the water. The land where the Kabah stands was then
protrudinig from the rest of the land like a little hill.
When Hadhrat Aadam v came on earth, Allaah revealed this spot to him via
revelation and he increased it's height with his hands. Hadhrat Aadam v and his
children were instructed to make Tawaaf of it. It is recorded that the Kabah was
completely reconstructed 10 times in history by the following people:
1. The angels
2. Hadhrat Aadam v
3. Hadhrat Sheeth v
4. Hadhrat Ibraheem v
5. The Amaaliqah nation
6. The Jurhum tribe
7. A man by the name of Qusay
8. The Quraysh tribe
9. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr t
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10. Hajjaaj bin Yusuf
However, the Qur'aan refers to Hadhrat Ibraheem v as the first to construct the
Kabah because when he built it with Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, it was the first time
that it was formally reconstructed as a building. Haafidh Ibn Hajar al., writes that
although Hadhrat Aadam u had built the foundations of the Kabah when he was
shown the place, all traces of this had been lost over time. All that remained was
a protruding piece of land like a hill. It was this area that was shown to Hadhrat
Ibraheem v and where he constructed the Kabah with Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v. He
dug up the land until he unearthed the original foundations and then started to
build.
Hadhrat Ibraheem v stood upon a rock that rose in the air with him every time
he needed to build higher. This rock is called the Maqaam Ibraheem and is
located within the Masjidul Haraam. This is where people perform their two
Rakaahs salaah after performing Tawaaf. When he reached the point in
construction when the Hajar Aswad had to be placed, Hadhrat Jibra'eel v
showed him a place in the nearby mountains where Allaah had preserved it. It
was a stone from Jannah, which had to be built into the wall of the Kabah.
When Rasulullaah p was 25 or 35 years of age, a flood destroyed a great protion
of the Kabah and it needed to be rebuilt. Since the Quraysh were the custodians
of the Kabah, they decided to rebuild it, but resolved only to use lawfully earned
wealth for the project. However, they ran out of lawful wealth before the
contruction could be completed. They therefore decided to alter the
construction to accommodate the shortfall of funds. They then built the Kabah
to a point that they could afford and demarcated the remaining area with a low
wall. This area is called the Hateem. The second significant alteration was to
build only one door, whereas the original Kabah built by Hadhrat Ibraheem u had
239