The Tale of Prophet Ishmael

Prophet Ishmael or Ismail is recognized as an important prophet and patriarch of Islam. Muslims believe that Ishmael was the firstborn of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), born to him from his second wife Hagar (Hajar). Prophet Ishmael is recognized by Muslims as the ancestor of several prominent Arab tribes and being the forefather of Muhammad. Muslims also believe that Prophet Muhammad SAW was the descendant of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) that would establish a great nation, as promised by God in the Old Testament.

And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of 12 rulers, and I will make them into a great nation. (Genesis 17:20)

The story of the birth of Prophet Ishmael (Ismail) is considered particularly important in Islam as it is mostly mentioned as part of the narrative of Abraham. There are many versions of the story, some of which include a prophecy about Ishmael's birth. One such example is from Ibn Kathir whose account states that an angel tells the pregnant Hagar to name her child Ishmael and prophecies that, "His hand would be over everyone, and the hand of everyone would be against him. His brethren would rule over all the lands." Ibn Kathir comments that this foretells of Prophet Muhammad's leadership.