Ashabul Kahfi: Prophet Ishaq (Isaac), Peace Be Upon Him: The Blessed Son and Bearer of a Noble Lineage

Introduction

Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him) — known as Isaac in the Bible — is one of the blessed prophets of Islam. He was the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and Sarah, and the younger half-brother of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), peace be upon them both.

His life, though mentioned briefly in the Qur’an, holds profound significance because he continued the prophetic lineage through which many great prophets arose, including Yaqub (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), and Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them all.

The Birth of Ishaq: A Miracle in Old Age

Ishaq’s birth itself was a miracle and a sign of Allah’s mercy. Prophet Ibrahim and his wife Sarah had grown old and were childless. Ibrahim had prayed for righteous offspring, and Allah first blessed him with Ismail through Hajar. Later, Allah gave him good news of Ishaq through angelic visitors.

The Qur’an describes how the angels visited Ibrahim in human form. They gave him the glad tidings of a son despite his and Sarah’s old age:

“They said, ‘Fear not,’ and gave him good tidings of a learned boy. And his wife approached with a cry [of alarm] and struck her face and said, ‘[I am] a barren old woman!’ They said, ‘Thus has said your Lord; indeed, He is the Wise, the Knowing.’”
(Qur’an, 51:28–30)

Sarah was astonished, but Allah reminded them that nothing is impossible for Him.

A Blessed and Righteous Prophet

Ishaq was born as a blessing and mercy — an answered prayer for Prophet Ibrahim and Sarah. Allah describes him as righteous, noble, and among the chosen:

“And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous.”
(Qur’an, 37:112)

He was raised under the guidance of his father Ibrahim, who taught him faith, obedience, and trust in Allah.

Ishaq and His Family

Ishaq married and had children, the most famous being Yaqub (Jacob), who was also a prophet. Yaqub’s children formed the twelve tribes of Bani Israel (the Children of Israel). Through this lineage came many major prophets who guided humanity for generations.

Ishaq’s Mission and Role

Unlike his father Ibrahim and brother Ismail, whose lives involved migration and monumental tests, Ishaq’s role focused on continuing the pure teachings of monotheism among his people in Palestine.

He spread the message of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and righteousness among the descendants of Ibrahim. He upheld his father’s legacy, ensuring that future generations stayed on the straight path.

A Legacy of Prophets

Ishaq’s greatest legacy is his lineage. From him came:

Yaqub (Jacob): Ishaq’s son, also a prophet.
Yusuf (Joseph): Jacob’s son, whose story is among the most detailed in the Qur’an.
Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron): The great prophets who freed the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression.
Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon): Kings and prophets who ruled with justice and wisdom.
Isa (Jesus): One of the mightiest messengers, born miraculously and given the Injil (Gospel).

Ishaq’s descendants became bearers of divine guidance for centuries.

Death and Burial

According to Islamic tradition and Judeo-Christian sources, Ishaq lived in the blessed land of Canaan (modern-day Palestine and Israel). He passed away peacefully at an old age and was buried alongside his father Ibrahim in the Cave of Machpelah near Hebron — the same site that remains a revered place to this day.

Key Lessons from Prophet Ishaq’s Life

✅ Trust in Allah’s Mercy:
Ishaq’s birth is a reminder that nothing is impossible for Allah, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem.

✅ Continuation of Righteousness:
Ishaq upheld his father’s pure monotheism and passed it to future generations.

✅ Family of Prophets:
Through Ishaq, Allah shows how righteousness in one family can produce generations of leaders and messengers.

✅ Respect for Elders and Legacy:
Ishaq honored his father Ibrahim’s mission and was devoted to his people’s spiritual well-being.

✅ A Bridge Between Great Nations:
Through Ismail and Ishaq, the two major branches of the Abrahamic tradition were established — culminating in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Ismail’s line and the prophets of Bani Israel from Ishaq’s.

Ishaq in the Qur’an

Though not much detail is given about his individual life events, Ishaq is mentioned many times with honor and dignity. Allah includes him in the line of chosen prophets:

“And We gave him Isaac and Jacob — each of them We guided. And Noah We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.”
(Qur’an, 6:84)

Conclusion

Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him) is a symbol of hope, answered prayers, and the blessings that come with steadfast faith. His role in continuing his father’s mission, raising a righteous family, and being part of an unbroken chain of messengers is a legacy that continues to inspire believers today.

May his story remind us that no prayer is too big for Allah’s mercy and that faith and righteousness can echo through generations.

References

Qur’an: Surahs As-Saffat (37), Hud (11), Sad (38), Al-Ankabut (29), Al-Anbiya (21), Al-Baqarah (2), Al-A’raf (7)
Classical Tafsir: Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari
Authentic Hadith collections