Prophet Isma’il (AS): Enhance The Legacy of Faith, Sacrifice& Arabic With QIAS

Prophet Isma’il (Ishmael, peace be upon him), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), holds a revered position in Islamic theology . His life embodies the virtues of unwavering faith, steadfastness, and submission to the divine will, making him an exemplary model for humanity. Prophet Isma’il’s profound role in the establishment of sacred rituals and his contributions to the lineage of prophethood continue to resonate deeply in the hearts of Muslims worldwide,including non-native Muslim speakers in Britain ,France ,America and Canada . His life, marked by extraordinary trials and contributions, is intrinsically tied to the Arabic language and the Arabian people among whom he was raised. From his upbringing in the heart of an Arab tribe to his pivotal role in the propagation of monotheism, Prophet Isma’il’s story underscores the centrality of Arabic as both a spiritual and linguistic heritage.

 Early Life and Integration into the Arab Community

Prophet Isma’il’s formative years were profoundly shaped by his upbringing among the Arab tribe of Jurhum. Following the divine command, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Hajar (Hagar, peace be upon her) and the infant Isma’il in the barren valley of Makkah, where they encountered the Jurhum tribe. Isma’il’s integration into the tribe not only fostered his familiarity with the Arabic language but also connected him to the cultural and linguistic milieu of the Arabian Peninsula.The Quran highlights the significance of this settlement as part of Allah’s divine plan:
“رَبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسۡكَنۡتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيۡرِ ذِي زَرۡعٍ عِندَ بَيۡتِكَ ٱلۡمُحَرَّمِ”

( “Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House”).Through his upbringing, Isma’il not only mastered the Arabic tongue but also became an influential figure in the establishment of the linguistic and spiritual traditions of Arabia.

 Prophet Isma’il’s Role in the Propagation of Monotheism

As a prophet chosen by Allah (SWT), Isma’il (AS) played a vital role in calling the Arab tribes to the worship of the One True God. His eloquence in Arabic, a language known for its vast richness and expressive capacity, became an essential tool in delivering the divine message. The Quran acknowledges the significance of the Arabic tongue in conveying revelation:
“إِنَّا أَنزَلۡنَٰهُ قُرۡءَانًا عَرَبِيّٗا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ”
( “Indeed, We have revealed it as an Arabic Quran that you might understand “ ) .Prophet Isma’il’s deep connection to the Arabic language laid the foundation for subsequent generations to embrace monotheism and contributed to the preservation of Arabic as a language of divine revelation.

1. Building the Kaaba as a Sacred Center for Worship

The collaborative construction of the Kaaba by Isma’il and his father, Ibrahim (AS), further entrenched the importance of Arabic as the language of prayer and devotion. Together, they prayed:
“رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلۡ مِنَّآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ”
( “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing” ).This profound invocation, preserved in Arabic, continues to echo in the hearts of believers, underscoring the enduring spiritual and linguistic legacy of Prophet Isma’il.The Quran narrates the construction of the Kaaba in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“وَإِذۡ يَرۡفَعُ إِبۡرَٰهِـۧمُ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلُ”
( “And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with] Isma’il” ).

2. The Connection to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
As the forefather of the Arab tribes, Isma’il’s lineage culminated in the advent of the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), whose prophethood was characterized by the revelation of the Quran in Arabic. The Quran, revealed in the language of Isma’il’s descendants, became a timeless guide for humanity, reinforcing the inseparable bond between Arabic and divine guidance.

3-The Trial of Sacrifice
The trial of sacrifice stands as one of the most defining episodes in Isma’il’s life. In compliance with Allah’s command, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) informed Isma’il of his vision in which he was instructed to sacrifice his son. Isma’il’s response was one of exemplary submission:
“يَا أَبَتِ ٱفۡعَلۡ مَا تُؤۡمَرُۖ سَتَجِدُنِيٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ”
( “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast”).This act of unwavering obedience and selflessness exemplifies Isma’il’s profound faith. Yet, Allah replaced him with a ram at the moment of sacrifice. This event laid the foundation for the annual Islamic ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) performed during Eid al-Adha.

 The Importance of Learning Arabic in Light of Prophet Isma’il’s Legacy

The legacy of Prophet Isma’il (AS) highlights the critical role of Arabic as the medium for understanding divine revelation and connecting with the sacred teachings of Islam. Mastery of Arabic enables non- native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada  to engage directly with the Quran and Prophetic traditions, deepening their comprehension of the divine message.

1. Arabic as the Language of Revelation

The Quran’s eloquence and depth are inseparable from the Arabic language. Its linguistic intricacies, rhetorical brilliance, and profound meanings are best appreciated in the original Arabic text. By learning Arabic, Muslims can access the Quran’s transformative message without reliance on translations, which often fall short of capturing the linguistic nuances.

2. Arabic as a Medium for Spiritual Connection

The prayers, supplications, and rituals of Islam are predominantly expressed in Arabic, reflecting its centrality to the faith. From the recitation of the Quran during Salah (prayer) to the invocations of pilgrimage, Arabic serves as the conduit through which Muslims communicate with Allah (SWT).

3. Preserving Cultural and Religious Heritage

The story of Prophet Isma’il (AS) underscores Arabic’s significance in preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Islam. By learning Arabic, Muslims can connect with their historical roots and honor the legacy of prophets who conveyed Allah’s message in this sacred language.

• The Role of QIAS in Learning Arabic

For non-native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada , learning Arabic can often be a daunting endeavor. QIAS (Qortoba Institution for Arabic Studies ) serves as indispensable resources, empowering  non-native speakers scholars  to master the language and engage with the divine message meaningfully.

1. Comprehensive Language Programs

QIAS offers tailored online  courses for both kids and adults  designed to teach Quranic Arabic, the Arabic Alphabet ,grammar, and vocabulary in a structured, interactive  and immersive manner. By focusing on the linguistic foundations of the Quran, these programs enable non-native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada  to connect with the words of Allah (SWT) as revealed in their original form.

2. Bridging the Gap for Non-Native Speakers

QIAS specializes in bridging the linguistic divide for non-native Muslim speakers , particularly in countries like America, Britain,France, and Canada.  QIAS e-platform entertains  a combination of interactive lessons, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection.QIAS empowers non-native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada to embrace the Arabic language as a living language of faith and devotion.As for example , students at QIAS benefit from advanced Quranic studies that focus on the historical and linguistic context of Isma’il’s contributions, enriching their appreciation of his legacy.

In summation, Prophet Isma’il (AS), through his life, legacy, and connection to the Arabic language, stands as a profound symbol of faith, obedience, and divine purpose. His upbringing among the Arab tribe of Jurhum, his role in the propagation of monotheism, and his contributions to the sacred rituals of Islam highlight the enduring importance of Arabic as a spiritual and linguistic heritage. For contemporary  non-native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada, the story of Isma’il serves as a compelling reminder of the necessity of learning Arabic to connect with the Quran, Prophetic traditions, and the rich legacy of Islam. QIAS empowers non-native speakers,whether kids or adults,  to embrace Arabic, fostering a deeper understanding of the faith and its divine message. Through the mastery of Arabic,  non-native Muslim speakers in Britain,France ,America and Canada honor the legacy of Prophet Isma’il and draw closer to Allah (SWT) in their journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment