ISHĀRATU ʾL-MALAK (اشارة الملك). [[INSPIRATION].]
ISHMAEL. Arabic Ismāʿīl (اسماعيل). The eldest son of Abraham, by his “wife” Hagar. [[HAJAR].]
(1) The progenitor of the Arabian race, and, according to the Qurʾān, an inspired prophet. [Sūrah xix. 55]:—
“And commemorate Ishmael in ‘the Book;’ for he was true to his promise, and was an Apostle, a prophet;
“And he enjoined prayer and almsgiving on his people, and was well-pleasing to his Lord.”
(2) Said to have assisted his father in the construction of the Kaʿbah. [Sūrah ii. 119, 121]:—
“And remember when we appointed the Holy House as man’s resort and safe retreat, and said, ‘Take ye the station of Abraham for a place of prayer.’ And we commanded Abraham and Ishmael, ‘Purify my house for those who shall go in procession round it, and those who shall abide there for devotion, and those who shall bow down and prostrate themselves.’
“And when Abraham, with Ishmael, raised the foundations of the House, they said, ‘O our Lord! accept it from us; for Thou art the Hearer, the Knower.’ ”
(3) Also mentioned in six other places.