Ishmael facts for kids

Expulsion of Ishmael and His Mother. Part of Art by Gustave Doré.

Ishmael (pronounced ISH-may-el) was an important figure in ancient history and a key person in several religious traditions. He was the first son of Abraham and Hagar, who was an Egyptian servant. Ishmael is known as the ancestor of the North Arabs, also called the Adnanites.

Ishmael's story is found in ancient texts, including the Bible and the Quran. He is a significant prophet in Islam.

Early Life

Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar. At the time, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, did not have any children. Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with Hagar.

After Ishmael was born, Sarah later became pregnant and had a son named Isaac. This led to some difficulties within the family.

Moving On

Because of the family situation, Hagar and young Ishmael eventually left Abraham's home. They traveled into the desert.

According to the stories, they ran out of water in the desert. Hagar searched for water, and Ishmael was very thirsty. A miracle happened, and a spring of water appeared. This spring is believed to be the Zamzam Well in Mecca, which is a very important place in Islam.

Ishmael's Family

Ishmael grew up in the desert. He became a skilled archer. He married and had twelve sons. These sons became the leaders of twelve tribes.

Ishmael's descendants are believed to have settled in the area of North Arabia. They are known as the Ishmaelites or Adnanites.

Importance in Religions

Ishmael is a respected figure in both Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

In Islam, Ishmael is considered a prophet. He is believed to have helped his father Abraham build the Kaaba in Mecca, which is a holy building for Muslims. The story of Ishmael and Hagar's search for water is remembered by Muslims during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Images for kids

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  The dismissal of Hagar, by Pieter Pietersz Lastman

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  Abraham sacrificing his son, Ishmael; and Abraham cast into fire by Nimrod. A miniature in the 16th-century Ottoman Turkish manuscript Zubdat Al-Tawarikh.

See also

In Spanish: Ismael para niños