Sadiq al-Wa'd
Definition
Sadiq al-wa'd — true to his promise — is the Quranic title given to Ismail, honoring his absolute faithfulness to commitments made. Scholars narrate that Ismail once appointed a meeting place with a person and waited there for an entire day — some narrations say three days — rather than leave before the person arrived and break his word. Ibn Kathir cites this as the example behind the Quranic title, but its deeper resonance is in the promise of the sacrifice: Ismail promised his father 'you will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient,' and he kept that promise in the most extreme test imaginable. The title is permanent — it follows him in Quranic recitation forever — because a promise kept under those conditions deserves eternal recognition.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Sadiq al-Wa'd.
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"He also said, “A promise is like a debt or better.” Allah Almighty praised His Prophet Ishmael, peace be upon him, saying, "He was true to his promise. It is said that he promised someone at a place, and that person forgot, yet Ishmael waited for twenty-two days. When Abdullah ibn Umar was on his deathbed, he fulfilled a promise regarding his daughter's marriage, saying he would not meet Allah with a third of hypocrisy."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 24: Evils of the Tongue
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"As He says in Surah Maryam: "And mention in the Book Ibrahim, indeed he was truthful, a prophet. And, "Mention in the Book Ismail, indeed he was true to his promise, and was a messenger, a prophet. Allah also said: "And mention in the Book Idris, indeed he was a truthful prophet." Ibn Abbas mentioned: "Whoever possesses four qualities has won: truthfulness, modesty, good character, and gratitude.""
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 37: The Book of Intention, Sincerity, and Truthfulness
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"This meaning is grasped only by discerning and noble individuals. God praised Ishmael, describing him as forbearing, patient, true to his promise, observant of prayer, and diligent in ensuring his household performed it. He said, So we gave him the good news of a forbearing son. When the boy was old enough to work with him, he said, My son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you."
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 1 — From Creation to Mūsā
Appears in
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