3-minute preview · Hear the full audiobook in the app.
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Who was Ismail?
The Story of Ismail is the sixth book in Stories of the Prophets (Qisas al-Anbiya) by Imam Ibn Kathīr, the 14th-century scholar who wrote the history Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah and a commentary on the Qurʾan. It is a short book, about 10 minutes, and answers a direct question: who was Ismail, peace be upon him, the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Hagar, and what did Allah ask of him and of his father?
The book follows Ismail from birth. Allah commands Ibrahim to take Hagar and their son to the barren valley of Mecca and leave them there with some provisions and water. When the provisions run out, Hagar runs between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, and water gushes from the ground where Ismail lies: the well of Zamzam. Ismail grows up in the valley, known for patience, strength, and devotion to Allah. Then comes the trial. Ibrahim sees in a dream that he is to sacrifice his son. Ismail answers, 'O my father, do as you are commanded,' and Allah provides a ram in his place.
The story is told plainly, one event after another, and ends on what the sacrifice came to mean: a symbol of submission. At about 10 minutes, it can be heard in one sitting. Joyful Muslims also offers The Story of Ismail in the Arabic original, and in editions where each passage is read in Arabic, then in English. The same Arabic-first editions are available in Indonesian, Turkish, and Urdu.
Is there an English audiobook of The Story of Ismail?
Yes. Joyful Muslims publishes the complete Story of Ismail as an English audiobook (about 10 minutes), translated from the Arabic, with a word-synced bilingual transcript. It is the story of Prophet Ismail, peace be upon him, from Ibn Kathīr's Qisas al-Anbiya, drawn from the Qurʾan and authentic traditions.
Is it free to listen?
The whole library is open to everyone. Every member gets five hours of listening free each month; Joyful+ removes the time limit.
What does it cover?
It covers Ismail's birth to Ibrahim and Hagar, the journey to the valley of Mecca, Hagar's search between Safa and Marwa, the well of Zamzam, and the dream of the sacrifice and the ram provided in his place. About 10 minutes.
Last updated 2026-09-11
Inside the book.
Chapters
Word-synced with the narrator.
The first three minutes are transcribed here. In the app, the Living Manuscript scrolls through the entire book in rhythm with the audio — Arabic alongside English.
Living Manuscript
Listen to the full book in the app for the complete Living Manuscript.
The full, word-synced transcript in Arabic and English is in the app.
