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Ishmael

Ishmael is a biblical figure in the Book of Genesis, traditionally identified as Abraham’s first son by Hagar.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ishmael is a biblical figure in the Book of Genesis, traditionally identified as Abraham’s first son by Hagar. He is also an important figure in Islam, where he is regarded as a prophet and associated with the ancestry of the Arabs.

Biblical account

In the Book of Genesis, Ishmael is born to Abraham and Hagar after Sarah is unable to conceive. He is later sent into the wilderness with his mother, but is still promised descendants and blessing.

Role in Islam

Islamic tradition treats Ishmael as a prophet and an ancestor of Arab peoples. Later Islamic narratives also connect him with Abraham’s sacrifice and with settlement in the Meccan tradition.

Later interpretation

Jewish and Christian readings often treat Ishmael as a secondary figure compared with Isaac, while Islamic tradition gives him a more central status. He has also appeared frequently in art and religious literature.

Key facts

  • In Genesis, Ishmael is Abraham’s first son and the child of Hagar, Sarah’s handmaiden.
  • He is described in biblical tradition as living in the wilderness and becoming an archer.
  • The Genesis account says Ishmael received a blessing and would father a great nation.
  • Islamic tradition regards Ishmael as a prophet and connects him with Arab ancestry.
  • Different traditions give him different theological roles, with a smaller role in Judaism and Christianity and a larger one in Islam.
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Canadian context

Ishmael is relevant to Canadian readers through the biblical and Qur'anic traditions studied in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities across Canada, and in comparative religion courses.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael was Abraham’s first son, born to Hagar, and appears in the Book of Genesis as a wilderness-dwelling figure who received a divine blessing.
What is Ishmael’s significance in Islam?
In Islam, Ishmael is regarded as a prophet and an ancestor figure linked to Arab identity and to Abrahamic tradition.
Who was Ishmael’s mother?
His mother was Hagar, Abraham’s Egyptian maidservant or handmaiden in biblical tradition.
Did Ishmael and Isaac have the same father?
Yes. Both were sons of Abraham, but by different mothers: Ishmael by Hagar and Isaac by Sarah.
How old was Abraham when Ishmael was born?
Biblical tradition places Abraham at 86 years old when Ishmael was born.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael
    Supports: Basic biblical and Islamic identity, parentage, and reported age at death
  2. The Society for Old Testament Study — https://www.sots.ac.uk/wiki/ishmael/
    Supports: Biblical role, parentage, wilderness motif, blessing, and Islamic reception
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ishmael-son-of-Abraham
    Supports: Summary of Ishmael in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition
  4. Jewish Encyclopedia — https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8251-ishmael
    Supports: Traditional Jewish identification, parentage, and later religious interpretation
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/biblical-proper-names-biographies/ishmael
    Supports: Biblical identity and Islamic importance as ancestor figure