Ethics of The Prophets

17. The Ethos Of Prophet Ismael, Truthful In Promise ====================================================

Introduction

The late Allameh Tabatabaee commenting on the story of Ismael, truthful in promise narrates a hadith from Ilal as-sharai in which Imam Sadeq has been quoted saying: Ismael of True promise is not the son of Abraham but he is a messenger whom God appointed to his nation but people skinned his face and head. At this time an angel descended on God’s order saying: God has sent me to you. Your ordinance will be obeyed. He said: This is one example of how people treat the Prophets. The late Tibrisi in Mujma al-Bayan, commenting on verse 54 of the Quranic chapter — Mary — "And mention Ismael in the Book; surely he was truthful in (his) promise, and he was an apostle, a Prophet" writes: Ismael the son of Abraham died before his father and Ismael, the Truthful in promise is the son of Prophet Ezekiel. When people skinned his head and face, God gave him the option to torment of forgive people but he entrusted it to God.

The late Tibrisi quotes Imam Sadeq as saying: An angel was sent to him by his Lord greeting him and saying: I have seen how they have treated you. God has ordered me to do whatever you want. Ismael said: I want to be an example of Imam Husayn.

Truthful In Promise

"And mention Ismael in the Book; surely he was truthful in (his) promise, and he was an apostle, a Prophet." (19:54)

Enjoining The Prayer And Alms

"And he enjoined on his family prayer and almsgiving, and was one in whom his Lord was pleased." (19:55)

Nomenclature Of Truthful In Promise

A person by the name Ja’afari quotes Imam Reza as saying: Do you know why Ismael is called Truthful in promise? I said: I do not know. The Imam said: He had an appointment with someone and kept on waiting for him for a year. Evidently, this does not mean that he was idle during that year, rather he was engaged in everyday life while he was on the lookout.