Ismail

Ismail is the infant son of Hagar and Ibrahim whose survival in a waterless wilderness is linked to the appearance of the Zamzam Spring. The novel presents his story through Gibreel Farishta’s visions and a retelling of the history celebrated in Jahilia.

Identity and Background

In the account, Ibrahim leaves Hagar and their son in a valley without water. Ismail is still nursing; Hagar feeds him until her milk runs out. The scene places the child’s life at the centre of his mother’s desperate search for help, although it gives him no independent speech or action.

The Search for Water

Hagar climbs Safa and Marwah, running between the two hills as she looks for a tent, a camel, or another person. Finding no one, she receives help when Gibreel appears and shows her the waters of the Zamzam Spring. Hagar and Ismail survive through access to the spring.

Place in the Narrative

Ismail’s story is recounted both within Gibreel’s early dreams and in a narration of Jahilia’s Feast of Ibrahim. The retelling distinguishes Hagar and Ismail’s survival from what the pilgrims have gathered to celebrate: their attention is directed to the honour Ibrahim’s visit bestowed on the valley. Ismail thus belongs to a foundational survival episode that the surrounding festival remembers only indirectly.