Yaʿqūb (AS)

Jacob, known in Arabic as Yaʿqūb, is a revered prophet in Islam and one of the patriarchs of the Children of Israel. He was the son of Isaac (Isḥāq AS) and the grandson of Abraham (Ibrāhīm AS). The Qurʾān presents Yaʿqūb (AS) as a righteous prophet chosen by Allah, distinguished by patience, devotion, and unwavering trust in God. He is also identified with the title “Israel,” from whom the Banū Isrāʾīl (Children of Israel) descended.

The Qurʾān frequently mentions Yaʿqūb (AS) in connection with his son Joseph (Yūsuf AS). The narrative in Sūrat Yūsuf describes Yaʿqūb’s deep affection for Yūsuf (AS), the jealousy of his other sons, and the prolonged separation that followed when Yūsuf was cast into a well and later taken to Egypt. Despite immense grief and the loss of his eyesight from sorrow, Yaʿqūb (AS) remained patient and steadfast, repeatedly declaring his trust in Allah. Muslim exegetes regard his response to suffering as one of the Qurʾān’s greatest examples of ṣabr (patient perseverance) and reliance upon divine mercy.

Islamic tradition portrays Yaʿqūb (AS) as both a prophet and the spiritual father of the Israelite prophets who followed him. The Qurʾān mentions that before his death he advised his sons to remain faithful to the worship of Allah alone, asking them: “What will you worship after me?” They replied that they would worship the God of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac (Q. 2:133). This passage emphasizes the continuity of monotheistic belief across generations of prophets and the transmission of divine guidance within the Abrahamic lineage.

Classical Muslim scholars discussed Yaʿqūb (AS) extensively in tafsīr, qiṣaṣ al-anbiyāʾ, and historical literature. His life became a model of parental compassion, spiritual endurance, and trust in Allah during adversity. The Qurʾānic portrayal of Yaʿqūb (AS) emphasizes moral and emotional depth, presenting him as a prophet whose faith remained firm despite prolonged suffering and uncertainty. His reunion with Yūsuf (AS) at the end of the narrative symbolizes divine mercy, fulfilment of prophetic vision, and the triumph of patience and faith.