(54–55) “And mention in the Book Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. * He used to enjoin prayer and zakah upon his family, and he was pleasing to his Lord.”

That is: Mention in the Noble Quran this great prophet from whom the Arab people descended—the best and noblest of peoples—and from among whom came the master of the children of Adam.

“Indeed, he was true to his promise.” That is, whenever he made a promise, he fulfilled it. This includes promises he made to Allah and to people. Thus, when he promised that he would patiently endure his father’s slaughtering [him] (1), saying, “You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast,” he fulfilled that promise and allowed his father to slaughter him—the greatest calamity that can befall a person. Allah then described him as possessing messengership and prophethood, which [are] among the greatest blessings Allah bestows upon His servant; those endowed with them (2) belong to the highest rank of creation.

“He used to enjoin prayer and zakah upon his family.” That is, he upheld Allah’s command within his household, enjoining upon them prayer, which entails sincere devotion to the One worshipped, and zakah, which entails kindness toward His servants. He thus perfected himself and helped others attain perfection—especially those dearest to him, namely his family, for they had a greater claim to his call than anyone else.

“And he was pleasing to his Lord.” This was because he complied with everything pleasing to his Lord and strove diligently to please Him. Allah was pleased with him and made him one of His elect servants and close allies. Thus, Allah was pleased with him, and [he] was pleased with his Lord.