The historical roots of the children of Israel; P.1
Selections from the Book The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq…
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (24)
The Children of Israel are descendants of ''Israel'', who is the Prophet Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, peace be upon them. The Holy Quran mentions Prophet Jacob, peace be upon him, and refers to him by two names: Jacob and Israel.
As for "Jacob" it is a non-Arabic name and is not subject to Arabic linguistic rules due to its foreign origin. Considering its non-Arabic nature, it is advisable not to seek its meaning in Arabic or refer to Israeli stories to explain why he was named Jacob.
1- Places where the name Jacob, peace be upon him, appears in the Holy Qur’an:
(Jacob) was mentioned fifteen times in the Qur’an, as it was mentioned in the following Meccan surahs:
- In Surah Maryam: It is mentioned twice, once in the information about Abraham, peace be upon him, and once in the supplication of Zechariah, peace be upon him, asking his Lord for a child.
- In Surah Hud: It was mentioned once regarding the good news of Isaac, then Jacob.
- In Surah Al-Anbiya: where he was mentioned once regarding the good news of Abraham and then Jacob.
- In Surah Al-Ankabut, it is mentioned once in the context of Allah placing prophethood in the descendants of Abraham and his grandson Jacob.
- In Surah (SAD), he was mentioned once in the gathering of the three honorable people: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, peace be upon them.
As for the Medinan surahs in which he was mentioned, they are:
- In Surah Al-Baqarah, Jacob is mentioned four times, specifically in the context of his Islam and his testament to his children while on his deathbed, urging them to embrace Islam and have faith in the revealed Books and all the sent messengers. From this, it can be inferred that the Jews are obligated to follow the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and embrace his religion.
- In Surah Al-Imran, Jacob is mentioned once, in the context of inviting the People of the Book to have faith in all the prophets, peace be upon them.
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq, pp. 613-614.
- Qur’anic stories, presentation of facts and analysis of events, (2/50).
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
