Yaqub (Jacob)Israel (He Who Strives with Allah)

Also known as: Jacob, Israel (Isra'il)

Nation / People

The Israelites of Canaan

Period

Son of Ishaq; father of the twelve tribes of Israel

Lifespan

147 years according to some narrations

Burial Place

Cave of Machpelah in al-Khalil (Hebron), Palestine, according to narrations

Message

Beautiful patience (sabr jamil) in the face of loss, and unwavering trust that Allah's decree is perfect. His character of never losing hope in Allah's mercy is exemplary.

Lineage

إبراهيم

Ibrahim

Grandfather

رفقة

Rifqah (Rebecca)

Mother

إسحاق

Ishaq

Father

يعقوب

Yaqub (Jacob)

Prophet (peace be upon him)

Family

Family members named in the Quran and authentic Sunnah.

Sons

يوسف

Yusuf (Joseph)

His son; a prophet. The Quran devotes an entire surah to his story (Surah Yusuf).

The twelve sons (al-Asbat)

Mentioned collectively in the Quran as al-Asbat (the tribes); most are not named individually.

Key Miracles

His eyesight was restored by the shirt of his son Yusuf
Blessed with twelve sons, all of whom were righteous

Key Stories

Fled to his uncle Laban in Haran (modern Turkey/Syria) after his brother 'Isu became jealous
His sons' jealousy towards Yusuf; their deception using the shirt soaked in blood
His prolonged grief for Yusuf, weeping until he lost his sight
His trust in Allah that Yusuf was still alive
Reunion with Yusuf in Egypt; restoration of his sight
Migration of the family to Egypt

Mentioned in the Quran

Surah al-Baqarah (2:132-133)Surah Yusuf (12) - mentioned throughoutSurah Maryam (19:6)

Special Characteristics

Given the title "Israel" (Isra'il) meaning "Slave of Allah" or "He who strives with Allah". His twelve sons became the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite his immense grief over Yusuf, he never expressed anything other than beautiful patience and trust in Allah.