Isma'il (peace be upon him) was given to Ibrahim as glad tidings of a forbearing (halim) son (37:101). When Ibrahim told him of the vision of sacrifice, Isma'il replied, "O my father, do as you are commanded; you will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient" (37:102). Both submitted, and Allah ransomed him with a great sacrifice, honouring the sincerity of father and son (37:103-107). (The Quran does not name the son; the sound and preponderant view of the scholars, from the context of 37:100–112, is that he was Ismāʿīl — the rival identification as Isḥāq entered tafsīr through isrāʾīliyyāt.)
Together with his father, Isma'il raised the foundations of the Ka'bah, both praying that Allah accept their work (2:127). Allah instructed them to purify His House for those who circle it and worship there (2:125).
The Qur'an praises Isma'il as true to his promise, a messenger and a prophet, who used to command his family to prayer and zakah and was pleasing to his Lord (19:54-55). He is counted among the patient and the righteous whom Allah admitted into His mercy (21:85-86).