Etymology and Meaning
The literal translation of the name Ismail is heard by Allah or God has heard and it refers to the yearning of Ibrahim and his wife, Sarah, to have a child. Ismail's mother, Hagar was the handmaiden of the Princess. Muhammad, a descendant of Ismail who was sent the Qur'an by Allah, became the final messenger, and so the name Ismail is often taken to mean the fulfillment of a divine promise resulting from prayer being heard.
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Famous quotes containing the words etymology and/or meaning:
“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
—Giambattista Vico (1688–1744)
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