Sarah (Wife of Ibrahim)

Who was Sarah?

Sarah was the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the mother of the Prophet Ishaq (Isaac). A woman of deep faith who believed in Ibrahim and migrated with him in the path of Allah, she received the miraculous glad tidings of a son in her old age — a son, Ishaq, from whose line would come the Prophet Yaqub and a long chain of prophets.

Her Story

Sarah accompanied Ibrahim through his trials, including his migration for the sake of Allah. The Quran recounts the moment when honoured angelic guests came to Ibrahim and gave him the good news of a son. Sarah, who was standing nearby and was advanced in years and had been unable to bear children, reacted with astonishment, exclaiming, "Woe to me! Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is an amazing thing!" The angels reassured her that this was the decree of Allah, whose mercy and blessings are upon the household of the prophets, and that nothing is too wonderful for Allah. In due course she gave birth to Ishaq, and was given further glad tidings of her grandson Yaqub.

Sarah in the Quran

• "And his wife was standing, and she laughed; so We gave her good tidings of Ishaq and, after Ishaq, Yaqub." (11:71)
• "She said: Woe to me! Shall I give birth while I am an old woman...? They said: Are you amazed at the decree of Allah?..." (11:72–73)

Her Virtues and Legacy

Sarah is honoured as the devoted wife of the great patriarch Ibrahim and the mother of a line of prophets. Her story is a sign of Allah's power to grant blessings beyond ordinary means and of His mercy upon the believing household. Her astonishment, gently corrected by the angels, teaches that nothing is impossible for Allah, and that His decree brings blessings in ways His servants could never expect. Through her son Ishaq and grandson Yaqub, she stands at the head of a noble prophetic lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Sarah astonished at the news of a son?

Because she was old and had not been able to have children, so the news of a child seemed beyond natural possibility. The angels gently reminded her not to wonder at the decree of Allah, for His mercy and power are without limit — and she went on to give birth to Ishaq.

How is Sarah connected to the prophets?

She was the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim and the mother of the Prophet Ishaq. Through Ishaq came Yaqub (Jacob) and a long line of prophets of the Children of Israel, making Sarah a key figure in the prophetic family tree.