Does the Quran Mention Israel? Exploring the Verses in Depth

Does the Quran mention Israel? This question often arises in discussions about religion, history, and politics. The Quran indeed refers to Israel, but not as a modern nation or land.

Instead, it speaks of Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him), also called Israel, and his descendants, the Children of Israel (Bani Israel). Exploring these references sheds light on their spiritual and historical significance in the Quranic narrative.

Meaning of the Word “”Israel”” in the Quran

To answer the question “does the Quran mention Israel?”, it is essential first to understand what the term “Israel” refers to within Quranic discourse. In the Quran, the word “Israel” (إِسْرَائِيل) appears in the context of “Bani Israel” (بَنِي إِسْرَائِيل), which translates to “Children of Israel.” This term is mentioned numerous times and carries significant historical and theological weight.

Who is Israel in the Quran?

Does the Quran mention Israel? Who is Israel? According to Islamic tradition and scholarly consensus, “Israel” is a title of the Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob), peace be upon him. This is derived from classical tafsir literature, such as Tafsir al-Tabari and Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which confirm that Israel refers to Ya‘qub, the son of Ishaq (Isaac) and grandson of Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them all.

Does the Quran mention Israel? does it mention that Yaqub is Israel?  The Quran does not explicitly state that “Israel” is Ya‘qub, but this identification is supported by authentic Hadiths and exegesis (tafsir). For example, in Sahih al-Bukhari, there is a narration in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ referred to Ya‘qub as Israel during his explanation of various laws and historical accounts related to Bani Israel.

All food was lawful for the children of Israel, except what Israel1 made unlawful for himself before the Torah was revealed.2 Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Bring the Torah and read it, if your claims are true.”— Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:93)

“كُلُّ الطَّعَامِ كَانَ حِلًّا لِّبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِلَّا مَا حَرَّمَ إِسْرَائِيلُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ”

This verse not only confirms that Israel is a person but also gives insight into the practices of Ya‘qub (peace be upon him) and his progeny.

Begin your Private Islamic learning journey with a free Consultation session by Sheikhs from Al-Azhar, Egypt! 

The Story of Prophet Yaqub (Israel)

To fully understand the context behind the question “does the Quran mention Israel?”, it is essential to explore the life of the Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him), who is referred to as “Israel” in Islamic tradition. His story is a vital part of the Quranic narrative and offers profound lessons on patience, faith, and legacy.

Lineage and Role as a Prophet

to know the answer to does the quran mention israel we should first understand the story of prophet Yaqub. Prophet Yaqub (Israel) was the son of Ishaq (Isaac) and the grandson of Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them both. He was among the noble lineage of prophets blessed by Allah:

“And We gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — all [of them] We guided…” — Surah Al-An’am (6:84)

His name “Israel” means “servant of Allah” or “one who struggles with God”, and he was honored with prophethood. Allah mentions him multiple times in the Quran, always in association with righteousness and sincere worship.

A Life of Trials and Patience

One of the most touching elements of Yaqub’s story is found in Surah Yusuf, where he is portrayed as a loving father deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved son, Yusuf (Joseph):

“He said, ‘I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.’”— Surah Yusuf (12:86)

Despite the grief, Yaqub remained patient and turned to Allah alone, embodying the essence of sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust in Allah). This patience was rewarded when he was eventually reunited with Yusuf.

Legacy as “Israel” and Father of Bani Israel

As the father of twelve sons, Prophet Yaqub became the patriarch of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, known collectively as Bani Israel. These tribes played a major role in the unfolding of divine revelation and history, as many prophets emerged from among them, including Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron), Dawud (David), and Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them all.

Thus, when one asks, “does the Quran mention Israel?”, it refers not only to Yaqub himself but to the prophetic heritage that descended from him.

have you ever wondered “Can you recite Quran without wudu” If yes then read our article and find out the answer!

His Final Advice to His Children

One of the most profound moments in Yaqub’s life occurs at his deathbed when he gathers his sons and asks them about their faith:

“Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said, ‘We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac—one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:133)

This final conversation confirms Yaqub’s unwavering commitment to monotheism and his effort to preserve the pure worship of Allah among his descendants, a key theme in understanding the subsequent narrative of Bani Israel in the Quran.

Have you ever wondered if can Muslims listen to music in Islam or not? if yes then read our article to find out the answer!

Does the Quran Mention Israel as a Land or Nation?

In the Quran, the term “Israel” is never used to denote a modern nation-state or a specific geographic territory. Instead, all references are either to Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him)—who is also known as Israel, or to his descendants, the Children of Israel (Bani Israel). This usage is consistent throughout the Quran and centers on their religious, moral, and spiritual journey.  

With the help of Ulum Al-Azhar Academy, you can learn Quran recitation with tajweed. You can easily join the private tutoring at Private Tadarus Al-Quran & Recitation with Ijazah, where you learn and practice Quran recitation with a professional and expert Quran tutor from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

Conclusion

In exploring the question “does the Quran mention Israel?”, it becomes clear that the Quran refers to Israel as Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) and his descendants, Bani Israel, rather than any modern nation-state.

The Quran recounts their story with depth, highlighting their blessings, trials, and responsibilities. Through these narratives, believers are invited to reflect, learn, and strive for sincerity in faith. Understanding Israel in its Quranic context offers both historical insight and timeless moral lessons.

Book a Free Consultation session and start learning!  

FAQs

Why is Bani Israel mentioned so often in the Quran?

Their story serves as a lesson for believers on obedience, ingratitude, and divine justice.

Is the modern State of Israel mentioned in the Quran?

No, the Quran does not mention or endorse any modern political state named Israel.