Wife of Ibrahim · Mother of Isaac
سارة
Sara was the wife of Ibrahim. The Quran recounts the moment when, elderly and barren, she received from angels the unexpected announcement of the birth of a son, Isaac, and a grandson, Jacob — an announcement that made her laugh in amazement.
The Quran evokes Sara through a striking episode. Guests — who were in reality angels — presented themselves to Ibrahim, who offered them hospitality. During their visit they announced extraordinary news.
Sara, present and standing, reacted with a mixture of stupor and wonder: she laughed, then exclaimed, striking her face: 'I, a barren old woman? How can I give birth, when I am old and my husband is an old man?'
The angels reassured her: such is God's command, nothing is impossible for Him. 'The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, people of this house.' Thus was born Isaac, and after him Jacob — perpetuating the prophetic lineage.
Sara's story reminds us that nothing is impossible for God: He gives life where people no longer see the possibility. Her laugh mixed with wonder is that of every believer before a gift that surpasses their expectations.
وَامْرَأَتُهُ قَائِمَةٌ فَضَحِكَتْ فَبَشَّرْنَاهَا بِإِسْحَاقَ وَمِن وَرَاءِ إِسْحَاقَ يَعْقُوبَ
La femme d’Abraham, debout non loin de là, se mit à rire au moment où Nous lui annonçâmes la naissance d’Isaac, suivie de celle de Jacob.
11:71
فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ
Poussant des cris et se frappant le visage, son épouse s’approcha : « Moi, une vieille femme stérile », s’étonna-t-elle.
51:29