Tafsir of Maryam 19:54

"And mention in the Book Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise..."

Ishmael (peace be upon him) is singled out for "truthfulness in promise," even though this quality existed in other prophets, as a means of honoring and exalting him—much like the titles "the Forbearing" (al-Ḥalīm), "the Compassionate" (al-Awwāh), and "the Truthful" (al-Ṣiddīq). Furthermore, it is the trait for which he is most famously known.

It is narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he once promised a companion he would wait for him in a certain place, and he waited for him for a year. Suffice it to say that he promised himself to be patient regarding his own slaughter and fulfilled it, as he said: "You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast" (al-Ṣāffāt: 102).

"And he used to enjoin upon his people prayer and zakah..."

He would begin with his own family in commanding righteousness and worship to make them an example for those who followed them, and because they are more deserving than all other people. As the verses state: "And warn your closest kindred" (al-Shuʿarāʾ: 214), "And enjoin prayer upon your family" (Ṭā Hā: 132), and "Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire" (al-Taḥrīm: 6). Do you not see that they are more entitled to charity? Thus, religious benevolence is even more appropriate.

It has also been said that "his family" refers to his entire nation, both relatives and others, because the nations of the prophets are counted among their families. This implies that it is the duty of the righteous person not to spare any effort in advising strangers, let alone relatives and those connected to him, and that he should bestow religious benefits upon them and not neglect any part of that.

"And mention in the Book Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station."