What is the guidance for the word "min" (مِنْ) in the verse: "Our Lord, indeed I have settled some of my offspring" (Ibrahim/37); especially since Ishmael was Abraham's only son when he was placed at the Kaaba?
Regarding the word (مِن - min) in the aforementioned verse, there are two scholarly opinions: The first is that it signifies partiality (tab'eediya), meaning that the intention was to settle some of his offspring, namely Ishmael and those born from him. The response to the question: "How could Abraham mention that he settled some of his offspring when he had no one but Ishmael?" is that Abraham made this supplication some time after the construction of the Kaaba, or that he did not migrate with them until after Isaac's birth, or that the object (of the verb) is omitted and the intended meaning is Ishmael.
The second opinion is that (مِن - min) is an extra particle for emphasis (za'idah li-l-tawkeed), and the meaning is: "I have settled my offspring." In summary, either (مِن - min) is for emphasis, in which case there is no problem, or it signifies partiality, referring to some of his offspring. It is not necessary for all of his offspring to be present; it is sufficient that he knew or hoped he would have other offspring besides Ishmael, and that Ishmael was present, with his descendants following him thereafter.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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