What is the rationale behind mentioning Is-haaq (Isaac) and Ya‘qoob (Jacob), may Allaah exalt their mention, repeatedly throughout the Quran, while Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allaah exalt his mention, is not mentioned as much, even though repeating his mention may emphasize his prophethood, and thus, emphasize the prophethood of his descendent, Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, thereby refuting the lies of the Jews?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The fact that a certain prophet is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran and that another one is not, does not confirm the prophethood of either. One single mention is sufficient proof of prophethood. However, the story of a prophet may be repeated for a reason that only Allaah The Almighty knows and for certain reasons that are relevant to the prophet’s situation with his people.

In the Quran, Allaah The Almighty repeatedly mentioned the prophets of Banu Israa’eel (the children  of Israel) and their father Israa’eel, who is also Ya‘qoob . In the Quran we are told about incidents they went through, the situations they faced while being stubborn with their prophets and the latter’s fruitless efforts to reform their people. These people were the Jews, who are liars and they are described with their true disposition when they said (as the Quran informs us, what means): {"Our hearts are wrapped."}[Quran 2:88]

Perhaps the secret behind the extensive mention of the Jews in the Quran is that all humankind in general and the Muslim Ummah in particular will endure so much suffering and corruption at the hands of the Jews. Humankind has witnessed this throughout history and this is what we are actually witnessing today.

Allaah Knows best.