This passage (vv. 35–41) offers the precise words of a prayer of Abraham for himself and his descendants. He praises Allah for giving him Ishmael and Isaac in his old age (v. 39) and asks forgiveness for himself, his parents, and his people (v. 41).

This expression that Allah granted Ishmael to Abraham (v. 39) is unique in the Quran. It appears among a series of verses that say Allah granted Isaac and Jacob to Abraham (6.84; 19.49; 27.27). See the analysis of verses related to Isaac at 21.72 and 37.101, 107. For a discussion of prophets asking Allah for forgiveness, see 48.2.