Allah said that Ibrahim and Isma`il supplicated to Him,

(Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik, and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.)

Ibn Jarir said, "They meant by their supplication, `Make us submit to Your command and obedience and not associate anyone with You in obedience or worship. ''Also, `Ikrimah commented on the Ayah,

(Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You)

"Allah said, `I shall do that.'''

(And of our offspring a nation submissive unto You)

Allah said, `I shall do that.'"

This supplication by Ibrahim and Isma`il is similar to what Allah informed us of about His believing servants,

(And those who say: `Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the Muttaqin) (25:74).

This type of supplication is allowed, because loving to have offspring who worship Allah alone without partners is a sign of complete love of Allah. This is why when Allah said to Ibrahim,

(Verily, I am going to make you an Imam (a leader) for mankind (to follow you)) Ibrahim said,

("And of my offspring (to make leaders).'' (Allah) said, "My covenant (prophethood) includes not the Zalimin (polytheists and wrongdoers)'') which is explained by,

(And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols)

Muslim narrated in his Sahih that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(When the son of Adam dies, his deeds end except for three deeds: an ongoing charity, a knowledge that is being benefited from and a righteous son who supplicates (to Allah) for him.)