The Architect and Assistant in Building the Kaaba

In the noble verse under discussion, after establishing the key components of the sentence—the verb, subject, and object—Ishmael’s name is then introduced: “And [remember] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael.” There appear to be two possible reasons for mentioning Ishmael separately:

The phrasing and structure indicate that Ishmael served as his father’s assistant and deputy, while Abraham, the Friend of the Most Merciful, led the central aspects of designing and constructing the Kaaba.

Out of respect for Abraham’s unique status as one of the ulū l-ʿazm (resolute prophets), Ishmael’s name, though he was also a prophet, is mentioned separately. This distinction does not imply any difference in their approach to building the Kaaba.