Dato' Haji Ismail bin Hashim was born on 16 April 1933 in Jerlun, Kedah. He received his early education at the Malay School Kedawang, Langkawi up to standard three and continued his education at the Malay School Air Hitam, Kubang Pasu in 1942. In 1947, he furthered his studies at the Maktab Mahmud Alor Star.

Career

• Religious Teacher, Sekolah Kebangsaan Yan (1956-1970)
• Inspector, Department of Islam, Kedah.

The late, Dato' Ismail b. Hashim was well known at the Tilawah Al-Quran Council either at national or international level. His melodious voice while reciting the holy Al-Quran not only mesmerized the local Muslim society but also internationally. Ever since the first musabaqah Al-Quran recital was held in 1956, the late Dato' Ismail was the first and only qari champion who had won nine times at national level and eight times at international level.

He was the only national contestant who had achieved the highest ranking in the musabaqah Al-Quran competition. He was also the first Malay whose Al-Quran recital was broadcasted live on the Sudan television and radio while he was visiting the nation in 1966 and later in Egypt in 1976. He retired from the post of Inspector of Kedah Religious Schools in 1988, had was honoured by the Government of Thailand to recite the Al-Quran before the Maulidur Rasul Council which was held in Bangkok in 1963.

To honour his contributions and services, he was bestowed the Johan Setia
Mahkota (J.S.M.) and the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.) by the His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong as well as several medals; the Setia DiRaja Kedah (S.D.K.), the Perkidmatan Cemerlang Kedah (P.C.K.), the Dato' Setia DiRaja Kedah (D.S.D.K.) and the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (P.J.K.) by HRH. the Sultan of Kedah and Raja of Perlis. Dato' Ismail b. Hashim passed away on 7 August 1966 due to heart problems at the age of 64.