Muhammad, Torah and Hebrew prophets

Does Hagar’s prophecy in Genesis 21, verse 18, predate the Torah given to Moses?

Yes, Hagar’s prophecy in Genesis 21, verse 18, predates the Torah as given to Moses. The Book of Genesis, which includes the story of Hagar, is considered part of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and traditionally attributed to Moses.

However, the events described in Genesis, including Hagar's encounter with God and the prophecy concerning her son Ishmael, are believed to have occurred long before the time of Moses, around the patriarchal period.

The narrative in Genesis 21 describes Hagar and Ishmael in the context of Abraham's family and is thus seen as part of the pre-Mosaic tradition. The Torah, or Pentateuch, as a compilation and codification, is generally understood to have been formalized during the time of Moses, which occurs much later in the biblical timeline.

Therefore, the events and prophecies in Genesis can be considered as part of the earlier history before the giving of the law to Moses.

Torah scroll in the ark at the Aur Torah synagogue Sephardic temple in Staten Island, New York

What is the argument put forth by those who support the idea that the prophethood of Muhammad is linked to Hagar's prophecy, which predates the Torah, in contrast to Hebrew prophets who are associated with the Torah? Consequently, Muhammad, in contrast to Hebrew prophets such as Jesus, is not bound by the laws of the Torah.

Supporters of the idea that the prophethood of Muhammad is linked to Hagar's prophecy, which predates the Torah, argue that this connection sets Muhammad apart from Hebrew prophets who are associated with the Torah. Here is a detailed explanation of their argument:

1. Pre-Torah Origins of Hagar's Prophecy

Proponents argue that Hagar's prophecy, as mentioned in Genesis 21, verse 18, predates the Torah given to Moses. This prophecy concerns Hagar's son, Ishmael, who is promised to become a great nation. This predates the formalization of the Torah, which is traditionally attributed to Moses and his time.

2. Reiteration and Fulfillment in Islamic Rituals

The Torah reiterates Hagar's prophecy, but its fulfillment is seen in Islamic practices, particularly the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj, which involves rituals connected to Hagar and Ishmael, is viewed as a direct link to their legacy. This pilgrimage is a central practice in Islam, signifying the prophecy's fulfillment and its importance in Islamic tradition.

3. Marginalization by Ancient Israelite Scribes

It is suggested that ancient Israelite scribes attempted to downplay the significance of Hagar and Ishmael due to theological and political reasons. This marginalization aimed to elevate the prominence of Isaac and the Israelite lineage over Ishmael. The argument posits that the biblical narrative was shaped in a way that selectively emphasized aspects favorable to the Israelite lineage.

Contrast with Hebrew Prophets

1. Association with the Torah

Hebrew prophets are closely linked to the Torah, which is seen as the foundation of their prophetic authority. The Torah, given to Moses, contains the laws and ethical teachings that Hebrew prophets were tasked with interpreting and enforcing. This connection establishes a continuous line of prophetic tradition rooted in the Mosaic covenant.

2. Muhammad's Independent Prophetic Lineage

In contrast, Muhammad's prophethood is associated with the Abrahamic covenant through Ishmael, rather than the Mosaic covenant. This distinction is significant in Islamic theology, which views Muhammad's message as a continuation and fulfillment of the Abrahamic faith, independent of the Mosaic laws. This perspective underscores the universality of Muhammad's revelation, intended for all humanity, rather than being confined to the specific legal and ritual practices of the Jewish people.

Theological Implications

1. Universal Prophetic Tradition

By associating Muhammad with a prophecy that predates the Torah, supporters argue that prophetic messages have been universal and ongoing throughout human history. This places Islam within a broader, inclusive prophetic tradition that transcends Jewish ethnic and religious boundaries. It emphasizes the continuity of divine guidance from the time of Abraham through to Muhammad.

2. Distinct Covenants

The argument also highlights the existence of distinct covenants in the Abrahamic religions. While the Hebrew prophets operate under the covenant of Moses and the Sinai revelation, Muhammad is seen as part of the covenant given to Abraham and Ishmael. This theological distinction reinforces the idea that different prophetic traditions are validated by separate covenants within the broader framework of Abrahamic faiths.

In summary, the argument linking Muhammad's prophethood to Hagar's prophecy emphasizes its pre-Torah origins, fulfillment in Islamic Hajj, and the marginalization of Hagar's significance by ancient Israelite scribes. This perspective contrasts Muhammad's universal and independent prophetic lineage with the Hebrew prophets' association with the Torah, highlighting distinct covenants and a broader prophetic tradition.

In the context of Islam, the Torah (known as "Taurat" in Arabic) is regarded as one of the holy scriptures that were revealed by God to the Prophet Moses (Musa), known as a foundational text for the Jewish people. Here are some key points regarding the Islamic view of the Torah:

1. Divine Revelation: Muslims believe that the Torah is a divinely revealed book, and it is respected as part of a series of revelations that include the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injil), and the Qur'an itself. Each of these texts is seen as a guide for the people to whom it was revealed, with the Qur'an being viewed as the final and complete revelation.

2. Historical Context: The Torah is acknowledged as having been given to the Israelites and forming an essential part of their religious tradition. It contains laws, moral teachings, and narratives that are important to Jewish theology and identity.

3. Continuity in Prophethood: In Islam, the prophets, including Moses, are seen as part of a continuum of messengers who conveyed God's guidance to humanity. Muslims believe that Moses is one of the significant prophets, and the message of the Torah is seen as part of God's broader plan for humanity, which ultimately culminates in the prophethood of Muhammad.

4. Alteration and Preservation: While the Torah is regarded as a holy book, many Muslims believe that over time, the original texts have been altered or misinterpreted. This belief is grounded in the Islamic view that the Qur'an serves as a final and perfect revelation, providing correct guidance and clarifying any previous imperfections in other scriptures.

5. Moral and Monotheistic Teachings: The teachings of the Torah are sometimes considered congruent with Islamic teachings, especially regarding monotheistic principles and moral values. Both Islam and Judaism strongly emphasize the oneness of God (Tawhid in Islam and strict monotheism in Judaism) and advocate for justice, charity, and ethical behavior, though specific laws may differ.

6. Relation with Judaism and Christianity: In Islam, Judaism and Christianity are viewed as "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitab), meaning that they are recognized as followers of earlier revelations. There is an acknowledgment of the shared Abrahamic heritage and some similarities among the three faiths, though significant theological differences exist.

7. Role of the Torah in Islamic Teachings: Some Islamic legal teachings may reference the Torah, particularly in discussions about ethics and morality. However, the Sharia (Islamic law) derives primarily from the Qur'an and the Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).

In summary, the Torah is viewed within Islam as an important yet historical scripture that forms part of a continuum of divine revelations, acknowledging its significance while asserting the Qur'an's finality and completeness in providing guidance to humanity.