The Unnamed Son of Abraham’s Sacrifice in the Quran

In the Quran, the specific name of the son to be sacrificed by Abraham is not mentioned. Thus it signifies that the name of Isaac in Genesis 22, verse 2, is nothing but a scribal interpolation. What is the explanation for this argument?

The argument that the Quran’s omission of the specific name of the son to be sacrificed by Abraham signifies that the name of Isaac in Genesis 22, verse 2, is a scribal interpolation is a viewpoint held by some scholars, but it is not universally accepted within the field of biblical studies or Islamic theology. This argument is based on textual and historical analysis and often arises in discussions about the relationship between the Quran and the Bible.

Here’s a brief overview of the argument:

Quranic account: In the Quran, the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son is mentioned in Surah As Saffat (Chapter 37), but the specific name of the son is not provided. This omission has led some scholars to argue that the Quran intentionally avoids naming the son to prevent any confusion or dispute regarding the identity of the son.

Biblical account: In the Book of Genesis (Genesis 22, verse 2), the son to be sacrificed is identified as Isaac. This is a well-known account in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
Argument: Some scholars propose that the Quranic omission of the son’s name suggests that the original, unaltered biblical account did not specify the son’s name, and the name Isaac was added later through scribal interpolation in the biblical text.

Quranic Interpretation:

The Quranic narrative does not explicitly name the son of the near sacrifice, but Islamic tradition and many Muslim scholars have historically identified him as Ishmael. This belief is supported by the chronological events in the Quran, indicating that the promise of Isaac’s birth was made after the account of sacrifice, suggesting that Ishmael was the likely candidate for sacrifice.

It’s important to note that this argument is not universally accepted, and there is ongoing debate among scholars regarding the relationship between the Quran and the Bible. Islamic tradition generally does not delve into such textual criticism but rather focuses on the theological and moral aspects of the story.

“The Sacrifice of Isaac” by Caravaggio is among the most famous paintings of the sacrifice and is remarkable in its ability to capture both the beauty and terror of the story. Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac but an angel dramatically stops Abraham by grabbing his hand and pointing to the substitute ram

Genesis 22:18: Muhammad, the Hajj, and Differing Interpretations Across Abrahamic Faiths

Did Muhammad, through the Hajj ritual, fulfill the prophecy mentioned in Genesis 22, verse 18?

The verse you are referring to, Genesis 22, verse 18, reads:

“And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
This promise is made to Abraham after he demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice his son (Isaac, according to the Bible; Ishmael, according to Islamic tradition).


Many Jewish and Christian theologians interpret the “offspring” (or “seed”) mentioned in this verse as a reference to the line of descendants that would lead to the Jewish people, and by extension, to Jesus Christ in Christian theology. Through this lineage, blessings would be conferred to all nations.

In Islamic theology, however, the “offspring” or “seed” in Genesis 22, verse 18, is often interpreted as referring to Ishmael, the son who was nearly sacrificed according to Islamic tradition. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad, as a direct descendant of Ishmael, fulfills this prophecy, as it is through him that all nations are blessed with the message of Islam.

The lineage of Prophet Muhammad through Ishmael is considered important in Islamic belief because the near-sacrifice event, believed to involve Ishmael instead of Isaac, is central to the Abrahamic covenant. Muslims believe that the final and complete message of God to humanity, Islam, came through this prophetic lineage.


The Hajj ritual, which commemorates events in the lives of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael, can be seen by Muslims as a testament to the fulfillment of this prophecy. Every year, followers of Islam globally gather in Mecca to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage, commemorating the tradition of Abraham’s near sacrifice of his son Ishmael.

It symbolizes the universality of the blessings promised to Abraham’s descendants. For many Muslims, this pilgrimage is a manifestation of the blessings through Ishmael’s lineage, culminating in Muhammad and the global reach of Islam.

However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, especially among Jewish and Christian theologians, who typically see the “offspring” or “seed” in Genesis 22, verse 18, as referring to Isaac’s line, ultimately leading to the people of Israel and, in Christian theology, to Jesus Christ. Interpretations of scripture are deeply influenced by religious, theological, and cultural perspectives.

In summary, while some Muslims assert that Muhammad, as a descendant of Ishmael, fulfills the prophecy in Genesis 22, verse 18, through the message of Islam and rituals like the Hajj, this interpretation is specific to Islamic theology. It reflects the belief that Ishmael, rather than Isaac, was the son nearly sacrificed and that Muhammad, as Ishmael’s descendant, brings blessings to all nations. This view is not shared by all Abrahamic faiths.

The Significance of Hajj: Commemorating Hagar’s Search for Water and Abraham’s Sacrifice

Introduction:

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, holds great significance for millions of Muslims worldwide. While Hajj is primarily associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad, it also commemorates important biblical events. One such event is the story of Hagar’s search for water for her baby Ishmael, as well as Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. This essay aims to explore the historical and religious significance of these events in the context of Hajj.

Historical Background:

To understand the significance of Hagar’s search for water for her baby Ishmael and Abraham’s sacrifice, it is crucial to delve into their historical context. According to Islamic tradition, Hagar was the wife of the Prophet Abraham and the mother of Ishmael. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away by Abraham at God’s command. They wandered in the desert near Mecca until they ran out of water, prompting Hagar to search desperately for water to save her infant son.

Hagar’s Search for Water:

Hagar’s search for water for her infant son Ishmael is a deeply emotional and poignant story that resonates with the theme of struggle and resilience. In Islamic tradition, it is believed that Hagar’s unwavering faith and determination led her to the miraculous discovery of the Zamzam well, which continues to provide water for pilgrims during Hajj. The act of retracing Hagar’s footsteps during the Hajj pilgrimage symbolizes the physical and spiritual journey of seeking Muslims blessings and guidance from God.

Abraham’s Sacrifice:

Another biblical event associated with Hajj is the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham received a command from God to sacrifice his beloved son as a test of his faith. Abraham, demonstrating unwavering devotion, prepared to carry out the command, but at the last moment, God intervened and replaced Ishmael with a ram. This event is commemorated during Hajj through the observance of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:

The story of Hagar’s search for water for her infant son and Abraham’s sacrifice carries profound symbolism and spiritual significance for Muslims. Hagar’s unwavering faith and determination symbolize the importance of perseverance and trust in God’s providence. Her search for water reflects the universal human struggle for survival, while the discovery of Zamzam represents divine intervention and sustenance.

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son symbolizes the ultimate act of submission to God’s will. Muslims commemorate this event during Hajj by performing the symbolic stoning of the pillars representing Satan, symbolizing the rejection of temptation and evil. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha symbolizes one’s willingness to give up personal desires and possessions for the sake of God’s pleasure.

Conclusion:

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage, holds immense religious and historical significance for Muslims worldwide. The commemoration of Hagar’s search for water for her infant son and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael adds depth and meaning to this sacred journey. These events symbolize the themes of struggle, faith, perseverance, and submission to God’s will. By retracing Hagar’s footsteps and participating in the rituals associated with Abraham’s sacrifice, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to their faith and seek spiritual enlightenment and blessings during Hajj.

Reinterpreting Zechariah 12:10 through an Islamic Lens: The “Only and Firstborn Son.”

Zechariah 12, verse 10 reads:

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
Through an Islamic lens, let’s explore Zechariah 12, verse 10, where the “only” and “firstborn” may refer to Ishmael, Abraham’s intended sacrifice, causing him immense sorrow, and link this to Surah 2, verse 91 concerning the slaying of God’s prophets.

The Sacred Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments and the Qur’an, narrate profound tales of faith, sacrifice, and the unwavering will of God. Among these, the narrative of Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son stands as a paramount example of submission.

While Christian and Jewish traditions firmly identify this son as Isaac, an alternative perspective emerges when examining Zechariah 12, verse 10 through an Islamic lens, suggesting that the “only” and “firstborn” mourned may indeed be Ishmael, the elder son, and linking this poignant sorrow to the broader theme of the slaying of God’s prophets as mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah 2, verse 91).

From an Islamic perspective, the descriptors “only son” and “firstborn” resonate deeply with the position of Ishmael Abraham’s life at the time of the divine command for sacrifice. When Abraham received the command, Ishmael was Abraham’s sole son and indeed his firstborn, many years before Isaac’s birth.

The profound sorrow and “bitterness” described in Zechariah 12, verse 10, mirroring the grief for a singular, irreplaceable child, powerfully aligns with the immense emotional trial Abraham faced concerning Ishmael.

The narrative in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Saffat, 37, verses 102 to 107) speaks of Abraham’s vision and Ishmael’s courageous acceptance of his father’s duty, culminating not in a literal sacrifice, but in God substituting a great ram. This pivotal moment underscores the depth of the trial and the immense love and trust between father and son.

The weight of Abraham’s potential loss, had the sacrifice been carried out, would have been unimaginable. The idea that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son at that time, his beloved firstborn, resonates profoundly with the language used in Zechariah. This interpretation posits that the grief envisioned in the prophecy is a reflection of this profound historical and emotional reality.

The anguish described in Zechariah 12, verse 10 – “and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced” – invites a profound contemplation within an Islamic worldview. While God in Islam is utterly transcendent, beyond physical form or suffering, the concept of “piercing” can be understood metaphorically. In the Quran, this metaphor aligns with the condemnation of those who have murdered God’s prophets, symbolically equating the rejection and killing of His messengers with an insult to God Himself.

Surah 2, verse 91 addresses this rebellion:

“And when it is said to them, ‘Believe in what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘We believe [only] in what was revealed to us.’ And they disbelieve in what came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them. Say, ‘Then why did you kill the prophets of Allah before, if you were [indeed] believers?’”
Here, the Quran rebukes the Israelites for killing the prophets, equating such acts with a direct affront to God Himself. This aligns with the language of Zechariah 12, verse 10—“they shall look upon me whom they have pierced.” In Islam, attacking God’s prophets is seen as a direct assault upon the divine mission and, by extension, a rebellion against God’s will.

Conclusion


Through an Islamic lens, Zechariah 12, verse 10’s references to “only” and “firstborn” harmonize with the identity of Ishmael as Abraham’s first son and the near-sacrificial offering. Abraham’s sorrow reflects the deep grief described in the verse.

Furthermore, the “piercing” mentioned in Zechariah 12, verse 10 finds a thematic parallel in the Quranic condemnation of those who murdered God’s prophets, illustrating that such acts of violence against the messengers of God are tantamount to defying God Himself