Understanding Abraham's Role in Judaism and the Context of Pre-Jewish Figures

In the Quran Surah 3, verse 67, Allah says to the people of the scripture:

Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was an upright man, a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists.

Also, in Surah 2, verse 124, Allah says:

And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them. Allah said, 'Behold, I make you a leader for the people.' Said Abraham, 'And of my seed?' Allah said 'My covenant shall not reach the evildoers.'

Was Abraham considered to be Jewish in the context of Judaism?

Yes, in the context of Judaism, Abraham is considered to be the first Jew. He is recognized as the founding patriarch of the Israelites, from whom the Jewish people trace their ancestry. His covenant with God (the Abrahamic Covenant) is viewed as a central event in Jewish history.

This covenant included the promise that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, later understood to be Israel. The details of this covenant, including circumcision and the belief in one God (monotheism), are fundamental principles in Jewish faith and practice.

In light of the fact that the word "Jew" is derived from the word "Judah", who was Abraham's great-grandson, how could Abraham have been the first Jew?

Abraham is considered the first Jew because he is recognized as the founding patriarch of the Israelite people, who later became known as the Jews.

While the name "Jew" may be derived from "Judah", one of Abraham's great-grandsons, it is Abraham who is credited with making a covenant with God and following his commands, which set the foundation for the Jewish faith and people. Therefore, Abraham is often referred to as the first Jew due to his pivotal role in the establishment of the Jewish religion and identity.

Were Adam, Enoch, and Noah regarded as Jewish within the realm of Judaism?

In Judaism, Adam, Enoch, and Noah are considered righteous men and prophets, but they are not identified as Jewish in the way Abraham and his descendants are. This is because Judaism as an organized religion, began with God’s covenant with Abraham. Therefore, figures like Adam, Enoch, and Noah, who appear in the Bible before Abraham, are considered pre-Jewish or existing before the establishment of Judaism.

Interfaith Perspectives: Islam's View on Judaism and Christianity

Islam does not regard Judaism and Christianity as false religions but views them as having been corrupted in aspects such as which son was to be offered, the unity of God, and the divine covenant of circumcision. How is this argument articulated?

In Islam, Judaism and Christianity are considered as previous Abrahamic religions, and Muslims believe that they initially contained truth and guidance from God. However, Muslims also believe that these religions underwent changes and corruptions over time.

In the matter of which son was offered for sacrifice, Islam differs from both Judaism and Christianity. In the Islamic tradition, it is understood that Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), not Isaac as mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Muslims regard Ismail as the intended son of sacrifice, and this event is commemorated during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

Muslims also emphasize the unity of God, known as Tawhid, considering it as one of the fundamental principles of Islam. Islam strongly adheres to the notion that God is one and indivisible, without any partners or associates. This perspective varies from the Christian concept of the Trinity, which posits three distinct persons within the Godhead.

Another point of difference lies in the divine covenant of circumcision. In Christianity, the practice of circumcision is not considered a requirement or a necessary part of the divine covenant.
Muslims argue that these differences between Islam and other monotheistic religions highlight how the original teachings may have been altered or misinterpreted over time, leading Islam to claim that it is the final and most accurate revelation from God through the Prophet Muhammad.

Two covenants: Abrahamic and Sinai covenants from an Islamic perspective

Genesis 49, verse 10, reads:

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

The verse implies that Judah's offspring will govern Israel until the arrival of "Shiloh," who holds all royal power. Here, Shiloh, similar to "the Seed" in Genesis 22, verse 18, refers to the future Messiah.

From an Islamic perspective, the word “Shiloh” in Genesis 49, verse 10, is connected to the Abrahamic covenant through Ishmael, who, not Isaac, is believed to be nearly sacrificed. Conversely, the terms "scepter" and "lawgiver" mentioned in Genesis 49, verse 10, are associated with the Sinai covenant. How is their argument articulated?

From an Islamic perspective, the interpretation of Genesis 49, verse 10, and its connection to the Abrahamic covenant through Ishmael involves several key arguments:

1. Shiloh as Muhammad:
Some Islamic scholars interpret "Shiloh" as a reference to Prophet Muhammad. They argue that the prophecy indicates a shift in divine authority away from the line of Judah to a descendant of Ishmael.

2. Abrahamic Covenant through Ishmael:
Islamic tradition holds that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, who was nearly sacrificed by Abraham. This is seen as a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, establishing Ishmael's line as the inheritors of God's promise.

3. Scepter and Lawgiver:
The terms "scepter" and "lawgiver" in Genesis 49, verse 10, are associated with the Sinai covenant given to Moses. Islamic interpretation suggests that these symbols of authority and divine law would remain with the descendants of Judah until the coming of "Shiloh" (Muhammad).

4. Transfer of Authority:
The verse is interpreted to mean that the religious and political authority ("scepter" and "lawgiver") would depart from Judah's line when Shiloh (Muhammad) comes. This is seen as a prophecy of the transition of divine guidance from the Israelite tradition to Islam.

5. Gathering of the People:
The phrase "unto him shall the gathering of the people be" is interpreted as referring to the universal message of Islam brought by Muhammad, which would unite people from various nations and backgrounds.

6. Continuation of Abrahamic Legacy:
Islamic scholars argue that Muhammad, as a descendant of Ishmael, fulfills this prophecy by bringing the final revelation that completes and supersedes previous covenants, while still maintaining continuity with the Abrahamic tradition.

7. Non-Judahite Messiah:
Some interpretations suggest that the verse implies the coming of a messianic figure from outside the tribe of Judah, which aligns with the Islamic view of Muhammad's lineage through Ishmael.

It's important to note that this interpretation is specific to Islamic theology and is not accepted in Jewish or Christian exegesis. The Islamic perspective sees this verse as one of many biblical passages that they believe foretell the coming of Prophet Muhammad and the establishment of Islam as the final Abrahamic faith.