The Divergent Accounts of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael in Islamic and Judeo-Christian Traditions

Islamic tradition holds that Abraham left his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael alone in the desert near Mecca. Ishmael was still an infant at the time. The interpolation of Genesis 21, verses 9 to 10, is therefore evident from this event. How are they articulating their argument?

The argument regarding the interpolation of Genesis 21, verses 9 to 10, in the context of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael is articulated by contrasting the Islamic tradition with the Judeo-Christian narrative. Here’s how the argument is framed:



1. Divine Command Versus Human Jealousy:

In Islamic tradition, Abraham’s decision to leave Hagar and Ishmael in the desert was a direct command from God as a test of faith. This is seen as a noble and divinely ordained act, rather than a result of Sarah’s jealousy.

In the Judeo-Christian narrative, the banishment is attributed to Sarah’s jealousy when she saw Ishmael "mocking" Isaac, which led her to demand their expulsion.

2. Age Discrepancy:

Islamic sources describe Ishmael as a nursing infant when he was left in the desert, which aligns with the practical details of Hagar carrying him and the subsequent events.

The Bible suggests Ishmael was about 17 years old, which raises logical issues about Hagar carrying him and the depiction of him as a helpless child under a bush.

3. Miraculous Provision:

In Islamic tradition, the story emphasizes the miraculous provision of water through the Zamzam well, which is a central part of Hajj rituals and symbolizes God’s care and provision.

The Judeo-Christian account also mentions divine intervention, but it does not have the same ritualistic and symbolic significance as in Islam.

4. Cultural and Religious Impact:

The Islamic narrative underscores the foundational role of Ishmael and Hagar in the establishment of Mecca and the Kaaba, highlighting their importance in Islamic tradition.

In contrast, Ishmael plays a minor role in Judeo-Christian traditions, primarily recognized as the ancestor of the Arabs but not central to religious practices.

Conclusion

The interpolation argument is articulated by highlighting these differences and suggesting that the Genesis account may have been influenced or altered to fit the theological and cultural context of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Islamic narrative, with its emphasis on divine command and the early age of Ishmael, presents a coherent and practical story that aligns with the physical and spiritual elements of the Hajj pilgrimage, thus offering a distinct perspective on the events surrounding Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.

Heir to Abraham: Isaac vs. Ishmael

The phrase "Heir to Abraham: Isaac vs. Ishmael" pertains to the biblical narrative surrounding Abraham, who is regarded as the progenitor of both Isaac and Ishmael. In the biblical account, God assures Abraham that he will have a son, leading to the birth of two sons: Isaac, born to his wife Sarah, and Ishmael, born to his servant Hagar.

The competition between Isaac and Ishmael arises from their respective positions as heirs to Abraham's legacy. Within Jewish tradition, Isaac is recognized as the legitimate heir and the primary recipient of God's covenant with Abraham, while Ishmael is frequently depicted as an outsider or a rejected figure.

Conversely, Islamic tradition perceives Ishmael as a fruit of Abraham, wheras Isaac is considered a divine gift given to Abraham and Sarah during their later years, due to Abraham's obedience in leaving the infant Ishmael and his mother in the desert near the Kaaba (the house of God), as well as his willingness to sacrifice Ishmael.

I seek clarification regarding the interpretation of this argument.

In the Islamic tradition, Ishmael is regarded as a symbol of Abraham's initial struggle and test of faith, while Isaac represents the ultimate reward for his unwavering obedience to God. The narrative of Abraham leaving infant Ishmael and his mother in the desert near the Kaaba illustrates Abraham's trust in God's plan, even when confronted with difficult decisions.

Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Ishmael further underscores his complete submission to God's will, as he was willing to relinquish the most precious thing in his life without hesitation. This act of devotion holds great significance in Islamic teachings and serves as a compelling example of faith and obedience.

As a reward for Abraham’s steadfastness and willingness to follow God’s commands — both in leaving infant Ishmael and Hagar in the desert and in his willingness to sacrifice Ishmael — God granted Abraham and Sarah a miraculous gift: the birth of Isaac in their old age.

This divine blessing signified God’s recognition of Abraham’s faith and further cemented his role as a patriarch of monotheistic faith, with both Ishmael and Isaac becoming the forebears of great nations.

This narrative highlights the interconnected themes of sacrifice, trust, and divine reward, demonstrating that true faith is met with God’s grace and fulfillment of His promises.

The Quran asserts that it rectifies the biblical narrative surrounding Abraham by confirming Ishmael as the son who carried on Abraham's legacy in accordance with the Abrahamic covenant. Additionally, the divine selection of the ancient Israelites and their Hebrew prophets under the Sinai covenant before the advent of Islam is seen as a precursor to the coming of Muhammad, the last Prophet.