Azahari Hassim
Genesis 21, verses 9 to 10, reads:
But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”
Certain Islamic scholars assert that the narrative concerning Hagar and Ishmael as depicted in the Torah may have undergone modifications by later scribes. They propose that the verses in Genesis 21, verses 9 to 10 may have been inserted at a later date, given that Hagar and Ishmael had already left Abraham’s household prior to the birth of Isaac. Furthermore, Islamic tradition indicates that Ishmael was an infant during this period (when departing from Abraham’s household).
The story of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael is recounted in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions, but the interpretations of events differ significantly, especially regarding motivations and circumstances.
In Islamic tradition, the narrative emphasizes that Abraham’s decision to leave Hagar and Ishmael in the desert was a direct command from God. This command is viewed as a test of Abraham’s faith and obedience to divine will. Muslims interpret Abraham’s actions as noble and part of a larger divine plan, which highlights his trust in God’s wisdom. The act is not attributed to any personal motives, such as jealousy or resentment, but is instead seen as a fulfilling of God’s purpose for Abraham and his family.
Conversely, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the focus shifts more towards human emotions and relationships. The narrative often centers around Sarah’s jealousy and insecurity upon seeing Ishmael mock Isaac, her son with Abraham. This jealousy leads Sarah to demand that Abraham expel Hagar and Ishmael from their home. This viewpoint highlights how complicated human feelings can be and the possible disagreements that might occur within family relationships. These conflicts can lead to feelings of being left out due to personal emotions.
Concerning the age discrepancy, Islamic texts typically depict Ishmael as a nursing infant when Hagar was left in the desert. This portrayal aligns with the practical realities of the situation, as it is more feasible for a mother to carry a small child rather than an older one. The narrative implies that Hagar, in her role as a mother, is caring for a very young child, which makes Abraham’s abandonment of them even more poignant given their vulnerability.
In contrast, the Biblical account presents Ishmael as approximately 17 years old at the time of his expulsion. This significant age difference raises questions about the practicality of the situation. If Ishmael were indeed a teenager, it would be less feasible for Hagar to carry him in the way described in the narratives. Additionally, the image of a young man depicted as helpless under a bush can create a conflicting view of his character, complicating the emotional weight of the story.
In conclusion, the Islamic viewpoint on the story of Hagar and Ishmael as presented in the Torah is marked by skepticism regarding the authenticity of certain verses. Islamic scholars argue that the timeline and events described in the Torah may have been altered, and Islamic tradition suggests that Ishmael was an infant during this period (when departing from Abraham’s household).
The connection between Islam and the land that God promised to Abraham in the Torah
Genesis 15, verse 18 reads:
“In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates”.
Genesis 15, verse 18 is a specific verse in the Bible, which is part of the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. It describes a covenant that God made with Abraham, promising him and his descendants land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates River.
Did the establishment of Islam as the religion of Abraham in the Middle East or the Levant fulfill the promise of God to Abraham that his descendants through Ishmael would inherit the land from the border of Egypt to the Euphrates River as mentioned in the Torah or Genesis 15, verse 18?
Islamic scholars assert that the ancient scribes may have manipulated the Torah to favor Isaac instead of Ishmael. How do they present their argument?
Islamic scholars argue that the establishment of Islam in the Middle East and Levant region did fulfill God’s promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael’s descendants.
They point out that Islam spread rapidly across this area in the 7th-8th centuries, bringing monotheistic worship of the God of Abraham to millions.
It is asserted that the ancient scribes who wrote the Torah may have altered the stories to show preference for Isaac’s descendants over Ishmael’s.
They suggest that this bias may have been influenced by socio-political factors, such as the dominance of the Israelite tribes, which led to the emphasis on Isaac’s descendants in the biblical account.
Historically, the Arab-Islamic Caliphates after the rise of Islam in the 7th century did indeed conquer and control territories extending from Egypt to the Euphrates River, which matches the geographical extent of the land mentioned in Genesis 15, verse 18. This has led some to draw parallels between the spread of Islam and the fulfillment of the promise to Ishmael’s descendants.
From an Islamic theological perspective, the establishment of Islam in the Middle East and the Levant is seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, as it recognizes and upholds the significance of Ishmael’s lineage.
Islamic scholars argue that both Isaac and Ishmael are equally revered as prophets, and that their respective lineages are part of God’s overarching plan for humanity, with Hebrew prophets paving the way for the coming of Muhammad, the last prophet.
In summary, Islamic scholars argue that:
- The promise made to Abraham about his descendants inheriting the land could have been fulfilled through Ishmael.
- The Torah might have been altered over time to give greater emphasis to Isaac’s lineage and downplay Ishmael’s role.
- The rise of Islam and the influence of the descendants of Ishmael (through Prophet Muhammad) is seen as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
- The spread of Islam and its dominance in the Middle East aligns with the geographical scope of the promise made to Abraham in the Torah, reinforcing the idea that Ishmael’s descendants inherited this blessing.
These arguments reflect a broader theological debate regarding the interpretation of ancient texts and the legacy of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, in the context of religious history.
What is Abraham’s Role in Islamic Theology?
According to Islamic theology, the prophet Abraham (known as Ibrahim in Arabic) plays a pivotal role as one of the most important figures in the religion. The Quran refers to him as Khalilullah, meaning “the friend of God.“
Abraham is seen as the father of monotheism and a patriarch for all three major Abrahamic faiths – Islam, Christianity and Judaism. He is considered a model of faith, obedience and devotion to the one true God. Some key aspects of Abraham’s significance in Islam include:
He is credited with establishing the Kaaba (House of God) in Mecca along with his son Ishmael. The Kaaba is Islam’s most sacred site towards which Muslims pray.
Abraham is associated with the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage, such as the pilgrims casting stones at Jamrat al-Aqabah, which commemorates the time when Abraham stoned Satan for attempting to dissuade him from carrying out God’s command to sacrifice his son. Additionally, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah commemorates Hagar’s search for water for her infant son, Ishmael. The Hajj reenacts many significant events from Abraham’s life.
The Eid al-Adha holiday celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. God substituted a ram at the last moment, and Muslims commemorate this with ritual sacrifice.
Abraham is considered a “Muslim” in the sense of being one who submitted to God, even before the rise of Islam as a religion. He is a model for the Prophet Muhammad.
He is mentioned by name 69 times in the Quran and is revered as one of the greatest prophets along with Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Blessings upon Ibrahim are recited by Muslims in daily prayers.
So in summary, the Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham is a central figure in Islam as the archetypal monotheist, a friend of God, a model of faith and obedience, and a patriarch whose life is commemorated through practices like the Hajj and Eid al-Adha. He represents a spiritual link between Islam and the other Abrahamic faiths.
The Covenant of Abraham: A Comparison Between the Bible and the Quran
According to biblical scripture, it is recorded that God established a covenant with Abraham through his son Isaac, rather than his firstborn Ishmael. Conversely, the Quran presents a different perspective by indicating that the covenant was made with Ishmael instead of Isaac. How does the Quran describe this?
Surah 2, verses 124 to 125 of the Quran read:
“And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them. God said, “I am making you a leader of humanity.” Abraham said, “And my descendants?” God said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.”
“And We made the House a focal point for the people, and a sanctuary. Use the shrine of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael, “Sanctify My House for those who circle around it, and those who seclude themselves in it, and those who kneel and prostrate.”
The phrase “And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words,” presented in verse 124, is understood by Quranic commentators to refer to the tests and commands that God imparted to Abraham. These included leaving his family in a barren land, sacrificing his son Ishmael, rebuilding the Kaaba (House of God), and instituting the rite of circumcision.
The Quran clearly states in Surah 2, verse 124 that God made a covenant with Abraham through his son Ishmael, not Isaac. The covenant was established prior to the birth of Isaac, who is regarded as a divine gift to Abraham and Sarah, a result of Abraham’s readiness to offer Ishmael as a sacrifice.
In this context, Ishmael is understood as a son dedicated to God, whereas Isaac is considered a son of blessing for Abraham and Sarah. This contradicts the Biblical account which portrays Isaac as the son who was to inherit the covenant from Abraham.
According to the Quran and Islamic tradition, the Biblical account was distorted to diminish Ishmael’s status as Abraham’s heir in favor of Isaac. This alteration is thought to stem from the bias of Jewish scribes toward the Israelite lineage.
The Quran asserts that it rectifies this distortion by confirming Ishmael as the son who carried on Abraham’s legacy in accordance with the original divine covenant. Additionally, the divine selection of the ancient Israelites and their Hebrew prophets before the advent of Islam is seen as a preparation for the arrival of Muhammad, the final Prophet.
ABRAHAMIC THEOLOGY 