Page 40 - Pure Life 39
P. 40
Analysing Abraham’s Sacrifice in Genesis 22… A. M. Jacob (15
This knowledge would make it clear This interaction shows that Prophet
that Isaac would survive, which would Abraham was testing his son to gauge
undermine the trial’s essence. Likewise, his response. The son’s reply reflected
the sacrifice of Ishmael is also mentioned not only his acceptance of the sacrifice
in supplications and Ziyarat texts, and it but also a reassurance to his father,
has been widely recognized by scholars indicating his lack of fear. After this
and narrators throughout all periods exchange, both Prophet Abraham and
(Majlisi, 2000, Vol. 12, p. 135, 137). his son obediently prepared to carry
Moreover, this sacrifice shows the out God’s command. Abraham laid his
peak of submission where Abraham son down to sacrifice him, but at that
believed that what he saw in a dream crucial moment, God informed him
did not need an interpretation. That is that he had fulfilled the command.
why he hastened to fulfill what came in The Holy Qur’an after recounting
his dream, sacrificing his son Ismail. the sacrifice of Abraham’s patient son,
Fulfillment of the dream showed the immediately announces the good news
perfection of faith and submission of of Isaac’s birth. Thus, the patient's son
both Abraham and his son before is believed to be Ismail. However,
Allah. The fulfillment of his vision was some Sunni commentators argue that
a reason for the emergence of a new the son to be sacrificed was Isaac,
perfection and knowledge, which is the interpreting the glad tidings as a
knowledge of interpretation in which reference to his prophethood rather
slaughter and closeness to the than his birth. However, according to
Almighty is the form of Abraham’s the Old Testament, Abraham had kept
true Islam with ecstatic absorption in his son Isaac ignorant of the fact that
Allah (Ali & Mustafa, 2023). he was the one Abraham intended to
A Comparison of the Biblical and the sacrifice (Genesis 22: 8).
Qur’anic Narrative of the Sacrifice Additionally, Abraham also bound
In the Holy Qur’an, we read that when (tied) his hands before placing him on
Prophet Abraham’s son reached the altar to sacrifice (Genesis 22: 10),
maturity, Abraham said to him, “O my this shows that Abraham was doing
son, I have seen in a dream that I am this without the consent of Isaac. In the
sacrificing you. What do you think?” Holy Qur’an, when addressing the
His son responded, “O my father, do as issue of the son’s sacrifice, it clearly
you are commanded; you will find me, states that Prophet Abraham openly
if God wills, among the patient” discussed the matter of his son’s
(Qarai, 2004; The Qur’an, 37: 102). sacrifice with him and sought his
opinion. Abraham recognized his son’s