Ishmael in Islam

Ishmael is the figure known in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as Abrahams son, born to Hagar . In Islam, Ishmael is regarded as a prophet and an ancestor to Muhammad. He also became associated with Mecca and the construction of the Kaaba, as well as equated with the term Arab by some. Stories of Ishmael are not only found in Jewish and Christian texts, such as the Bible and rabbinic Midrash, but also Islamic sources. These sources include the Quran, Quranic commentary , hadith, historiographic collections like that of Muhammad ibn Jarir alTabari, and Israiliyat .13

Though it is generally believed by Muslims that Ishmael was the son who was almost sacrificed, among scholars and historiographers of early Islam, there is much debate. There are such persuasive arguments for both, that in fact, it is estimated that 130 traditions say Isaac was the son, while 133 say Ishmael.135 Such dispute over which son suggests that the story, and where and to whom it happens, is extremely important.144 It is argued that the story originated from rabbinic texts and was adapted to Islam over time in order give Mecca religious importance and connect the story with the pilgrimage, which is how Isaac in Jewish versions was changed to Ishmael.87 Arguments by early Muslim scholars for Ishmael as the intended sacrifice include that Jews claim it is Isaac only because they are jealous that it was actually the ancestor of Arabs, Ishmael, and that the horns of the ram that was sacrificed instead hung in the Kaaba at one time.8890 In looking solely at the text of the Quran to

Source: Wikipedia