Ritualistic sacrifice was common amongst pagan religions. In Islam, Christianity and Judaism, Abraham is tasked with performing a ritualistic sacrifice of his son as a test of loyalty to God. The narrative concludes with God intervening at the last moment, providing a ram as a substitute
In Judaism and Christianity, the story is known as the Akedah, or the Binding of Isaac, found in Genesis 22
and Abraham's son Isaac is specifically mentioned as being the son that is chosen to be sacrificed.
As the covenant between God and Abraham is expressed through his sons and Isaac's willing submission and Abraham's readiness to obey are central themes. Christianity inherits the Jewish narrative but interprets it through the lens of Christology.
Isaac is often seen as a prefiguration of Jesus Christ, especially in his willingness to be sacrificed, which parallels Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This is supported by the New Testament, notably in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11:17-19)
, which emphasizes Abraham's faith and the belief in God's power to resurrect. The genealogy of Jesus traced through Isaac, highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38).
In Islam, the Quran recounts a similar story, but the son's name is not explicitly mentioned, as the emphasis is levied greater on Abraham's willingness and dedication. However, Islamic tradition and commentary often identify Ishmael as the son involved in the sacrifice. The covenant between Abraham and God is expressed through Ishmael and by connecting the broader tradition of Abraham and Ishmael building the Ka'aba, symbolizing monotheism and the unity of the ummah (Muslim community).
The distinction between Jesus Christ as being the prefiguration of Isaac, and the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) being a descendant of Ishmael. Shows how the expression of Abraham's covenant serves allegorically as a constitution for how the different aspects of human and spiritual existence are interconnected.
Ishmael allegorically represents the fleshly or worldly nature the immediate, material aspect of existence—rooted in human effort and earthly concerns. Contrasting with Isaac who represents the spiritual or promised nature, He embodies the transcendent, spiritual aspect that transcends worldly concerns, faith, obedience, and the promise of divine grace and fulfilment. In Christianity, this duality is referred to as the "covenant of the Spirit" and "covenant of the flesh"
By recognising Ishmael as part of Abraham's covenant, Islam is premised that divine revelations of previous scriptures are altered accidentally or deliberately over time. The purpose of a final messenger is to reveal the unaltered word of God and the culmination of a complete message that extends the covenant that is upheld through the prophets from one lineage to all of humanity.