Binding of Ishmael
Islamic narrative of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ishmael.
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The Binding of Ishmael (Arabic: عَقْد إِسْمَاعِيل, ʿAqd Ismāʿīl) is an Islamic story in which God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son. Muslims generally believe that son to be Ishmael, although the Qur’an never names him.
This differs from the Tawrat (the Islamic term for the Torah), where the son to be sacrificed is Isaac. In Islamic tradition, the story is called the dhabih. Scholar Norman Calder notes that it likely began as an oral narrative, with many versions showing variation and creative flexibility.
Narrative
In the Islamic account, the sacrifice is either a divine test or the fulfillment of a vow. In some versions, the devil tries to persuade Hagar, Ishmael, and Abraham to disobey God, but each remains firmly committed to God’s will. Abraham tells Ishmael about the command, and Ishmael willingly agrees, urging his father to obey. In certain tellings, Ishmael gives instructions to help Abraham stay resolute: to return his shirt to Hagar, bind him tightly, sharpen the knife, and place him face down.
When Abraham attempts the sacrifice, divine intervention stops him—either the knife turns in his hand or copper appears on Ishmael. God then declares that Abraham has fulfilled the command.
Unlike the Biblical account, which includes a ram as a substitute, the Qur’an describes a “great sacrifice” (dhibḥin ʿaẓīm). Some interpret this as symbolizing the institutionalization of sacrifice or the future sacrifices of Muhammad and his companions, who are seen as descendants of Ishmael. Later Islamic historical writings add the Biblical element of a ram being sacrificed instead.
Significance in Islam
Ishmael’s willingness to be sacrificed highlights his role as a model of hospitality and obedience in Islam. In the Qur’anic version, unlike the Biblical one where the son is unaware, Abraham discusses the command with Ishmael, who consents and helps both remain obedient. This emphasizes Ishmael’s surrender to God’s will, a key virtue in Islamic theology.
The story is commemorated each year during Eid al-Adha, when Muslims slaughter an animal to honor Abraham’s sacrifice and reflect on self-denial in devotion to God. It also underscores Mecca’s religious significance, linking the narrative to the Islamic pilgrimage.
Scholarly debate
There is considerable debate among Muslim scholars and historians about whether Ishmael or Isaac was the intended sacrifice.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Islamic theology and narrative
- Known for
- Divine test of Abraham's obedience; commemorated during Eid al-Adha
- Tradition
- Islam
- Figures involved
- Abraham
- Ishmael
- Hagar
- Alternative name
- dhabih
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Islamic narrative of the Binding of Ishmael portrays the sacrifice as either a divine test or fulfillment of a vow. In some versions, the devil attempts to dissuade Hagar, Ishmael, and Abraham from obeying God's command, but each responds with steadfast commitment to divine will. Abraham informs Ishmael of the command, and Ishmael willingly consents, encouraging his father to obey God. In certain accounts, Ishmael provides specific instructions to ensure unwavering resolve, such as bringing his shirt back to Hagar, binding him tightly, sharpening the knife, and placing him face down.
As Abraham attempts to sacrifice Ishmael, divine intervention occurs: either the knife is turned in Abraham's hand or copper appears on Ishmael to prevent the act. Unlike the Biblical account, which features a ram as a substitute, the Qur'an describes the replacement as a 'great sacrifice' (dhibḥin ʿaẓīm), interpreted by some as symbolizing the institutionalization of sacrifice or the future sacrifices of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his companions, who are considered descendants of Ishmael. Later Islamic historiographic literature incorporates the Biblical element of a ram being sacrificed instead of Ishmael.
Reader's Guide
The narrative of Ishmael's willingness to be sacrificed underscores his role as a model of hospitality and obedience in Islam. Unlike the Biblical account, where the son is unaware of the plan, the Qur'anic version depicts Abraham discussing the command with his son, who consents and ensures both remain steadfast in their obedience to God. This portrayal emphasizes Ishmael's surrender to divine will, a core virtue in Islamic theology. The story is commemorated annually during Eid al-Adha, when Muslims worldwide slaughter an animal to honor Abraham's sacrifice and reflect on self-abnegation in devotion to God.
The narrative also underscores the religious significance of Mecca, connecting the story to the Islamic pilgrimage. There is significant debate among Muslim scholars and historiographers regarding whether Ishmael or Isaac was the intended sacrifice. Approximately 131 traditions support Isaac, while 133 favor Ishmael, reflecting the story's importance and the lack of a definitive name in the Qur'an. Some scholars argue that the narrative was adapted from rabbinic texts to enhance Mecca's religious significance and connect it to the Islamic pilgrimage.
More in Human sacrifice in folklore and mythology
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Binding of Ishmael (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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