Binding of Ishmael
Islamic narrative of Abraham's command to sacrifice his son.
The Binding of Ishmael is the Islamic narrative in which Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice his son, generally understood by Muslims to be Ishmael, though the Qur'an does not name the son. This story, known as the dhabih, contrasts with the Binding of Isaac in the Tawrat and is believed to have originated as an oral narrative marked by variability. It holds significant theological and cultural importance in Islam, particularly in relation to Eid al-Adha and themes of obedience and sacrifice.
Quick Facts
- Traditions supporting isaac
- 131
- Traditions supporting ishmael
- 133
- 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.
Narrative
The Islamic narrative presents the sacrifice as either a divine test or the fulfillment of a vow. In some versions, the devil tries to dissuade Hagar, Ishmael, and Abraham, but each remains committed to God's will. Abraham informs Ishmael of the command, and Ishmael willingly consents, sometimes giving instructions such as bringing his shirt to Hagar, binding him tightly, sharpening the knife, and placing him face down. As Abraham attempts the sacrifice, divine intervention occurs: the knife is turned or copper appears on Ishmael. God declares the command fulfilled. The Qur'an describes the replacement as a "great sacrifice" (dhibḥin ʿaẓīm), interpreted by some as symbolizing the institutionalization of sacrifice or future sacrifices of Muhammad and his companions. Later Islamic historiography incorporates the Biblical element of a ram being sacrificed.
Scholarly debate
Muslim scholars and historians disagree on whether Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Ishmael or Isaac. The story first appears in the Jewish Bible, over a thousand years before Islam, as the binding of Isaac. Roughly 131 traditions name Isaac, while 133 name Ishmael, showing the tale’s significance and the Qur’an’s omission of a specific name. Some believe the narrative was borrowed from rabbinic sources to elevate Mecca’s status and link it to the hajj. Those favoring Ishmael point to Jewish claims of Isaac being motivated by jealousy, the ram’s horns once kept in the Kaaba, and the Qur’an’s placement of Isaac’s birth announcement after the sacrifice scene. This range of views underscores the story’s deep theological and cultural importance.
More in Human Sacrifice in Folklore and Mythology
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced