The Many Views of The Many Views of Abraham & FamilyAbraham & Family

Eric Armann, Sean Jellison, Jessica Paul, Gillian St. John & Eric Armann, Sean Jellison, Jessica Paul, Gillian St. John & Karen WaldmannKaren Waldmann

Scripture 19; Religions of the BookScripture 19; Religions of the BookWinter Quarter 2007Winter Quarter 2007Section 2, Group 4Section 2, Group 4

Who Is Abraham?Who Is Abraham?

AbrahamAbraham

For Judaism, he is their Patriarch, the man For Judaism, he is their Patriarch, the man with whom God makes the first two with whom God makes the first two covenantscovenants

For Christianity, he is a man of unyielding For Christianity, he is a man of unyielding faith, and ancestor of Jesusfaith, and ancestor of Jesus

For Islam, he is a Prophet, he rebuilds the For Islam, he is a Prophet, he rebuilds the Kab’ah, and ancestor of the Arab MuslimsKab’ah, and ancestor of the Arab Muslims

Three Abrahamic FaithsThree Abrahamic Faiths

All three faiths consider themselves to be All three faiths consider themselves to be AbrahamicAbrahamic

He was a man of immense faith, in a time He was a man of immense faith, in a time when his people still worshipped idolswhen his people still worshipped idols

He spoke with the one true God, and made He spoke with the one true God, and made several covenantsseveral covenants

When called upon to sacrifice his chosen When called upon to sacrifice his chosen son, Abraham was willingson, Abraham was willing

Abraham In JudaismAbraham In Judaism

Born Abram to his father Terah / TerachBorn Abram to his father Terah / Terach– in Ur, Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq)in Ur, Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq)

Born approximately 4,000 years agoBorn approximately 4,000 years ago– Taught to be the year 1948 from creation or ~ 1800 BCE Taught to be the year 1948 from creation or ~ 1800 BCE

(in strict Orthodox Judaism)(in strict Orthodox Judaism)

Abram tries unsuccessfully to convince his father, Abram tries unsuccessfully to convince his father, an idol maker, that the practice is wrongan idol maker, that the practice is wrong

God notices Abram and calls him from the land of God notices Abram and calls him from the land of his fathers to Canaan, establishing the first his fathers to Canaan, establishing the first covenant (Gn 12:1-4)covenant (Gn 12:1-4)

Abraham in JudaismAbraham in Judaism

View Abraham as founding patriarch of religion and ethnic ancestor

Ethnically– Descends from Adam and Noah– Is father to Isaac and Ishmael, and grandfather

to Jacob Jacob (Israel) being father to the twelve tribes of

Judaism, from which modern Rabbinic Judaism descends

CovenantsCovenants Genesis chapters 15 and 17Genesis chapters 15 and 17

– Abraham’s descendants will be numerous and will Abraham’s descendants will be numerous and will become a great nationbecome a great nation

– They will inherit the promised land (later known as They will inherit the promised land (later known as Israel)Israel)

– All other nations she be blessed in him or through his All other nations she be blessed in him or through his offspringoffspring

– The “sign” of this covenant is the circumcision of all The “sign” of this covenant is the circumcision of all male descendantsmale descendants

Through these covenants, Jews believe that they Through these covenants, Jews believe that they are God’s chosen peopleare God’s chosen people

Abraham in ChristianityAbraham in Christianity

Man of unquestionable faithMan of unquestionable faith– Used by Paul and others to demonstrate the Used by Paul and others to demonstrate the

saving power of faith (Gal 3:1-8)saving power of faith (Gal 3:1-8)– Offers supreme obedience to God Offers supreme obedience to God – Cited as the first to believe in the resurrection Cited as the first to believe in the resurrection

(Hebrews 11:8-19)(Hebrews 11:8-19)– Teach that the children of Abraham are not Teach that the children of Abraham are not

genealogical, but those who share his faithgenealogical, but those who share his faith

Abraham in ChristianityAbraham in Christianity

Catholics - “Our Father in Faith” from the Catholics - “Our Father in Faith” from the Eucharistic PrayerEucharistic Prayer

Lutherans - A Prophet in the Calendar of Lutherans - A Prophet in the Calendar of Saints, celebrated Oct. 9Saints, celebrated Oct. 9

Most other denominations - mention in some Most other denominations - mention in some capacity as “the patriarchal Christian” or a capacity as “the patriarchal Christian” or a man of faithman of faith

Abraham in IslamAbraham in Islam

Called Ibrahim in ArabicCalled Ibrahim in Arabic Considered to be a ProphetConsidered to be a Prophet

– One of the first in the line of Adam & Noah One of the first in the line of Adam & Noah (Nooh)(Nooh)

– Father to the Prophets Ishmael (Ismail) and Father to the Prophets Ishmael (Ismail) and Isaac (Ishaq), and grandfather to the prophet Isaac (Ishaq), and grandfather to the prophet Jacob (Yaqub)Jacob (Yaqub)

– Ancestor to Muhammad through his son Ancestor to Muhammad through his son IshmaelIshmael

Ibrahim in IslamIbrahim in Islam

Like Judaism, Muslim practices maintain that Like Judaism, Muslim practices maintain that Ibrahim was born in Ur, to his father Terah Ibrahim was born in Ur, to his father Terah (possibly Azar).(possibly Azar).

Young Ibrahim looked at the people of Ur and was Young Ibrahim looked at the people of Ur and was upset by the idol worship of his ancestors and upset by the idol worship of his ancestors and when he asks if they worship their own handiwork when he asks if they worship their own handiwork they try to burn him, but Allah protects him (Surah they try to burn him, but Allah protects him (Surah 37:95-99)37:95-99)

He then makes a hijrah, from the land of his He then makes a hijrah, from the land of his fathers to the area of modern day Palestine.fathers to the area of modern day Palestine.

Ibrahim, Ismail and the Ka’bahIbrahim, Ismail and the Ka’bah

Taught that it was first built by Angels and Prophet Adam Taught that it was first built by Angels and Prophet Adam The Qur’an (Surah 2:125-127)teaches that Ibrahim and Ismail rebuilt the The Qur’an (Surah 2:125-127)teaches that Ibrahim and Ismail rebuilt the

Ka’bah, the first mosque and site for worshiping Allah in Islamic tradition.Ka’bah, the first mosque and site for worshiping Allah in Islamic tradition. Referred to as the “Station of Ibrahim”Referred to as the “Station of Ibrahim” The size of the Ibrahimic Foundation:The size of the Ibrahimic Foundation:

– Eastern wall: 48.5 feetEastern wall: 48.5 feet– Hateem side wall: 33 feetHateem side wall: 33 feet– Side from the black stone to the Side from the black stone to the

Yemeni corner: 30 feetYemeni corner: 30 feet– Western side: 46.5 feetWestern side: 46.5 feet

Ibrahim and the Five PillarsIbrahim and the Five Pillars

SalatSalat– At the completion of each of the daily prayers, Muslims pray At the completion of each of the daily prayers, Muslims pray

for blessings upon Muhammad, Ibrahim and their people and for blessings upon Muhammad, Ibrahim and their people and followers.followers.

– For Sunni Muslims this means that Ibrahim is prayed for For Sunni Muslims this means that Ibrahim is prayed for about 6,375,000 times a day (1,275,000 x 5)about 6,375,000 times a day (1,275,000 x 5)

– For Shi’a Muslims this means that Ibrahim is prayed for about For Shi’a Muslims this means that Ibrahim is prayed for about 675,000 times a day (225,000 x 3)675,000 times a day (225,000 x 3)

– In total, the Muslim World gives praise to Ibrahim over seven In total, the Muslim World gives praise to Ibrahim over seven million times a day.million times a day.

– Also while praying, Muslims face the Ka’bah in Makka.Also while praying, Muslims face the Ka’bah in Makka.

Ibrahim and the Five PillarsIbrahim and the Five Pillars

HajjHajj– The tradition of the pilgrimage to Makka has its roots The tradition of the pilgrimage to Makka has its roots

with Ibrahim and Ismail’s rebuilding of the Ka’bah with Ibrahim and Ismail’s rebuilding of the Ka’bah (Surah 22:26-27).(Surah 22:26-27).

– During Eid al-Adha, an animal sacrifice is performed to During Eid al-Adha, an animal sacrifice is performed to commemorate the Muslim belief that Ibrahim’s chosen commemorate the Muslim belief that Ibrahim’s chosen son was Ismail, and his father was willing to sacrifice son was Ismail, and his father was willing to sacrifice him at Allah’s command.him at Allah’s command.

– When Muslims make the Hajj, part of the ritual includes When Muslims make the Hajj, part of the ritual includes running the distance between Safa and Marwa (two hills running the distance between Safa and Marwa (two hills close to the Ka’bah) seven times.close to the Ka’bah) seven times.

Family TreeFamily Tree

SaraiSarai

Abraham’s wifeAbraham’s wife Terah’s daughter-in-lawTerah’s daughter-in-law Also Abraham’s half-sisterAlso Abraham’s half-sister Originally childlessOriginally childless Gives birth to IsaacGives birth to Isaac Name changed to SarahName changed to Sarah Is buried in HebronIs buried in Hebron

HagarHagar

Sarah’s Egyptian slave-girlSarah’s Egyptian slave-girl

Abraham’s concubineAbraham’s concubine

Gives birth to Ishmael Gives birth to Ishmael

Hagar and Sarah in Hagar and Sarah in Christianity & JudaismChristianity & Judaism

Sarah banishes Hagar Sarah banishes Hagar – Hagar runs away pregnant Hagar runs away pregnant – Angel of the Lord appears to HagarAngel of the Lord appears to Hagar– God speaks promises to HagarGod speaks promises to Hagar– Hagar returns to AbrahamHagar returns to Abraham

Conflict arises again between Sarah and Hagar Conflict arises again between Sarah and Hagar during weaning of Isaacduring weaning of Isaac– Hagar again is banishedHagar again is banished

God saves IshmaelGod saves Ishmael– Ishmael’s tribes are believed to be the modern day Ishmael’s tribes are believed to be the modern day

ArabsArabs

Hagar and Sarah in IslamHagar and Sarah in Islam

Some believe that Hagar was banished to Some believe that Hagar was banished to MakkaMakka– Hagar and Ishmael remain in MakkaHagar and Ishmael remain in Makka– The descendants of Ishmael flourish thereThe descendants of Ishmael flourish there– These descendents led to the prophet These descendents led to the prophet

MuhammadMuhammad

KeturahKeturah

Second wife of Abraham, after the death of Second wife of Abraham, after the death of Sarah (Gen. 25:1-6).Sarah (Gen. 25:1-6).– Midrash says Keturah = HagarMidrash says Keturah = Hagar– Biblically she has six sonsBiblically she has six sons

Ishbak, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Shuah, ZimranIshbak, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Shuah, Zimran Midian’s descendants, the Midianites, are the most Midian’s descendants, the Midianites, are the most

famous people of this lineage (Exodus 2:11-22) and famous people of this lineage (Exodus 2:11-22) and (Numbers 22).(Numbers 22).

IshmaelIshmael

Literally means “God has hearkened”Literally means “God has hearkened” Suggesting that a child so named was Suggesting that a child so named was

regarded as the fulfillment of a divine regarded as the fulfillment of a divine prophecyprophecy

Ishmael in Jewish TraditionIshmael in Jewish Tradition

Generally viewed as wrong, but changes Generally viewed as wrong, but changes himself through repentance. himself through repentance.

Ishmael is said to have been with his twelve Ishmael is said to have been with his twelve sons roaming about their land looking for sons roaming about their land looking for placing to dwell. placing to dwell.

As they roamed, and more children where As they roamed, and more children where born to them fruitfully and abundantlyborn to them fruitfully and abundantly

Ishmael in the New TestamentIshmael in the New Testament

Ishmael and Hagar are expelled to ensure Ishmael and Hagar are expelled to ensure Isaac is Abraham’s heirIsaac is Abraham’s heir

In Galatians, Paul uses these incidents “to In Galatians, Paul uses these incidents “to symbolize the relationship between symbolize the relationship between Judaism, the older now rejected tradition, Judaism, the older now rejected tradition, and Christianityand Christianity

Gal 4:21-31Gal 4:21-31

IsaacIsaac

Means “may God smile”Means “may God smile” Only son of Abraham and SarahOnly son of Abraham and Sarah It was a miracle Isaac was bornIt was a miracle Isaac was born Sarah was 90 and Abraham 100 years oldSarah was 90 and Abraham 100 years old

Isaac in Jewish TraditionIsaac in Jewish Tradition Jews believe Isaac was the son that Jews believe Isaac was the son that

Abraham was going to sacrificeAbraham was going to sacrifice He is such an icon because his willingness He is such an icon because his willingness

to follow God at the cost of his life is a to follow God at the cost of his life is a model for many Jews who prefer martyrdom model for many Jews who prefer martyrdom rather that violation of Jewish lawrather that violation of Jewish law

As well, according to Jewish tradition Isaac As well, according to Jewish tradition Isaac was thought to institute afternoon prayer was thought to institute afternoon prayer (Gn 24:63)(Gn 24:63)

Isaac in the New TestamentIsaac in the New Testament

Again, in Galatians, Paul contrasts Isaac as Again, in Galatians, Paul contrasts Isaac as symbolizing Christianity and Ishmael as symbolizing Christianity and Ishmael as symbolizing Judaismsymbolizing Judaism

Jews view the release of Isaac for sacrifice Jews view the release of Isaac for sacrifice as analogues to the resurrection of Jesus as analogues to the resurrection of Jesus

(Hebrews 2:19)(Hebrews 2:19)

Isaac in the Qur’anIsaac in the Qur’an

He is a prophet in IslamHe is a prophet in Islam Mentioned 15 times in the Qur’anMentioned 15 times in the Qur’an States that Abraham was to sacrifice a son, States that Abraham was to sacrifice a son,

but never states specifically which one but never states specifically which one (Surah 37:99-113)(Surah 37:99-113)

It was later believe that Isaac was not the It was later believe that Isaac was not the chosen son, and Muslims greatly endorse chosen son, and Muslims greatly endorse that.that.

Hajira and IsmailHajira and Ismail

Briefly stated before, both were cast out at Sarah’s command.Briefly stated before, both were cast out at Sarah’s command. Muslim belief teaches that the two were left in the valley of Makka, at Muslim belief teaches that the two were left in the valley of Makka, at

Allah’s command to become the ancestors of modern day Arabs.Allah’s command to become the ancestors of modern day Arabs.– Tradition teaches (Hadith of Bukhari) that when they were left in the valley Tradition teaches (Hadith of Bukhari) that when they were left in the valley

there was no water and Hajira ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa there was no water and Hajira ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa seven times looking for water for Ismail. The Angel Jibreel came to her seven times looking for water for Ismail. The Angel Jibreel came to her and revealed what is known today as the well of Zamzam, so that she and and revealed what is known today as the well of Zamzam, so that she and Ismail could drink and thrive for their unwavering faith in Allah.Ismail could drink and thrive for their unwavering faith in Allah.

IsmailIsmail Ismail is regarded to be the ancestor Ismail is regarded to be the ancestor

of today’s Muslim (Arab) people.of today’s Muslim (Arab) people.– Though he holds this title, he is mentioned Though he holds this title, he is mentioned

very few times in the Qur’an itself, most of the very few times in the Qur’an itself, most of the Islamic history regarding Ismail is found in the Islamic history regarding Ismail is found in the Hadiths.Hadiths.

– Even Muslim belief that Ismail is the chosen Even Muslim belief that Ismail is the chosen son of Abraham is not mentioned directly in son of Abraham is not mentioned directly in the Qur’an, (Surah 37:100-107) which was the Qur’an, (Surah 37:100-107) which was cause for many arguments in early Islam.cause for many arguments in early Islam.

– Jewish tradition teaches that there were Jewish tradition teaches that there were twelve sons/tribes of Ishmael, but in Islam twelve sons/tribes of Ishmael, but in Islam references to these sons are vague at best.references to these sons are vague at best.

Muslim and Jew ConflictMuslim and Jew Conflict Interaction started in the 7th century CE with the origin and spread of Interaction started in the 7th century CE with the origin and spread of

Islam in the Arabian PeninsulaIslam in the Arabian Peninsula Both are considered Abrahamic religionsBoth are considered Abrahamic religions

– Both claim Abraham as a prophet and patriarchBoth claim Abraham as a prophet and patriarch– Despite this, there are many differences between them, as mentioned Despite this, there are many differences between them, as mentioned

earlierearlier As Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, large number of As Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, large number of

Jews came under Muslim ruleJews came under Muslim rule In many circumstances, Muslims and Jews have lived in peace under In many circumstances, Muslims and Jews have lived in peace under

Islam ruleIslam rule– Islam allowed for Jews to be ruled by Jewish laws and to keep their Islam allowed for Jews to be ruled by Jewish laws and to keep their

synagogues and worship practicessynagogues and worship practices However, there have also been many cases where Jews and Muslims However, there have also been many cases where Jews and Muslims

have not lived in peace, and that has continued on throughout the ageshave not lived in peace, and that has continued on throughout the ages