The Personal Biography of Prophet Abraham, Peace be Upon Him, in Qur’an and the Old Testament: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The three Abrahamic religions agree on claiming descent from Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, and his story is detailed in their sacred texts. However, they differ in the nature and truth of this descent, as well as in the events and positions regarding key moments in his life. This study examines his personal life as presented in the Qur'an and the Old Testament, focusing on the multiplicity of his names, the events related to his father, the disagreements surrounding him, and the circumstances concerning his family, including his wives and two sons: Isma'il (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac). The study also looks at the events related to them, such as the injustice of deprivation and exile of one (Isma'il), the treatment of his mother (Hagar) in her husband's house, and the favoritism shown to the other (Ishaq) and his mother (Sarah) in all matters. Additionally, the study addresses the differing views on the true identity of the sacrificial son, as well as the circumstances surrounding Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) migration—what is authentic and what is not, its causes, and the resulting consequences. Finally, the study covers the attributes agreed upon by both texts and those mentioned by only one of them.