The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son is one of the most discussed accounts in both the Bible and the Qur’an. But who was Abraham commanded to sacrifice, Isaac or Ishmael? The Bible (New World Translation) clearly identifies Isaac, while the Qur’an leaves the son unnamed, leading most Islamic traditions to recognize him as Ishmael. This blog compares both scriptures side by side, explores the differences, and highlights the shared lessons of faith, obedience, and God’s provision.
Quick Summary
- Bible (NWT): The son is Isaac (see Genesis 22:1–19).
- Qur’an: The son is not named in the sacrifice account (Surah As-Saffat 37:100–113). Most Islamic tradition identifies him as Ishmael.
- Key idea: Both texts highlight Abraham’s faith and submission to God. The Bible names Isaac; the Qur’an keeps the son unnamed and then announces Isaac as good news afterward.
Why This Topic Matters
This question frequently arises in interfaith discussions. Understanding what each scripture actually says helps us talk with respect and accuracy. It also allows readers compare primary sources instead of relying only on later interpretations.
The Bible’s Account
Main passage: Genesis 22:1–19 (NWT)
- Who? Abraham and his son Isaac.
- What? God tests Abraham by telling him to offer Isaac.
- Where? Land of Moriah; a specific mountain that God shows Abraham (Genesis 22:2).
- What happens? Abraham prepares to obey; at the last moment, God stops him and provides a ram “caught by its horns in a thicket” (Genesis 22:13).
- Outcome: God reaffirms His promise to bless Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 22:15–18).
Related NWT references for context:
- Isaac identified as Abraham’s “only son” (covenant heir) in Genesis 22:2; compare Genesis 21:12.
- Promises about Abraham’s offspring and blessing the nations: Genesis 12:1–3; 17:15–19; 21:12; 22:15–18.
Note on quoting: To keep this readable and fair-use friendly, key verses are referenced rather than quoted at length. Readers can check wording in the NWT (JW Library app or jw.org).
The Qur’an’s Account
Main passage: Surah As-Saffat 37:100–113
- Who? Abraham (Ibrahim) and his “forbearing boy” (37:101).
- What? Abraham sees in a dream that he is sacrificing his son and consults him (37:102).
- What happens? The son agrees. When both submit, God ransoms the boy with a “great sacrifice” (37:107).
- Afterward: God gives Abraham good news of Isaac (Ishaq) (37:112).
- Key point: The son in the act is not named in the text; later Muslim tradition commonly identifies him as Ishmael (Isma‘il).
Other Qur’anic references on Abraham and his sons (for context):
- On Ishmael/Isma‘il: e.g., 2:125–129; 19:54–55; 21:85–86.
- On Isaac/Ishaq: e.g., 11:71–72; 15:53–55; 29:27; 37:112–113.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Bible (NWT) | Qur’an |
| Primary text | Genesis 22:1–19 | Surah As-Saffat 37:100–113 |
| Son’s name in the event | Isaac is named directly (Gen 22:2) | Not named in the event; “forbearing boy” (37:101–107) |
| Announcement about Isaac | Isaac already present as the covenant heir (Gen 17:15–19; 21:12) | Good news of Isaac is announced after the ransom (37:112) |
| Location | Land of Moriah; a specific mountain (Gen 22:2) | Not specified in this passage |
| Divine test | God “tested” Abraham (Gen 22:1) | Abraham says he saw it in a dream (37:102) |
| Response of the son | Isaac’s words aren’t detailed here; the narrative focuses on Abraham’s obedience | The son replies with obedience: “Do as you are commanded” (37:102, paraphrase) |
| Substitute | Ram provided by God (Gen 22:13) | “Great sacrifice” provided by God (37:107) |
| Outcome | Promise reaffirmed; blessing for Abraham’s offspring (Gen 22:15–18) | Abraham praised; later announcement about Isaac and his descendants (37:112–113) |
| Traditional identification in Islam | — | Generally Ishmael (post-Qur’anic tradition) |
| Annual commemoration | Not a distinct annual feast tied to this event | Eid al-Adha (commemoration in Islamic practice) |
How Different Faith Traditions Understand It
- Judaism & Christianity: The son is Isaac; the story underscores trust in God’s promises through the covenant line.
- Islam: The son in the passage is unnamed; most Muslim scholarship and popular teaching identify him as Ishmael, emphasizing submission (Islam) and God’s mercy.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Read the sources: Genesis 22 (NWT) names Isaac. Surah 37 does not name the son during the act.
- Shared themes: Faith, obedience, and God’s provision are central in both accounts.
- Where the difference lies: Naming of the son and narrative sequence (in the Qur’an, the good news about Isaac follows the ransom).
Scripture References
Bible:
- Genesis 22:1–19 — command, test, substitute, reaffirmed promise
- Genesis 17:15–19; 21:12 — Isaac as covenant heir
- Genesis 12:1–3; 22:15–18 — promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s offspring
Qur’an:
- Surah As-Saffat 37:100–113 — main account (unnamed son, ransom, good news of Isaac)
- Surah 11:71–72; 15:53–55; 29:27; 37:112–113 — announcements about Isaac
- Surah 2:125–129; 19:54–55; 21:85–86 — mentions of Ishmael
Tip: For the Bible text, readers can consult the NWT via the JW Library app or the official site. For the Qur’an, readers can check translations like Sahih International, Pickthall, Yusuf Ali, etc., and compare renderings.
For readers interested in how Bible prophecy connects to our times, see the article The Book of Revelation: Are We Living in Its Fulfillment? on https://chatterlane.com.
For more insights into historical influences on faith and culture, you might also enjoy our article History of India: Migrations, Invasions, and Caste System
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does the Qur’an ever say “Ishmael was the one to be sacrificed”?
No. The Qur’an’s passage leaves the son unnamed (37:100–107). The identification as Ishmael comes from later Islamic tradition.
Q2. Why does the Bible call Isaac Abraham’s “only son” when Ishmael was born earlier?
In the NWT account, “only son” reflects covenant status—the promised heir through Sarah (Genesis 21:12; 22:2), not a denial of Ishmael’s birth (Genesis 16)
Q3. Is there any contradiction between the scriptures?
They present different details and emphases. The Bible names Isaac; the Qur’an focuses on submission and does not name the son in the act. Understanding each on its own terms is the fairest approach.
Q4. What is the “great sacrifice” in Qur’an 37:107?
The text says God ransomed the boy with a “great sacrifice,” paralleling the Bible’s ram substitute; the Qur’an does not detail the animal.
Q5. Where was the event?
The Bible specifies the land of Moriah (Genesis 22:2). The Qur’an does not specify the location in Surah 37.