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ParallelsA comparative study
ChristianityJudaismIslam
On The Binding — Abraham's Sacrifice
A father is commanded to sacrifice his own son as a test of faith; at the last moment a substitute is provided. Central to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic identity, though the identity of the son differs between the Bible and the Qur'an.
What every account tells.
- iA father is tested by God
- iiThe son goes willingly
- iiiA ram is provided as substitute
- ivA covenant / blessing of multiplying offspring follows
How each tradition tells it.
Christianity
The son is Isaac. Christian theology reads the event typologically as foreshadowing Christ's crucifixion on the same Moriah tradition.
Judaism
Called the Akedah ('the Binding'). Read annually at Rosh Hashanah. Isaac is the son; the mountain is Moriah, later identified with the Temple Mount.
Islam
The son is Ishmael (Isma'il). Commemorated at Eid al-Adha. Ishmael willingly submits: 'O my father, do as you are commanded; you shall find me, God willing, of the steadfast' (37:102).