The Issue of Slaughter Narration of Abraham's Child (Ishmael) in the Abrahamic Religions

Abraham as the common ancestor of Abrahamic religions is of special position in the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, while some contemporary intellectuals are of the opinion that the difference between these three religions on Abraham is greater than what they have in common. A review of the interpretations and disputes made about the story of Abraham in the Qur’an and the Bible, particularly before opening the Second Vatican Council and the Catholic Church strong inclination toward dialogues, or rather, interfaith dialogues is a good case in point. In the meantime, the event “the Sacrifice of Abraham” (Abraham’s child sacrifice) is the most pivotal and controversial issues of which different interpretation have been presented in Abrahamic religions and has gained a different center of gravity in any other religious traditions. This paper, by reading the different conceptions which have been done based on the Qur’an’s version, as well as, biblical narrative of this event, seeks to explore the main theme of the Abraham’s offering his child in Abrahamic religions, and cast a new light on this issue in three religious traditions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.