Ishmael
Origins
Ishmael is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, the Quran, and the Genesis narratives. He is recognized as the first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian handmaid. His story is often considered a precursor to the later tales of the Israelite people.
Biblical Narrative
In the Genesis account, Ishmael is born to Abraham and Hagar, who was given to Abraham by his wife Sarah when she was unable to conceive. After Hagar became pregnant, tension arose between her and Sarah, leading to Hagar's flight into the wilderness. There, an angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water and told her to return to her mistress, promising that her descendants would be too numerous to count. The angel also told her to name her son Ishmael, meaning "God hears".
Life and Legacy
Ishmael is said to have lived to the age of 137. He had twelve sons who became the heads of their respective tribes. They dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. According to the Bible, Ishmael and his sons were skilled archers and lived in hostility towards all their brothers.
Islamic Tradition
In Islamic tradition, Ishmael is considered a prophet and an ancestor of Muhammad. He is believed to have helped his father Abraham build the Kaaba in Mecca, and to have taught his descendants, the Ishmaelites, the rites of the Islamic religion.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, Ishmael is often seen as a symbol of the outcast or outsider, particularly in literary works. For example, the character of Ishmael in Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is named after the biblical figure, reflecting his status as an outsider and observer.