🖼️ This engraving is the work of Gustave Doré, depicting a pivotal event from the Bible, in the Book of Genesis 21: the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael by Abraham, at Sarah’s insistence.

📖 Explanation of the Image Based on Genesis 21

1. Figures in the Engraving:

• The woman carrying a water jar and leading a small child: This is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, together with Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn son.

• The bearded man with a staff, pointing toward the wilderness: This is Abraham, father of Ishmael, who was compelled to send away Hagar and his son after receiving God’s command.

• The woman seated inside the tent: This is believed to be Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be expelled (Genesis 21:9–10).

2. Biblical Narrative Background:

According to Genesis 21:8–21, this event took place after:

• Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, was weaned, and Abraham held a feast.

• Ishmael, the older son, was seen by Sarah “mocking” Isaac (Gen. 21:9), which angered her.

• Sarah demanded that Abraham drive out Hagar and Ishmael, unwilling for Ishmael to share in the inheritance with Isaac.

• Abraham was deeply distressed, but God instructed him to heed Sarah, assuring him that Ishmael’s descendants too would become a great nation (Gen. 21:12–13).

• Abraham rose early, gave Hagar bread and a skin of water, and sent her away (Gen. 21:14).

• Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba, nearly dying of thirst, until God opened Hagar’s eyes to see a well of water (Gen. 21:19).

3. Symbolic Meaning in the Image:

• Hagar’s sorrowful face represents suffering, sacrifice, and resilience as a single mother cast out.

• Abraham pointing toward the wilderness symbolizes the painful obedience to divine command, even when it was emotionally wrenching.

• Ishmael clinging to his mother portrays the vulnerability and dependence of a child in a time of crisis.

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The Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael: A Comparative Perspective in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Introduction

The story of the expulsion of Hagar and her son Ishmael by Abraham is one of the most dramatic episodes in the narrative of the Book of Genesis (chapter 21). This event has been immortalized in Western art, including the famous engraving by Gustave Doré. Yet, the story is interpreted differently within the three major faith traditions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This article compares how the event is understood in each tradition, and explores its theological and historical implications.

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1. The Genesis Narrative: The Foundation of the Story

In Genesis 21:8–21, it is recounted that after Isaac was weaned, Sarah saw Ishmael “mocking” Isaac. Sarah then demanded that Abraham expel Hagar and her son. Abraham was troubled, but after receiving a command from God, he sent them away. Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba, nearly dying of thirst, until God opened Hagar’s eyes to see a well, saving them, and reaffirming the promise that Ishmael would become a great nation.

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2. The Jewish Perspective

In Jewish tradition:

• Ishmael is not considered the child of the covenant because he was born through a maidservant (Hagar), not through Sarah, Abraham’s lawful wife.

• Sarah is seen as protecting Isaac’s inheritance by demanding the expulsion of Hagar.

• Ishmael is viewed as dangerous, wild, and unfit to be the heir.

• This story underscores God’s choice of Isaac and his descendants—the people of Israel.

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3. The Christian Perspective

Christianity inherits the Old Testament narrative but adds spiritual interpretation through the writings of the Apostle Paul:

• In Galatians 4:21–31, Paul makes Hagar a symbol of the Old Covenant and bondage, while Sarah represents the New Covenant and freedom in Christ.

• Thus, Ishmael symbolizes those living under the Law, while Isaac represents those living under grace.

• This results in a theological rejection of Ishmael, not personally, but as a symbol of a system that has been superseded.

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4. The Islamic Perspective

In Islam, the narrative is very different:

• There was no household conflict or forced expulsion; rather, Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام) received God’s command to leave Hagar (Hajar) and infant Ishmael (Isma‘il) at the Kaaba (House of God) in the barren valley of Mecca.

• The episode of Safa and Marwah, where Hagar ran in search of water for her infant, forms the basis of the Sa‘i ritual in the Hajj.

• Ishmael is not rejected but honored as a prophet and a righteous son, destined to become the forefather of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

• The Qur’an states (Surah al-Saffat 37:101–107) that the son nearly sacrificed by Abraham was Ishmael, not Isaac—marking a crucial difference from the Genesis account.

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5. Conclusion: From Rejection to Election

This episode, though tragic in one tradition, is understood as sacred destiny in another:

• In Judaism, it confirms Isaac’s role as the chosen child, heir to God’s promise.

• In Christianity, it conveys the contrast between Law and Grace, between the Old and New Covenants.

• In Islam, it marks the beginning of Islamic civilization, with Ishmael as the progenitor of the final Prophet, and Mecca as the center of monotheism.

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📚 Scriptural References

• Old Testament: Genesis 16, 17, 21, 25

• New Testament: Galatians 4:21–31

• Qur’an: Surah Ibrahim 14:37, al-Saffat 37:101–113, al-Baqarah 2:125–129

— Azahari Hassim

Founder, The World of Abrahamic Theology