Question
What is the correct opinion regarding who was slaughtered by Ibrahim (‘alayhis salam), was it Isma’il or Ishaq (‘alayhimas salam)

Answer
There exists a difference of opinion regarding this issue among Sahabah as well. However the popular opinion among the Mufassirun (commentators of Quran) and the Muhaddithun (Hadith experts) is that it was Nabi Isma’il (‘alayhis salam). This is based on various proofs from Quran as well as the fact that if it were Nabi Ishaq (‘alayhis salam) it will create various discrepancies as have been pointed out by numerous Mufassirun.

In fact in the original Tawrah, there is proof that Nabi Isma’il (‘alayhis salam) was to be slaughtered. However ‘Allamah Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) and Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) have stated that the Ahlul Kitab [Jews] changed what was written there out of jealousy for the Arabs and inserted Ishaq (‘alayhis salam)’s name falsely.

(Refer for all of the above to: Majmu’ul Fatawa, vol. 4, pg. 332-336 and Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah, vol. 1, pg. 233- 237)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar