Who Was Sacrificed by Prophet Ibrahim: Ismail or Isaac?
The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice of his son is one of the most significant events in prophetic history, forming the basis of the Islamic practice of Qurbani. However, scholars have long debated whether the intended sacrifice was Prophet Ismail (AS) or Prophet Isaac (AS).
Within Islamic tradition, particularly among Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah (Ash’ari and Maturidi schools) and followers of the Four Madhhabs (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali), the majority of scholars maintain that the sacrificed son was Prophet Ismail (AS). Below is a detailed analysis of the legal basis, arguments, and views of the madhhab imams.
The majority of Ahlussunnah scholars employ a tahlili (analytical) approach to the Quranic verses, particularly Surah As-Saffat, verses 100-113. Key reasons supporting this view include:
The Torah states that the sacrificed son was Ibrahim’s only child, Isaac. However, Islamic scholars correct this by noting that Ismail was the firstborn and was Ibrahim’s only child before Isaac’s birth.
Does the Quran explicitly name the sacrificed son? Textually, the Quran in Surah As-Saffat does not mention Ismail or Isaac at the time of the command to sacrifice. However, strong contextual indications (qarinah) in subsequent verses suggest it was Ismail.
What is the impact of this disagreement on the practice of Qurbani? There is no legal implication. All scholars agree that Qurbani is a valid religious obligation regardless of the debate over the son’s identity.
When Ibrahim received the divine command, Ismail responded with steadfastness: ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me among the patient.’ (Quran, As-Saffat: 102).
- What is Ibn Kathir’s view on this matter? Ibn Kathir explicitly states in his tafsir that the correct opinion is that it was Prophet Ismail. He considers the view naming Isaac as influenced by Israiliyat (Jewish narratives).
Some narrations attributed to the Companions exist, but their authenticity is often disputed or considered opinions formed before stronger evidence regarding Ismail was established.
- Why is the location of the sacrifice strong evidence? Because the entire Hajj ritual is a reenactment of Prophet Ibrahim’s family’s actions in Mecca. If Isaac had been the sacrificed son (based in Syria), there would be no historical connection between the sacrifice and the hills of Marwah or Mina in Mecca.
The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) utilises Qurbani as a tool for community economic empowerment and rural welfare enhancement.
To reduce plastic waste, Qurbani committees in Luwungragi Village, Brebes, Central Java, have switched from plastic to banana leaves for wrapping sacrificial meat.
Baznas has distributed 3,388 Qurbani meat packages, equivalent to 242 goats valued at Rp750 million.
Ahead of Eid al-Adha 2026, Perumda Dharma Jaya is collaborating with the Jakarta Provincial Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) to ensure the provision of high-quality, hygienic sacrificial meat.