The figure of Abraham (A.S.) stands as the single greatest point of convergence among the three Abrahamic faiths. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all trace their spiritual lineage to him and claim to be heirs of the promises God made to the Friend of God (Khalil Allah). Yet each tradition understands the content, scope, and fulfilment of those covenants in markedly different ways. This article examines the original biblical and Qur’anic texts alongside authoritative classical sources to present, respectfully and accurately, both the shared heritage and the distinct lessons each community draws from the Abrahamic covenant.
The Covenant in the Torah: Election and Land
In the Book of Genesis, God establishes two foundational covenants with Abraham (A.S.):
- Genesis 15 – The Covenant of the Pieces: God promises Abraham innumerable descendants and the land “from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates.”
- Genesis 17 – The Covenant of Circumcision: Circumcision becomes the eternal sign of the covenant, and God declares, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you… to be God to you and to your offspring after you” (17:7). The promise is reiterated through Isaac: “through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (21:12).
Jewish tradition, as reflected in the Talmud and later rabbinic literature, understands this as an everlasting covenant of election: Israel is chosen as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), bound by the Torah revealed at Sinai. The land of Israel remains the geographic centre of the covenant, and physical descent combined with fidelity to the commandments secures its continuity.
The Christian Reinterpretation: A New Covenant in Christ
The New Testament radically re-reads the Abrahamic promise. Paul, in Galatians 3:16, argues that the “seed” (singular) promised to Abraham refers not to the Jewish people collectively but to Christ: “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring… who is Christ.” Faith in Jesus, rather than physical descent or Torah observance, becomes the true mark of Abraham’s children (Galatians 3:7, Romans 4:16).
The Epistle to the Hebrews (8:6–13) presents Jesus as mediator of a “new covenant” that supersedes the old, quoting Jeremiah 31:31–34. For most of Christian history, this has been understood to mean that the Church — comprising Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ — is the spiritual heir of Abraham’s promise, while the old covenant with national Israel has been fulfilled and transcended.
The Islamic Perspective: Renewal and Universalisation
The Qur’an reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant but presents its fullest expression through both sons — Ishmael (A.S.) and Isaac (A.S.) — culminating in the final prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Allah declares: “And [mention] when Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled… ‘I will make you a leader (imam) to the people’… And We made the covenant reach his descendants through his two sons” (2:124–125, combined reading with tafsir of al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir).
- The building of the Kaʿbah with Ishmael (A.S.) (2:127) and the near-sacrifice (37:100–113) are understood in mainstream Sunni tafsir as occurring with Ishmael (A.S.), establishing the sacred house as the universal qiblah.
- The final covenant is sealed with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), described as the “seal of the prophets” (33:40) and the fulfilment of Abraham’s (A.S.) prayer: “Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves” (2:129).
Thus Islam views itself as both the restorer of pure Abrahamic monotheism (millat Ibrahim (A.S.), 2:135; 3:95) and its universal completion, open to every nation without distinction of race or ancestry.
Shared Elements Across the Three Traditions
| Shared Element |
| Monotheism as the core of Abraham’s (A.S.) legacy |
| Circumcision (or its spiritual equivalent) as a covenantal sign |
| Willingness to sacrifice the beloved son |
| Pilgrimage to sacred sites linked to Abraham (A.S.) |
Distinctive Lessons
| Judaism | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant = election of Israel+eternal Torah + land Physical + spiritual descent Particularist (chosen nation) | Covenant = Fulfilled & universalised in Christ + faith over law Spiritual descent through faith in Jesus Universal through Church | Covenant = Restored & completed through Muhammad ﷺ + universal ummah Spiritual descent through submission (islam (A.S.)) to the one God Universal through ummah |
Conclusion
In an age too often marked by mutual suspicion, the Abrahamic covenants remind believers of a profound shared origin. Recognising both the common father and the legitimate differences in interpretation can foster respect without requiring compromise of conviction.
“Say, ‘We believe in God and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham (A.S.), Ishmael (A.S.), Isaac (A.S.), Jacob, and the tribes…’” (Qur’an 2:136)
Abraham (A.S.) remains the ultimate model of the person who left everything — homeland, comfort, even the expected sacrifice of his son — for the sake of God alone. Each tradition calls its adherents to walk in his footsteps, according to the light it has received.
May the blessings of the One God be upon Abraham (A.S.), the upright friend, in all the worlds.
2025 Read & Riser – All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
