Aptekar Productions' Blog

Congregation to Congregation with Interfaith Ministries-part 3-The Blue Mosque

As I slipped off my sandals entering the C2C program today at the Blue Mosque in Houston, my mind was full of questions and I was hopeful that there would be plenty of time to get answers . Not only was the afternoon filled with music and dialogue but I left the program understanding quite a bit more about Islam as well as being given the exquisite gift of first hand knowledge of a different yet similar story that is documented in both the Old Testament & the Quran.

During the wonderful after program repast provided by members of the congregation I found myself standing next to Ali an active member of the community. Feeling comfortable & full of good food I braved asking the question I had hoped to ask earlier . I realize that wondering about the Patriarch Abraham and his two wives Sarah & Hagar is an unusual thing for a woman who considers herself a progressive Feminist to do. But I had heard that there were two very different versions of this tale and where better to find out what the different version of this ancient story might be than at a traditional Muslim setting where we were all encouraged to visit with one another & share our thoughts.

So I ask hesitantly, is it true that the Bible & the Quran have a different yet very similar story about Abraham his two wives and their two sons. Ali’s smile warms me, apparently pleased that I know a bit of Bible he says :”Why yes in fact that is indeed the case ” and proceeds to share with me a remarkable other version of a story I’d learned long ago.

I learn that according to Islamic tradition, Abraham did not send Hagar and her son Ishmael into the dessert. Instead Ali shares with me, that Abraham went together with Hagar ( who’s name was Hajar) and her son to a a place far away , that was later to become Mecca. As Abraham was preparing to leave Hajar & Ishmael in this far away place Hajar calls out to her husband. : ” Tell me. are you leaving us here because you want to or because God has commanded you to? ” Abraham does not even look back as he leaves , (note if my memory serves me correctly, in the Bible it is often best not to look back in most situations ) and replies : ” I am leaving you here because God has instructed me to do so.”

The tale gets increasingly interesting (at least from my point of view) as Abraham returns at least once more to this far off place, in order to bind his son Ishmael and to sacrifice him. Thats right. You may recognize this story but with different participants. So the boy (which boy depends on your religious persuasion) mysteriously changes places with the sacrificial ram. The ram not the boy is sacrificed and the story goes on to be told and retold over many many years.

I’m not sure what this similar yet different story implies. Clearly there is a common history being played out here. Yet what I love the most is the wonderful opportunity to visit in person with Ali, at his house of worship and to have him share a part of his faith and a part of himself. I am fascinated by our commonality and by the many histories & customs our human family shares. It makes the world seem smaller, and reminds me how closely interconnected we all are .