Descendants of Prophets Ishmael and Isaac Must Live Together in Peace |
When Jews celebrate Passover, the miracle exodus from Egypt, we should also pray for peace in the Mid East. The Qur’an (46:12-14) states “And before it (the Qur’an) was the Book of Moses (in the Hebrew language), a model and a mercy. And this (Qur’an) is a confirming Book, (in the Arabic language), to warn those who do wrong; and good news for the doers of good. 13. Those who say, “Our Lord is God,” then lead a righteous life; they have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. 14. These are the inhabitants of Paradise, where they will dwell forever; a reward for what they used to do.”
Perhaps it is time for religious leaders who understand the religious importance of repentance, humility, forgiveness, compromise and hope for peace in overcoming more than seven decades of pain and anger. As Qur’an states: “Perhaps Allah will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allah is competent, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 60:7)
Every year Jews in synagogues worldwide read Genesis chapters 21 and 22 on the first and second days of the Jewish New Year Festival (September 11 eve to September 13 twilight). Jews read about Prophet Ishmael as well as Prophet Isaac because the patriarch of the Arab people is part of our Jewish tradition and Chapter 21—the story of the birth and banishment of Ishmael—establishes our Jewish connection to God’s non-Jewish children.
Prophets Isaac and Ishmael meet again (Genesis 25:9) at the funeral of their father Abraham. Islamic and Jewish tradition both agree that Prophet Abraham visited Prophet Ishmael’s distant home on at least two different occasions to make sure that his family relationships were suitable. These pre and post funeral reconciliations would be why the Torah’s........