Critique of Firestone's Research on Prophet Abraham (AS)

Abstract

A precise understanding of Orientalists' views on Islamic teachings and a scholarly critique of their perspectives are undeniably essential for us as Muslims. For this purpose, the author of this article has endeavored to introduce and critically analyze Reuven Firestone's research on Prophet Abraham (AS).

The research method in this study is documentary analysis with a critical-analytical approach, though descriptive methods have also been employed. While Firestone's views on Prophet Abraham (AS) have been the central focus of analysis, the opinions of Muslim scholars have been referenced where necessary to complement the research. Firestone's study demonstrates his extensive engagement with Islamic sources, yet his inexcusable errors indicate that he lacked access to or comprehensive knowledge of all reliable Islamic sources on Abraham (AS), particularly Shia sources. Due to his one-sided reliance on Sunni sources, Firestone neglected the perspectives of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) regarding Prophet Abraham (AS), which diminishes the credibility of his work.

Keywords: Reuven Firestone, Abraham, the Sacrificial Son, Scriptural Prophets, the Idolatry of Abraham's Father, Azar, Quranic Borrowing from the Bible.

Introduction

Orientalists have presented the findings of their research on Islamic teachings in the form of articles, books, and encyclopedias. A precise understanding of these works and the viewpoints they present is undeniably necessary, especially since some of these writings conceal colonial and missionary agendas. Moreover, within these works, doubts and criticisms regarding Islamic and Quranic teachings can be found. The necessity of correctly understanding contemporary Western Islamic studies becomes even more critical when we recall that Muslim scholars in the past always considered it their duty to respond to the criticisms and objections of Jews and Christians. For instance, the great Shia Imams, including Imam Sadiq (AS) and Imam Ridha (AS), were pioneers in debates with opponents of Islam and followers of other religions. They participated in scholarly discussions, addressing the doubts and questions of the People of the Book and heretics.

In Iranian research centers on Islamic studies, Orientalist perspectives on Islamic teachings have not been sufficiently examined. In this regard, the author of this article has attempted to introduce and critically analyze the entry on "Abraham (AS)" in the Encyclopaedia of the Quran (Leiden).

Reuven Firestone

To familiarize readers with the author of the article "Abraham (AS)," some biographical information is provided below.

Biography

Reuven Firestone received his Ph.D. from New York University in 1988. He is a professor of Judaism and Islam in the Middle Ages at Hebrew Union College. Firestone established a center for studying the intellectual challenges between Islam and Judaism. He is recognized as an expert in the field of interfaith relations between Islam and Judaism. He lived in occupied territories and Egypt, traveled to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and delivered extensive lectures there. Some of his lecture topics include:

To whom does the holy city of Jerusalem belong? Judaism, Christianity, or Islam?
Who are truly the chosen people?
Divine power and extreme violence: Jihad in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
According to primary texts, what does Islam say about Jews and Judaism?
Muhammad, the Quran, and the issue of Judaism.
The Quran and the Bible.
Was Abraham (AS) the first Jew, Christian, or Muslim? A comparative study from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives.
The true history of relations between Jews and Muslims.

Works

Firestone has authored seven books and over eighty academic articles. His most important works include:

The Death and Resurrection of Jewish Holy War
An Introduction to Islam for Jews (Jewish Publication Society, 2008)
"Enemies," in Encyclopaedia of the Quran (Leiden: Brill, 2002)
Children of Abraham: An Introduction to Judaism for Muslims (New York: Ktav, 2001)
"Ishmael," in Encyclopaedia of the Quran (Leiden: Brill, 2002) (This work has been translated by Hassan Rezaei Haftador and is in print.)
Jihad: The Origin of Holy War in Islam (New York: Oxford University Press, 1999)
"Midian," in Encyclopaedia of the Quran (Leiden: Brill, 2003)
Journeys in Holy Lands: The Evolution of the Abraham-Ishmael Legends in Islamic Exegesis (Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1990)
"Abraham," in Encyclopaedia of the Quran (Leiden: Brill, 2001)

Content of the Article on Abraham (AS)

Below is a summary of the entry "Abraham (AS)":

Attributes of Abraham (AS) in the Quran

Firestone enumerates the attributes of Abraham (AS) in the Quran, writing: References to Abraham (AS) in the Quran appear in various forms and diverse contexts. Many titles are ascribed to him. Abraham is described as "eminently truthful" (Maryam 19:41). He is one who "fulfilled his obligations" (Najm 53:37). His Quranic title in Surah An-Nisa (4:125) is Khalilullah (Friend of God). The city of Hebron, commonly regarded as Abraham's burial place, is called al-Khalil in Arabic, deriving its name from this Quranic title. Abraham is also called Hanif, often translated as "upright," and is mentioned in eight Quranic verses (e.g., Al-Baqarah 2:135; Aal Imran 3:67, 95; An-Nisa 4:125).

Firestone notes that the Quranic description of Abraham as Hanif, frequently paired with the phrase "the religion of Abraham," has led to speculation among Muslims and Western scholars that a native Abrahamic monotheism may have existed in pre-Islamic Arabia (Firestone, 2001, v.1, p. 5-6).

Critique of the Article on Abraham (AS)

Firestone's work, while thorough in referencing the Quran, suffers from reliance on Sunni-centric sources and neglect of Shia perspectives. His errors regarding Abraham's lineage, the sacrificial son, and Quranic originality undermine his credibility. A balanced study requires engagement with all Islamic traditions.