Blog6Dellafemina

Christina Della Femina  

WGS 3463

Blog 6

                The conception story of Abraham and Sarah’s children is well known, but there is more to be said of it when comparing the same story from two different religious texts. Sarah’s character in the Hebrew Bible and in the Quran has different characteristics that make one more independent than the other.

                In the Hebrew Bible, Sarah’s first appearance comes in Genesis 16, and we see immediately that she is a woman who knows what she wants and will do what is necessary to get it. Although she cannot bear children, she tells her husband, “Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her” (Gen 16:2). This gives a sense of determination to Sarah that is undeniable. Just a few lines later, Abram explains to Sarah that “your slave is in your hands…do with her whatever you think best” (Gen 16:6). This is also a good example of the freedom Sarah had to do as she pleased. We see her strong influence again in Gen 18, when God tells Abraham to “Listen to whatever Sarah tells you” (12) concerning the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael. While it because of God that Abraham actually does as Sarah says, it still gives her a sense of power and control.

                The Quran’s account of Sarah’s miracle is not quite as telling of her character. In both accounts, it is said that Sarah laughs in disbelief at the news that she will become pregnant, showing her fleeting doubt of God’s will and comments that “This is truly a strange thing” (Q11:72). This is the extent of the dialogue that Sarah has about the matter. We do not see any interaction between Abraham and Sarah and therefore are left with little opinion of Sarah.

                Base on the information provided, it is clear that Sarah in the Hebrew Bible holds much more autonomy over the Sarah depicted in the Quran. The former is headstrong, controlling and insistent that what she wants be done.