Question and Answer
Who is the father of the Muslims?
Question:
In some references they say Ishmael is the father of the Muslims, but then some people refer to Esau as the father of Muslims. If possible, could you please explain which one of these is correct, and if neither is, would you please tell me who the father of the Muslims was? I’m confused as to how Mohammed is the prophet of Allah, when there is no direct lineage to Ishmael or Esau. Thank you.
Answer:
Dear friend,
Thank you for your inquiry. It falls into the category of “we don’t know” as ministers of the Gospel.
The things which we can answer with authority must be founded on the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. The time of Mohammed was long after the Bible was completed. Moreover, the Gospel concern is not with the genealogies of other religions, but with the message of salvation by grace through Jesus Christ. Salvation is found in Christ alone. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
So, your question is one which we are not able to answer.
About Q&A
"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.
The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.
At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those people who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)
The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.
While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.
You will receive an answer by e-mail. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two (2) weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.
Note that the "Questions and Answers" posted on the site have been edited—all personal references are removed, Scripture references or from some source may be added, and sometimes portions are expanded—to make the questions and answers more useful to a larger audience.
