
Genesis 16:1-4
The
son of Abram (soon to be renamed Abraham by God) and Hagar was named Ishmael. Ishmael’s half-brother would be Isaac, whose
son would be called Jacob and renamed Israel by God. While Israel’s bloodline would go on to include
David and Jesus, Ishmael’s decedents would include the Prophet Muhammed. So all of us - Jews, Christians and Muslims –
are the sons and daughters of Abraham. There
are nearly four billion adherents of the Abrahamic faiths. In all our beautiful, empowering diversity, we
represent over half the global population.
Ramadan began this evening. I wish any Muslim
who may find him- or herself reading this blog, and every child of Abraham, a Ramadan
Mubarak.
Photo: Sheikh
Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates