What was the name of Ishmael's mother?

Hagar, Ishmael's mother, has a fascinating and complex role in the biblical narrative. A slave woman to Sarah, the wife of Abram (later called Abraham), Hagar's story begins in the heart-wrenching world of struggle and desperation. When Sarah, unable to conceive, suggested that Abram have a child with Hagar, it was a culturally accepted practice in ancient times where barren women would offer their maidservants in hopes of building their families. When Hagar conceived, emotions ran high—pride on Hagar’s side and jealousy on Sarah's.

This tension between Sarah and Hagar underscores a unique aspect of family dynamics found in many households and asks us to question notions like power, privilege, and worth. Notably, Hagar's story goes beyond mere motherhood. After being mistreated by Sarah, Hagar fled into the wilderness, where she had an encounter with an angel of the Lord. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dignity and recognition—Hagar is the first in the Bible to receive a divine promise concerning her offspring, underscoring that God’s care extends to the marginalized and oppressed.

Interestingly, in the Islamic tradition, Hagar is revered as a significant figure whose legacy continues through Ishmael, the forefather of many Arab nations. This lineage highlights Hagar’s pivotal role not just in Jewish traditions but in other religious narratives too, inviting a reflection on the universality of human experience across different faiths.