This chapter focuses on the basic history of the Abrahamic story with an emphasis on Sarah and Hagar and their children and how history looked on each religion. This chapter's thesis claim is a discussion on the gradual progression of the various views of the story from the beginning of each religion and how even now the views on the families of Abraham became so distant even though they begin from the same place.

Trible and Russell begin their discussion from the very beginning, the first, most well known recording of the life of Abraham and his family, the Torah. In this section, they describe the events as objectively as possible. Following this they go into the New Testament. The describe the appearances of Abraham in the Gosepls and St. Paul's position on Hagar and Sarah as symbols for the beliefs and the difference between those who believe in Christ and those who do not. Finally they go into the Qur'an and how Abraham is considered blessed as the first true prophet and his wives are mentioned very little. They also mention the stories that don't appear in the Bible and the importance of Abraham's eldest two children, Isaac and Ishmael.

After this they describe some of the traditional commentaries made about the family after the scriptures were released to the public. Focusing on the Islamic traditions, the traditions and stories known as the hadith focus on filling in gaps that are left out in traditional text such as Hagar surviving in the polytheist world and some traditions she set. In the Islamic tradition, contrary to the traditions set by Judaism and Christianity, Hagar is given much respect as the "mother of the Arab world," even to this day being buried next to her son in Mecca.

Finally they discuss how history changes the point of view of each religion throughout the years until modern times. Christianity and Judaism becoming antagonistic towards Islam through warring with each other for land in the territorial wars between Islam and Judaism and the Crusades. The tolerant life found in the territory taken by Muslims in Spain allowing for culture to flourish until the demise of Islam to Christianity under the rulers of Spain. The Reformation's harsh criticism towards Muslims especially in the words of John Calvin and Martin Luther using Hagar and Sarah to highlight the major differences between religions. Trible and Russell finally, discuss the growing tensions between Islam and Judaism due to the creation of the nation of Israel.

This chapter focuses on the characters in Abraham's story in the context of the Qur'an and the Muslim tradition. The thesis claim states that Hagar, mother of Ishamael, is model of the Muslim faith and her story can teach women about what it means to be faithful to God. She also declares the importance of both Sarah and Hagar as examples of what women are according to the Abrahamic, patriarchal religions and cultures that come with them.

Hassan introduces her topic by discussing her relationship and attitudes toward Hagar as a Muslim and reflects on the importance of the women of the Abrahamic family. Using the hadiff as the main source of reasoning, she begins her argument by focusing on Abraham's wives as they are traditionally portrayed in traditional Muslim scriptures. For Sarah, the Qur'an mentions her only once in the story detailing the annunciation of Isaac. In the hadiff however, stories centering around her protecting her chastity from kings by praying to God come to the attention of believers. These stories demonstrate her willingness to keep herself faithful to her husband though he has abandoned her. Hagar on the other hand is not mentioned at all in the Qur'an but is declared heavily in the hadiff. Interpreting the traditional Muslim texts, Sarah becomes a fearful mother for her child's inheritance while Hagar becomes the "first" Muslim and creator of traditions passed down to this day.

Abraham's reverence by the Muslim traditions are also detailed with texts detailing Abraham destroying false idols in his homeland, being venerated with his status as the devout follower and friend of God, and focusing on how Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian. Hassan continues her argument at this point in describing the importance of the movement of the Qibla or direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca to describe the difference between what people consider as truth behind the change and what religious motivations are made by the traditions of Islam. In this instance, the tradition of Islam states that the movement of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca was a test of the faith of God to determine those who follow the Apostle, Muhammad. Hassan closes her arguments by describing the universal ideals the Qur'an has for its followers in worship of God and in the inclusiveness of Islam to the other "People of the Book." She relates the unity detailed in the scriptures to Abraham as one who bears witness to the truth before all and how the temple in Mecca was built by Abraham.

Hassan continues her arguments by describing the differences between the Jewish and Christian tradition of Isaac being nearly sacrificed to God by his father and the Islamic tradition of it being Ishmael instead of Isaac. In the story, neither son is named but according to tradition, Ishmael takes his place and does not protest after hearing that it was God's will to be taken as a sacrifice. Hassan closes her arguments detailing how the story of Hagar, Abraham, and Ishmael are celebrated by Muslims and how the stories are universal. She closes in reflecting on how the strength of Hagar is an important trait to be learned from all women.