Page 43 - New English Book L

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As no chronological order is observed in the Book
of Genesis, we are told that after the birth of Isaac (pbuh),
Ishmael (pbuh) and his mother are turned out and sent away
by Abraham (pbuh) in a most cruel manner, simply because
Sáráh so wished. Ishmael (pbuh) and his mother disappear
in the desert, a fountain bursts out when the youth is on
the point of death from thirst; he drinks and is saved.
Nothing more is heard of Ishmael (pbuh) in the Book of
Genesis except that he married an Egyptian woman, and
when Abraham (pbuh) died he was present together with
Isaac (pbuh) to bury their dead father.

Then the Book of Genesis continues the story of
Isaac (pbuh), his two sons, and the descent of Jacob (pbuh)
into Egypt, and ends with the death of Joseph (pbuh). The
next important event in the history of Abraham (pbuh) as
recorded in Genesis (xxii.) is the offering of “his only
son” a sacrifice to God, but he was ransomed with a ram
which was presented by an angel. As the Quran says,
“this was a manifest trial” for Abraham (pbuh). (Quran,
37:102.), [1] but his love for God surpassed every other
affection; and for this reason he is surnamed “the Friend
of Allah””(Quran, 4:125) [2] .

Thus runs the brief account of Abraham (pbuh) in
connection with our subject of the Birthright and the
Covenant.

There are three distinct points, which every
true believer in God must accept as truths. The first
point is that Ishmael (pbuh)is the legitimate son of
Abraham (pbuh), his firstborn, and therefore his claim

[1] Quran,37:102 . Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with
him, he said: «O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what
is thy view!» (The son) said: «O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will
find me, if Allah so wills one of the steadfast!» . (Editors).

[2] Quran,4:125 . Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self
to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah
did take Abraham for a friend.(Editors).