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and his son Jacob (pbuh); for to disparage or to lower a Prophet
is an impiety. When we compare Ishmael (pbuh) and Isaac (pbuh)
, we cannot but reverence and respect them both as holy
servants of God. In fact, the people of Israel, with its Law
and sacred Scriptures, have had a unique religious history in
the Old World. They were indeed the Chosen People of God.
Although that people have often rebelled against God, and
fallen into idolatry, yet they have given to the world myriads
of prophets and righteous men and women.

So far there could be no real point of controversy
between the descendants of Ishmael (pbuh) and the people
of Israel. For if by “Blessing” and the “Birthright” it
meant only some material possessions and power, the
dispute would be settled as it has been settled by sword
and the accomplished fact of the Arab occupation of the
promised lands. Nay, there is a fundamental point of
dispute between the two nations now existing for nearly
four thousand years; and that point is the question of the
Messiah and Muhammad (pbuh). The Jews do not see the
fulfilment of the so-called Messianic prophecies either in
the person of Christ or in that of Muhammad (pbuh). The
Jews have always been jealous of Ishmael (pbuh) because
they know very well that in him the Covenant was made
and with his circumcision it was concluded and sealed.
and it is out of this rancour that their scribes or doctors
of law have corrupted and interpolated many passages in
their Scriptures. To efface the name “Ishmael(pbuh)” from
the second, sixth, and seventh verses of the twenty-second
chapter of the Book of Genesis and to insert in its place
“Isaac (pbuh),” and to leave the descriptive epithet “thy only
begotten son” is to deny the existence of the former and to
violate the Covenant made between God and Ishmael (pbuh).
It is expressly said in this chapter by God: “Because thou
didst not spare thy only begotten son, I will increase and
multiply the posterity like the stars and the sands on the