Page 48 - Demo

44and 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 theCovenant 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