Page 49 - New English Book L

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afterwards introduced; still the names of Allah,
Abraham (pbuh) , Ishmael (pbuh) , and a few other
Prophets were not forgotten by them. Even Esau,
the elder son of Isaac (pbuh) , left his father’s hearth
for his younger brother Jacob (pbuh) and dwelt in
Edom, where he became the chief of his people
and soon got mixed with the Arab tribes of
Ishmael (pbuh) , who was both his uncle and father-
in-law. The story of Esau is selling his birthright
to Jacob (pbuh) for a dish of pottage is foul trick
invented to justify the ill-treatment ascribed to
Ishmael (pbuh) . It is alleged “God hated Esau and
loved Jacob (pbuh) ,” while the twins were in their
mother’s womb; and that the “elder brother was
to serve his younger one” (Gen. xxv., Rom. ix. 12,
13). But, strange to say, another report, probably
from another source, shows the case to be just
the reverse of the above-mentioned prediction.
For the thirty-third chapter of Genesis clearly
admits that Jacob (pbuh) served Esau, before whom
he seven times prostrates in homage, addressing
him “My Lord,” and declaring himself as “your
slave.”

Abraham (pbuh) is reported to have several other sons
from Qitura and “the concubines,” to whom he gave
presents or gifts and sent them towards the East. All
these became large and strong tribes. Twelve sons of
Ishmael (pbuh) are mentioned by name and described,
each one to be a prince with his towns and camps or
armies (Gen. xxv.). So are the children from Qitura,
and others, as well as those descended from Esau
mentioned by their names.