Page 52 - Demo

48afterwards 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 fatherin-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.