Was the Prophet Ishmael a Real Arab or Arabized?
The question of whether the Prophet Ishmael was a real Arab or Arabized has intrigued scholars and historians for centuries. This essay explores the theory that links the Arabs to Eber (Heber) as detailed in the Book of Genesis, and examines how commentators have interpreted the ethnicity and origin of the ancient Arab tribes.
The Biblical Lineage of the Arabs
According to the Book of Genesis, the lineage of the Arabs can be traced back to Eber, the son of Shelah, who himself is a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah.
Shem is described as the father of Passers-By, a term that carries deep significance. This leads us to the names Arphaxad, Shelah, and ultimately Eber. Eber fathered Joktan, and it is from Joktan that the Arab tribes, particularly those in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula, have been linked by many commentators.
Researcher Gordon Wenham supports this connection, stating that Joktan is related to Qahtan, the father of the Arab tribes. Additionally, Mathew’s research also indicates that the names of Joktan's sons are linked to the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. This association is further corroborated in the books of other commentators and theologians.
Arabs as Hebreans
Further evidence for the Hebrew origin of the Arabs can be found in the works of Eugene Merrill. He asserts that the Arabs are descendants of Eber, making them part of the Hebrew lineage just like the Children of Israel. This ties the Arabs to a much broader history, emphasizing their deep connection to biblical narratives. Researchers propose that the link between Eber and the Arabs is not a modern invention but is rooted in interpretations by Babylonian scholars.
Islamic Traditions and the Prophet Hud
The Islamic tradition further complicates the origins of the Arabs. According to Islamic belief, the Prophet Hud was a significant figure sent by God to the people of Ad, who were native to the Arabian Peninsula. The Greek interpretation of the Book of Jonah also includes an ancient tradition that states Jon lived in the land of Uz, on the borders of Arabia, with his name Jobab.
These references highlight a historical connection, linking the Arabs to both Biblical and pre-Islamic traditions. The name Jobab, mentioned in both texts, provides a bridge between different interpretations and traditions.
The Dispersion and Continuity of the Arabs
The Book of Genesis describes a period in which the earth was divided, leading to the multiplication of kingdoms and languages, and the dispersion of peoples across the earth. The Arabs, as a people, emerged during this time, but their lineage can be traced back to Eber through Joktan and his sons.
Ishmael, the son of Abraham, is also pivotal in understanding the origins of the Arabs. Although Ishmael is the father of the Adnan Arab lineage, he is not the father of all Arabs. The Arab tribes arise from diverse lineages, including both Ishmael's and Eber's descendants.
Thus, the Arabs have a rich and diverse history, fundamentally linked to the Hebrew lineage through Eber. This shared heritage provides a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Arab peoples and their relationship to the historical figures and events described in the Bible and Islamic texts.