The Descendants of Ishmael: Origins, Husbands, and Children

The story of Ishmael, son of Abraham and Hagar, has been a significant part of many religious traditions for centuries. This article explores the wives, children, and geographical locations of the twelve sons of Ishmael, who are traditionally believed to be the ancestors of many Arab tribes.

Legends and Stories

Ishmael, a biblical figure, is traditionally understood to be the son of Abraham and Hagar. His story is documented in the Jewish and Islamic traditions. According to the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, Ishmael married an unnamed Egyptian woman. Historical and legendary accounts add more layers to his life and the lives of his descendants.

Wife of Ishmael

Ishmael's most well-known wife is an unnamed Egyptian woman. While her name is not specified in the primary religious texts, she is believed to have been Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, according to the Islamic tradition. It is also mentioned that Ishmael had at least two wives, both from Yemen, the Beni Jurhum tribe, later settled in Mecca. The first wife Aisha gave him five sons and one daughter. After Abraham came to visit, the wife of Ishmael divorced him, and he married Fatimah, who bore him the remaining seven sons.

Children of Ishmael

The Named Sons

The twelve sons of Ishmael, often referred to as the princes of Ishmael, are:

Nebaioth (Небейoth) Kedar (Кедар) Adbeel (Адбиел) Mibsam (Мисбам) Mishma (Мисма) Dumah (Думах) Massa (Масса) Hadad (Хадад) Tema (Тема) Jetur (Джетур) Naphish (Нафис) Kedemah (Кедема)

Occupations and Descendants

The descendants of Ishmael are traditionally associated with various tribes and regions in the Arabian Peninsula. They are often viewed as the ancestors of many Arab tribes. The sons of Ishmael are described as being skilled in archery and living in the wilderness, which suggests a nomadic lifestyle.

Geographical Locations

It is believed that Ishmael and his descendants settled primarily in the wilderness of Paran in Arabia. Genesis 21:20 specifically states that God was with Ishmael as he grew up in the wilderness of Paran, which is generally associated with the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Each son of Ishmael has a specific region named after them, indicating their settlement and rule over those lands.

The Lands of Ishmael's Sons

Nebaioth: Founder of the Nabateans, mainly in Southern Jordan, north of Shur. Kedar: Quraish of Mecca, in the Hejaz region. Adbeel: In the Sinai Peninsula, near Aqaba. Mibsam and Mishma: In the land of Jethro, north of Al Medina, famous for date palms. Dumah: Al Jawf / Wadi Sirhan, famous for date palms. Massa: Medain Land of Jethro, Al Medina, Arabia, famous for date palms. Hadad: Palmyra, Southern Syria, famous for date palms. Tema: North of Medina, famous for date palms. Jetur: Mount Hermon / Jebel Sheikh Golan, Syria. Naphish: EDOM, Ramtha, Southern Jordan. Kedemah: Azraq Oasis, Southern Jordan, famous for date palms.

Conclusion

The descendants of Ishmael, through their twelve sons, have left an indelible mark on the cultural and historical landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. The locations and descendants of Ishmael continue to play a significant role in shaping the diverse tapestry of Arab tribes and regions today.