2. The Brotherhood of Ishmael and Israel?
Yet, another crucial part to the argument from Islam is that Ishmael is 'the brethren' because he is the brother of Isaac. From that simple premise, one might be inclined to consider the possibility. However, upon a closer look, it is clear that such argument is greatly flawed, and should be outright discarded. Why?
Well, first of all, if we trace the Israelites back to a single point of origin, we would go no further than Jacob (aka Israel). If we trace the Ishmaelites back, we would find end with Ishmael. Now, what is wrong with that picture? The argument is that, since Ishmael is brother with Isaac, then they are 'brethren', therefore, the brethren of the Israelites are the Arabs. But, if the tribes of the Israelites do not begin until Israel is born, then how could Ishmael be brethren of Israel?
Obviously, the answer is that Ishmaelites are not the closest of the "brethrens". If anything, the descendants of Esau (Israel's real brother) would be closer to the Israelites, than the Ishmaelites. In fact, God gave part of the land in Canaan to the descendants of Esau. God even prophecied to Rebekkah that two nations (deja vu?) would come out of her, and one being Israel, and the other the descendants of Edom. The following passage gives reference to this relationship between Israel and Edom:
From Kadesh Moses then sent messengers to the king of Edom: "Thus your brother Israel has said, 'You know all the hardship that has befallen us.'" (Num 20:14)
It is evident that Moses is referring to the connection between Jacob and Esau, and he is making reference to this relationship to gain access to the highway, which passess throug the land of Edom.
However, it is necessary to distinguish between the use of "brother", and "brethren". In Deuteronomy, Moses does not use the term brethren, to indicate Edom, but as already shown, it is used to indicate the tribes of Israel. Nevertheless, the point should be made that, even if one was to begin thinking of the possibility that the term is referring to someone outside of the 12 tribes, the only 'brother' to consider is Edom, and NOT Ishmael.
--CONTINUED BELOW