Did the Nations of Arabia Descend from Ishmael? A persistent belief in religious tradition is that the Arab peoples all descend from Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. It is a claim repeated in sermons, commentaries, and even political rhetoric. Muslims often embrace it as part of their heritage, while some Christians use it to connect Ishmael’s story in Genesis to modern Middle Eastern politics. But is this actually true?

Shem, Ham, and Japheth: The Fathers of Nations. After the flood, humanity began again through Noah’s three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Their lives represent a new beginning for the world and the foundation of nations that would shape biblical history. These brothers stand as a turning point: the earth had been wiped clean by judgment, and from their families the entire world would be repopulated.