ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah: The Mixed Arabs and Their Genealogy
Definition and Significance
The term “ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah” (Arabic: العرب المستعربة, Turkish: Arap Musta’ribe), commonly translated as the “mixed Arabs,” refers to a group that claims descent from Ishmael, the son of the prophet Abraham, and the daughter of al-Muẓāẓ, the King of al-Ḥijāz. This lineage is particularly significant in Islamic tradition because Prophet Muhammad traced his ancestry through this line.
Etymology
- ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah:
- Arabic: العرب المستعربة (al-ʿArabu al-Mustaʿribah)
- Turkish: Arap Musta’ribe
- Root words:
- ʿArab: Refers to Arabs.
- Mustaʿribah: Derived from the verb “istaʿraba” (to become Arab), indicating those who have adopted Arab culture and language.
Historical Context and Origins
The lineage of the ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah begins with Ishmael, known as Ismail in Islamic tradition. According to Islamic and pre-Islamic Arab accounts:
- Ishmael:
- Son of Abraham (Ibrahim) and Hagar (Hajar).
- Settled in the wilderness of Paran, identified by Muslim traditions with Makkah (Mecca).
- Married from the tribe of Jurhum, the inhabitants of al-Ḥijāz.
Connection to al-Ḥijāz
Ishmael’s marriage into the Jurhum tribe fortifies the genealogical link of Prophet Muhammad to the mixed Arabs. This connection is detailed in various Islamic texts and narratives, aiming to highlight the sacred ties of the Prophet’s lineage to Ishmael.
Key Historical Figures
Here are some significant ancestors of Prophet Muhammad, traced from Ishmael:
- Nebat: Ishmael’s eldest son, who initially succeeded him.
- Kedar: Another son of Ishmael, directly mentioned in Muhammad’s lineage.
- ʿAdnān: A critical figure in the genealogy of Muhammad, with the line from ʿAdnān to the Prophet considered certain.
Generations and Tribes
The period between Ishmael and ʿAdnān is debated, with genealogical records estimating different numbers of generations. From ʿAdnān to Muhammad, the genealogy encompasses approximately twenty-one generations and numerous tribes.
Notable Resources for Further Study
-
Biographies and Genealogies:
- “Vie de Mahomet” by Jean Gagnier.
- “Specimen of Arabian Historiography” by Edward Pococke.
- “Essays” by Saiyid Ahmad Khan.
- “Preliminary Discourse” in George Sale’s translation of The Koran.
-
Historical Accounts:
- Works of Abū ʾl-Fidāʾ, an Arab historian.
- “History of Arabia” by Andrew Crichton.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The term “ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah” encapsulates a significant lineage within the Arab and Islamic historical framework, emphasizing the mixed heritage of Arabs descending from Ishmael and their notable contribution to the religious and cultural tapestry of Islam. Recognizing this lineage is critical for understanding the historical narratives surrounding Prophet Muhammad and the broader Islamic traditions connected to Semitic genealogies.
Recap
- ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah: Mixed Arabs claiming descent from Ishmael.
- Significance: Strong tie to Prophet Muhammad’s ancestry.
- Key Figures: Ishmael, Nebat, Kedar, ʿAdnān.
- Historical Debates: Variations in the number of generations between Ishmael and ʿAdnān.
- Further Reading: Works by Abū ʾl-Fidāʾ, Jean Gagnier, Edward Pococke, Saiyid Ahmad Khan, and George Sale.
Understanding the ʿArabu ʾl-Mustaʿribah provides valuable insights into the genealogical roots of Islamic tradition and highlights the intricate connections that shape the historical and cultural narratives of the Arab peoples.
