Ishmael's Descendants

This is the history of the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian servant. Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael's descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes that bore their names, listed according to the places they settled and camped. Ishmael finally died at the age of 137 and joined his ancestors in death.

< = = = Are these names important to know?
Tough question, neither the Torah because they are not the children of the promise, or other literature tracks them exactly, so they are lost except for the records God Keeps. That said, God promised to make them a great nation. You will recall:
"This son of yours will be a wild one--free and untamed as a wild donkey! He will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live at odds with the rest of his brothers."

Ishmael's descendants were scattered across the country from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur, the first capital of Assyria. The clans descended from Ishmael camped close to one another.  

God also said:
As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will cause him to multiply and become a great nation. Twelve princes will be among his descendants.

The bottom line, When you factor in interbreeding in Canaan, the diaspora, the scattering of the Jewish peoples, there is more blood of Abraham in many of the Middle Eastern Islamic people than in just the Jews. They are descendants of Abraham as well, not just through Ismael, but also through the sons of Keturah. Never underestimate them Alan, God has richly blessed them for the sake of Abraham. 

Remember Abraham's request of God:
And Abraham said to God, "Yes, may Ishmael enjoy your special blessing!"

Nonetheless, the sons and daughters of the promise God made to Abraham come through the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That is what matters for you. 

I read your email.  It seems you are struggling for a topic for your D'var Torah. An easy out for you would be a character study of one of the patriarchs, or someone around them, as that is what we are studying. I'd recommend avoiding one of the Antisemitism shootings, they can be a struggle to tie to the Torah and this is a time of celebration. I was intrigued by the idea of an exploration of your destiny, what it means to be a descendant of Abraham. Keep thinking about ideas and we will try to lock something in soon. Until then.