Jewish Muslims: How Christians Imagined Islam as the Enemy

Format: Hardback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Unveiling the enigmatic tapestry of Islamophobia and its surprising entanglements with the enduring animosity directed toward Jews, this scholarly exploration delves into the intricate history of this complex, convoluted, and emotionally charged phenomenon. In his enlightening work, Jewish Muslims, David M. Freidenreich delves into the intricate chronicle of this intricate, perplexing, and emotionally charged phenomenon, shedding light on its historical roots. Through a meticulous analysis of anti-Muslim sentiment expressed in texts and images across Europe and the Middle East spanning a millennium, the author compellingly demonstrates how Christians, both in the past and in the present, have deliberately distorted reality by equating Muslims with Jews. This deliberate distortion served two interconnected purposes: to justify violent assaults against Muslims on theological grounds and to inspire fellow Christians to uphold the principles of their faith. It is crucial to note that the disdain exhibited by premodern polemicists toward Islam and Judaism was not driven by a genuine understanding or appreciation of these religions. Rather, it was a tool employed to promote their own distinct visions of Christianity, a dynamic that continues to shape perceptions of Muslims and Jews in contemporary discourse. By unraveling the historical roots of Islamophobia and its connections to the long-standing hatred of Jews, this book offers a profound exploration of the complex interplay between religion, identity, and prejudice, shedding light on the urgent need for empathy, understanding, and mutual respect in our increasingly interconnected world.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 182 x 287 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520344716