Jews and the Qur'an

Meir Bar-Asher's book explores how Jews and Judaism are depicted in the Quran and later Islamic literature, providing context to passages critical of Jews and drawing parallels between Jewish and shari'a law. It sheds light on the extraordinary contribution of Jewish tradition to the Muslim exegesis of the Quran and offers a nuanced understanding of Islam's engagement with Judaism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his comprehensive and multifaceted book, Meir Bar-Asher delves into the examination of how Jews and Judaism are portrayed in the Quran and subsequent Islamic literature. By providing essential context to the often-cited passages critical of Jews that are frequently used to divide Muslims and Jews or to promote Islamophobia, Bar-Asher seeks to shed light on the origins of the protection accorded to Jews and other minorities living under the rule of Islam. He traces the Quranic roots of this protection and highlights the significant differences in attitudes towards Jews in Shi'i Islam compared to Sunni Islam. Bar-Asher also sheds light on the extraordinary contribution of Jewish tradition to the Muslim exegesis of the Quran, drawing important parallels between Jewish religious law (halakha) and shari'a law.

This illuminating work on a topic of vital relevance today, Jews and the Quran, offers a nuanced understanding of Islam's engagement with Judaism in the time of Muhammad and his followers. It serves as a necessary corrective to common misperceptions about Islam, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complex relationship between these two faiths. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Bar-Asher provides readers with a valuable resource for exploring the historical and theological dimensions of Islam's interaction with Judaism, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious global community.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691211350