An Introduction to Islam for Jews (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780827608641)

Muslim-Jewish relations in the United States, Israel, and Europe are tenuous. Jews and Muslims struggle to understand one another and know little about each other's traditions and beliefs. Firestone explains the remarkable similarities and profound differences between Judaism and Islam, the complex history of Jihad, the legal and religious positions of Jews in the world of Islam, how various expressions of Islam (Sunni, Shi a, Sufi, Salafi, etc.) regard Jews, the range of Muslim views about Israel, and much more. He addresses these issues and others with candor and integrity, and he writes with language, symbols, and ideas that make sense to Jews. Exploring these subjects in today's vexed political climate is a delicate undertaking. Firestone draws on the research and writings of generations of Muslim, Jewish, and other scholars, as well as his own considerable expertise in this field. The book's tone is neither disparaging, apologetic, nor triumphal. Firestone provides many original sources in translation, as well as an appendix of additional key sources in context. Most importantly, this book is readable and reasoned, presenting to readers for the first time the complexity of Islam and its relationship toward Jews and Judaism.

Author: Reuven Firestone
ISBN-10: 0827608640
ISBN-13: 9780827608641
Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
Language: English
Published: 05/19/2008
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 9.06h x 7.10w x 0.89d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Supplements 11/15/2007 pg. 22
Publishers Weekly 06/09/2008 pg. 47
Library Journal 08/15/2008 pg. 90
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2008 pg. 20
Multicultural Review 03/01/2009 pg. 64