An Introduction to Islam for Jews

by Reuven Firestone

Book Overview

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.)...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0827608640
• ISBN13: 9780827608641
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

a brief introduction to Islam

This book covers a wide variety of issues relating to Islam. Of course, Islam gets the most press when extremists are massacring people - and to his credit, Firestone does not flinch from examining the relationship between the Koran and modern extremism. He points out that like Judeo-Christian sacred texts, the Koran and other Muslim texts do not speak with one voice: they contain verses favoring tolerance, and verses that are not so tolerant. Thus, it makes no sense to generalize about the "Islamic position" on other religions: both warmongers and peacemakers can find ammunition for their positions (pun intended). As you might guess from the title, Firestone focuses heavily on the relationship between Judaism and Islam, noting some of the similarities between the two religions as well as their differences. To name a few: 1. Both Muslims and traditional Jews believe that Moses was a prophet who received laws from God. But they differ as to the content of revelation. While Jews of course believe in the Torah, Muslims believe that the Torah does not accurately reflect Mosaic revelation, because much of it was lost or altered over time. 2. Arabic and Hebrew have quite a few similiarities. For example, the most common Arabic word for "God" (Allah) is similar to one of the Jewish names (El), and the Islamic term for charity (Sadaqa) is quite similar to the Jewish term Tzedakah. Even seemingly dissimilar terms often have similar roots: the Jewish term Halakha and the Islamic Sharia both mean something like "the way". 3. Family law is somewhat similar; for example, both traditional Jews and Muslims' tolerance for abortion depends on timing (more so within the first forty days, less so afterwards. Similarly, both traditional Judaism and Islam formally allow only men to initiate divorce, and have had some difficulty creating alternatives that respect women's interests. Firestone also explains some of the issues dividing Sh'ites and Sunnis; some Shi'tes allow "temporary marriage" (as Firestone explains it, normally a kind of cohabitation) and Shi'is encourage visits to the tombs of holy men, a practice that the most radical Sunnis consider idolatrous.

An Introduction to Islam for non-Muslims, Written by a True Cross-Cultural Scholar

First, let me point out the obvious: There are countless "introductions to Islam" available from bookstores and libraries. Among the best is the Oxford University Press book by John Esposito, "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam." In fact, Esposito has written several great books for general readers on Islam. I'm a journalist who has written about world religions for several decades and I've got a wide shelf lined with such books from pamphlets to multi-volume sets. So, why buy this book by Firestone? First of all, if you're Jewish, you can trust this notable Jewish scholar and the highly respected publishing house, the Jewish Publication Society. I've had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Firestone lecture and it may sound odd to use the words "pleasure" and "lecture" in the same sentence. But his expertise on Judaism and Islam allows him to sketch fascinating and surprising connections down through the centuries. This book is not chiefly a history lesson. It's an "introduction for general readers" to the world of Islam, but it is solidly shaped by the author's many years of academic work. In short: He knows what he's writing about--and he knows how to describe it all to his intended audience. I think the book also is a solid choice for Christian readers as well. The book doesn't address many Muslim-Christian connections that exist, but the book is engaging, solid and very well organized. The book is about 240 pages with an index, glossary and helpful notes filling out another 60 pages. It's divided into three main parts: Islamic History, the Quran and Islamic Law and finally the Muslim community, which describes the branches of Islam that extend into today's world. Within the three sections are a total of 27 chapters, each one focused on a specific topic. So, a small group in your congregation could read a selection of short chapters each week, then talk about that cluster of topics for an hour. It's a great choice for small groups.

Essential Reading

I have known Reuven Firestone for a number of years and read some of his other writings. This book is both scholarly and readable. In particular, the book is organized not to make an argument, but to present facts which can allow a reader to make more informed decisions. In particular, Dr. Firestone emphasizes the importance of approaching Islam without preconceptions, or at least by accepting its validity, something which is often lost in the heat of today's rhetoric.

Scholarly, Comprehensive, Balanced

This volume presumes some knowledge of interfaith studies, and, in that sense, some knowledge of how Judaism differs from Christianity, but it is not just for Jews. Instead, this volume is probably the best concise overview of Islam available in English. While one may differ with the judgments of the author here and there, he is unfailingly balanced and at least references all major contrary opinions. One cannot do everything in roughly 250 pages [plus a glossary of Arabic terms, a bibliography for further reading, a table of biblical and koranic references and a good index], but this volume covers more territory better and more clearly than any other comparable volume. The author is a scholar of the best sort and should be congratulated on his achievement.

Islam demystified

I have always been intrigued--and mystified--by Islam. It seemed so exotic, but also strange and, as a Jew, somewhat threatening. I thank Firestone for writing about Islam in contexts that I can understand and relate to: where Judiasm and Islam intersect and depart, and how surprisingly similar the two religions are in many ways. There's an awful lot here to take in, but it's all so fascinating! A very intelligent, clear and balanced book. I think every Jew should read this.