Islamic Antisemitism: A Critical Examination of Theological Foundations and Historical Manifestations
This paper critically examines Islamic antisemitism, focusing on its theological foundations and historical evolution. While Bernard Lewis acknowledged that internal forces within Islamic theology contributed to antisemitism, he emphasized the influence of external factors, particularly European sources. In contrast, this study argues that elements of antisemitism are deeply embedded within Islamic theology itself. By emphasizing internal theological concepts such as fitra (innate human disposition), fitna (trial and discord), dhimmitude (status of non-Muslims), and jihad (struggle or warfare), the paper illustrates how these ideas have shaped Muslim attitudes toward Jews from early Islamic history.
This paper critically examines Islamic antisemitism, focusing on its theological foundations and historical evolution. While Bernard Lewis acknowledged that internal forces within Islamic theology contributed to antisemitism, he emphasized the influence of external factors, particularly European sources. In contrast, this study argues that elements of antisemitism are deeply embedded within Islamic theology itself. By emphasizing internal theological concepts such as fitra (innate human disposition), fitna (trial and discord), dhimmitude (status of non-Muslims), and jihad (struggle or warfare), the paper illustrates how these ideas have shaped Muslim attitudes toward Jews from early Islamic history.
This paper critically examines Islamic antisemitism, focusing on its theological foundations and historical evolution. While Bernard Lewis acknowledged that internal forces within Islamic theology contributed to antisemitism, he emphasized the influence of external factors, particularly European sources. In contrast, this study argues that elements of antisemitism are deeply embedded within Islamic theology itself. By emphasizing internal theological concepts such as fitra (innate human disposition), fitna (trial and discord), dhimmitude (status of non-Muslims), and jihad (struggle or warfare), the paper illustrates how these ideas have shaped Muslim attitudes toward Jews from early Islamic history.