The Quran's View of the Jewish People
My goal is to provide an evidence-based view of the subject that would provide people with a firm grasp as to why so many Muslims feel as they do about the war in Gaza. I give a summary of what I covered below.
Quran Studies
by Dr. Tim Orr.
My goal is to provide an evidence-based view of the subject that would provide people with a firm grasp as to why so many Muslims feel as they do about the war in Gaza. I give a summary of what I covered below.
The Quran’s View of the Jewish People
In this talk, I delve into the Quran's unique perspective on eschatology, how it evolved, and how its theology affects the understanding of the Jewish people. Muhammad received revelations from Allah over 23 years, shaping the doctrine of eschatology, the study of the end times and divine judgment, within the Quran. I aimed to provide an evidence-based understanding of this topic, shedding light on why many Muslims hold particular views, especially concerning events like the Gaza conflict.
Understanding the Quran's Changing Message
To comprehend how the Quran's message changed over time, particularly regarding eschatology and its influence on attitudes toward Jews, it's crucial to examine the chronology of Quranic revelations. While traditional belief suggests the Quran has an eternal existence, I follow the Oral Formulaic View, which argues that the Quran was initially composed for oral recitation over 23 years. This perspective is supported by the Quran's repeated references to its oral recitation and the presence of formulaic language.
The Evolution of Quranic Eschatology
The Quran's message maintains a consistent focus on the human condition, Allah's guidance, and the consequences of following or rejecting that guidance. However, there are discernible theological developments within the text. A significant shift is observed in eschatology, specifically in how the Quran views divine punishment for disbelievers. This shift involves the concept of a "nearer punishment" in addition to the "further punishment."
Two-Stage Eschatology
The Quran consistently warns of a day of reckoning when disbelievers will face Allah's wrath. The two-stage eschatology includes a "nearer punishment" in this life, acting as a precursor to the final reckoning in eternity. This concept of a "nearer punishment" is imposed by Allah as a response to disbelievers' rejection of the Messenger's message. Initially, disbelievers mock the idea of future judgment, but the delay in punishment creates doubt and challenges within the community of believers.
The Eschatological Transition
The Quran resolves this crisis with an "Eschatological Transition." Instead of divine intervention, the "nearer punishment" becomes the result of believers' actions, marking a shift from an expectation of divine intervention to a gradual military and political campaign by believers. This transition helps believers cope with the delayed divine punishment and opposition from disbelievers.
Distinguishing Attitudes Towards Jews and Christians
The Quran distinguishes between Jews and Christians in its attitudes. While it criticizes Jews for various reasons, it speaks more favorably of Christians. For example, some verses label certain Jews as having been transformed into apes and swine due to disobedience, while others acknowledge kindness among Christians. This nuanced approach indicates differing perspectives within the Quran.
The Historical Context of Dhimmitude
As Islam expanded and established its rule over various regions, a system called "dhimmitude" was implemented to govern non-Muslim populations, including Jews and Christians. Dhimmitude granted protected but subordinate status to these groups, who paid a special tax known as "jizya" and adhered to specific restrictions and conditions. Discrimination and an inferior legal status compared to Muslims were common, with distinctive clothing or symbols often required to identify non-Muslims.
Historical Impact and Contemporary Relevance
Dhimmitude was a historical reality during the early Islamic caliphates, affecting Christians and Jews, who formed the majorities in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Muslim Empires. While the practice has evolved or diminished in many Muslim-majority countries, discrimination against non-Muslims persists. The emergence of Israel as a nation in 1948 challenged the traditional dhimmi system, causing unease among Muslims. Israel's success also raised questions about the decline of Islamic civilization.
The Quran's perspective on Jews evolved alongside its changing eschatology, reflecting historical contexts and interactions with Jewish communities. Concepts like dhimmitude played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward Jews and non-Muslims in Islamic history, and these historical narratives continue to influence contemporary Muslim perspectives.
Dhimmi Winners and Islamic Identity
Historically, under the dhimmi system, Muslims were perceived as winners, while Jews were often seen as losers. The emergence of Israel as a nation-state challenged the traditional dhimmi system and created a sense of unease among Muslims.
Israel's technological and economic success added complexity to this narrative, as early Islamic civilization had once been a scientific leader and creative force in the world. This led to questions about what had gone wrong in the Muslim world.
The 1948 and 1967 defeats of Arab nations by Israel were perplexing for some Muslims, leading to the belief that Israel's victories were linked to alliances with imperial powers.
The Quranic perspective on Jews evolves, reflecting changing circumstances, and historical concepts like dhimmitude have played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward Jews and non-Muslims in Islamic history. These historical narratives continue to have contemporary relevance in the minds of Muslims.
Reference - Jesus through Muslim Eyes by Richard Shumack
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