An Introduction to Islam for Jews [Paperback]

Reuven Firestone PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 2008

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, Shia, 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Firestone provides a balanced introduction to Islam that will be helpful for all beginners, but particularly for the Jewish readers for whom it is intended. The first part offers a survey of Islamic history, with special emphasis on the interactions of Jews and Muslims throughout (and an entire chapter devoted to the violent relations in seventh-century Medina). Firestone extends a real effort to be fair to both sides; in his discussion of Muhammad's massacre of between 600 and 900 Jewish men, for instance, he reminds readers that the Jews had committed treason and points to examples in the Hebrew Bible where Israelites engaged in similar tactics. Part two digs into the foundations of Islamic law and belief, discussing the Qur'an, the prophetic tradition, key doctrines and sharia law. The final, and perhaps most interesting, part explores Islam in practice. Firestone undertakes an in-depth discussion of the Five Pillars of Islam, finding much common ground: like Muslims, Jews have an ancient tradition of praying at set times; early Muslims, like Jews, fasted on the 10th day of a particular month. (Aug.) ""
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Review

"Reuven Firestone''s eminently readable book contains a comprehensive, authoritative, and sympathetic introduction to Islam, written for Jews, but speaking to all men and women of good will. Throughout, the author offers a sober and nuanced analysis of relations between Islam and other religions, particularly Judaism, without succumbing to the temptation to say who took what from whom. The book represents a major contribution to better understanding of the "real" Islam, which differs from the extremist and militant variety that dominates the news."—Marc Cohen, professor of Near Eastern Studies, Princeton University

(Marc Cohen )

"Firestone''s book shines as a beacon of scholarship and humanity. While Muslims might challenge some of Firestone''s interpretations of Islam, they will never find him mean-spirited or ill-informed . . . Firestone has demonstrated that it is possible for Jews and Muslims to engage in an honest evaluation of their shared history and still find enough common ground to work for a better shared future."—Ingrid Mattson, President, Islamic Society of North America

(Ingrid Mattson )

"Reuven Firestone has made a valuable contribution toward making Islam understood and appreciated by the Jewish people . . . . The work is balanced and careful. It will help dispel many misconceptions about Islam and hopefully promote more dialogue and better relations between our two communities of faith."—Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Chairman, Fiqh Council of North America

(Muzammil H. Siddiqi )

"This book provides the Jewish reader with a valuable tool: a readable, comprehensive, and reliable introduction to Islam with special attention to issues relevant to Jews regarding past and present events and attitudes . . . This authoritative and readable book is of value for students and general readers alike."—AJL Newsletter

(AJL Newsletter )

"An Introduction to Islam for Jews is perfect for any Jewish reader seeking an understanding of Islam . . . a scholarly yet accessible title."— Midwest Book Review

(Midwest Book Review )

"Firestone provides a balanced introduction to Islam that will be helpful for all beginners, but particularly for the Jewish readers for whom it is intended."—Publisher''s Weekly

(Publisher's Weekly )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (May 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827608640
• ISBN-13: 978-0827608641
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Introduction to Islam for non-Muslims, Written by a True Cross-Cultural Scholar, May 12, 2009

By 

David Crumm "Editor of ReadTheSpirit magazine" (Canton, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Islam for Jews (Paperback)

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.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Islam demystified, July 24, 2008

By 

Carol Fisher (Haddonfield, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Islam for Jews (Paperback)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, Comprehensive, Balanced, October 29, 2008

By 

C. Bolton (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Introduction to Islam for Jews (Paperback)

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.