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The Myth of Islamic Tolerance: How Islamic Law Treats Non-Muslims

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"A thing without a name escapes understanding," warns preeminent Islamic scholar Bat Ye'or of jihad and dhimmitude-the Islamic institutions of, respectively, war and perpetual servitude imposed on conquered non-Muslim peoples. Both, Ye'or notes in an essay entitled "Historical Amnesia," are in the process of globalization.

This is not the benign economic globalization that most Westerners laud. Islamic jihad and dhimmitude trade in every available means-military, political, technological and intellectual. And if the towering collection of 63 essays (including Ye'or's) contained in this new book is to be believed, these specific Islamic processes are globalizing at a disturbingly rapid pace. The book, courageously assembled by Robert Spencer, provides historical and contemporary profiles of jihad and dhimmitude.

In six sections, the book delineates how Islamic ideology has affected non-Muslims both historically and in the contemporary world. The first three sections cover the myth vs. historical realities and Islamic law and practice regarding non-Muslims. The last three sections cover how the myth of Islamic tolerance has affected contemporary geopolitics, power politics at the United Nations and, finally, academic and public discourse. It is Ibn Warraq's forward and the latter 400 pages in which this book really shines. He explains:

Islam is a totalitarian ideology that aims to control the religious, social and political life of mankind in all its aspects; the life of its followers without qualification; and the life of those who follow the so-called tolerated religions to a degree that prevents their activities from getting in the way of Islam in any way. And I mean Islam, I do not accept some spurious distinction between Islam and 'Islamic fundamentalism' or Islamic terrorism'.

The September 11, 2001 murderers acted canonically. They followed Sharia, a collection of theoretical laws and ideals "that apply in any ideal Muslim community." This body of regulations, based on divine authority, according to devout Muslims "must be accepted without criticism, without doubts and questions." It sacrifices the individual's desires and good to those of the community.

That apostasy is not today mentioned in the legal codes of most Islamic countries, Warraq notes, hardly implies freedom of religion for Muslims in those states; their penal codes are filled with Islamic laws. The myth of Islamic tolerance is defied by the massacre and extermination of the Zoroastrians in Iran; the million Armenians in Turkey; the Buddhists and Hindus in India; the more than six thousand Jews in Fez, Morocco, in 1033; hundreds of Jews killed in Cordoba between 1010 and 1013; the entire Jewish community of Granada in 1066; the Jews in Marrakesh in 1232; the Jews of Tetuan, Morocco in 1790; the Jews of Baghdad in 1828; and so on ad nauseum.

Ironically, despite Islam's immutability, the myth evolved through the Western propensity to criticize its civilization. In 98 CE, Roman historian Tacitus in Germania compared the noble simplicity of the Germans with the vices of contemporary Rome. Michele do Montaigne (1533-1592) in circa 1580 painted noble savages based on dubious secondhand information in order to condemn his own civilization.

Later writers substituted Islam for savages to condemn Christendom and materialism. In 1686-89, for example, Huguenot pastor Pierre Jurieu exclaimed that Christians had spilt more blood on St. Bartholemew's Day than had the Saracens in all their persecutions of Christians. Of course, Islam had claimed millions of lives-in 1399, Taimur killed 100,000 Hindus in a single day. But during the 17th century, and later the Enlightenment, writers perpetuated the "two ideal prototypes, the noble savage and the wise and urbane Oriental," substituting Turks for Muslims, and Islamic tolerance for Turkish tolerance.

Actually, 18th century Turkey was no interfaith utopia. In 1758, a British ambassador noted that Sultan Mustafa III had non-Muslim Christians and Jews executed for wearing banned clothing. In 1770, another ambassador reported that Greeks, Armenians and Jews seen outside their homes after dark were hanged. In 1785, a third noted that Muslim mobs had dismantled churches after Christians had secretly repaired them.

"The golden age of equal rights was a myth, and belief in it was a result, more than a cause, of Jewish sympathy for Islam," Bernard Lewis wrote in 1968 in the Encyclopedia of Islam. "The myth was invented in 19th century Europe as a reproach to Christians-and taken up by Muslims in our own time as a reproach to Jews...."

Until the late 19th century, Jews in North Africa, Yemen and other oriental Muslim lands, were obliged to live isolated, in special quarters, and "were constrained to wear distinctive clothing." They could not carry arms (including canes), and could not give sworn testimony in Muslim jurisdictions. Even in 1968, an Egyptian sheikh explained at Cairo's Islamic University of al-Azhar, "the Jews... are dhimmis, people of obligation, who have betrayed the covenant in conformity with which they have been accorded protection."

The International Institute of Islamic Thought was established in 1981 to Islamify Western history and thought. Western thinkers succumb to jihad and dhimmitude when we refuse to identify the Turkish perpetration of Armenian genocide, or (conversely) present Andalusia-complete with harems, eunuchs, and Christian slaves-"as a perfect model of multicultural societies for the West" to emulate in the 21st century.

Only testimony can counter the pathological trends. Thus, Walid Phares and Bat Ye'or tackle the forgotten tragedy of the Middle Eastern Christians-10 to 12 million Egyptian Copts; 1.5 Lebanese Maronites, Orthodox, Melkites and others; 7 million Anglican, Protestant and Catholic southern Sudanese Africans; 1 million Christian Syrians; 1 million Iraqi Assyrians, Nestorians, Chaldeans, and Jacobites; 500,000 Iranian Persian, Armenian and Assyrian Christians; and perhaps 100,000 Christian Arab Palestinians. Patrick Sookhdeo and Mark Durie cover the rise of anti-Christian persecutions in Nigeria, Sudan, Pakistan and Indonesia since Sept. 11, 2001.

Western failure to recognize this subservient condition, much less its historical or contemporary results, has put democratic civilization in danger. All this and much more in this book can help to turn the tide.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

I'm an expatriate American. My wife and I live in a Muslim neighborhood in the southern part of Thailand. We ourselves have never experienced a scintilla of censure or even tension from our Muslim neighbors -- among whom we shop and with whom we interact every day, on the friendliest of terms.

But from our house we can hear the daily sermons broadcast fom the local mosque (in the Thai language --- very few Muslims speak the Arabic of the Q'uran) and what we hear is very disturbing. Local Muslims are told that all of Thailand (which is 75% Bhuddist) should become an Islamic state, and that loyalty to the King and/or Prime Minister is disloyaly to Allah. This does not happen every day --- but it happens too often to ignore.

After the tsunami we found that several Muslim groups had used the disaster to evict Bhuddist beach vendors, preventing them from rebuilding their businesses. The Muslims are organized around and encouraged by firebrands from the mosque --- the Bhuddists have no such support organization, so are easy prey.

I have read nearly all of Robert Spencer's books and articles. I have followed his detailed arguments online with Muslim scholars --- he is clear, reasoned, and precise. His books are more understated and balanced than his websites, which are ardent --- sometimes strident. Overall, his writings have encouraged me to do a little research of my own -- and I believe he knows what he is talking about. Read this book if you want to know what kind of future Islam has in mind for your children.

This timely volume arrives when Western Europe is struggling to cope with the spectre of Islamic intolerance within it's own borders. In Holland , Dutch artist Theo Van Gogh was murdered by an islamic extremist for making a film deemed by muslims to be insulting of their religion. Dutch politicians who are critical of islam find themselves on muslim hitlists. The dutch are puzzled because for years the multi-culturalists told them that Islam was like all other religions i.e. tolerant of other beliefs. Now the Dutch are finding out the truth the hard way. And so at the perfect time arrives a book which shows that Islamic tolerance is reserved only for those who believe in Islam. Robert Spencer has done a wonderful job in bringing together several top experts on Islam (including former muslims)who all contribute interesting chapters on the way Islam has treated non-believers over the ages. If you ever wondered why Salman Rushdie faced an islamic death threat just for writing a book, why crosses are banned in Saudi Arabia and why muslims who convert to Christianity in Pakistan have been murdered then this is THE book to read. A must read for anyone with an enquiring mind and a vital addition to the ongoing debate about religious freedom.

Having recently acquired Robert Spencer's most recent work entitled "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam ..." in addition to his study "Islam Unveiled ...", I was hesitant as to whether this book would be able to provide me with any more relevant information upon Islam.

However, having accessed the vast amount of information contained in this book I am personally glad that I took the time to make this additional purchase.

As already described by others, much of this study consists of a considerable array of articles/essays by a number of knowledgeable and learned people with much experience of Islam and it's many facets. A knowledge that emanates from the text of this well written and extremely easy to read investigation.

Rather than taking the personal opinions of the authors at face value, where possible I have personally taken the time to measure the context of the quotes from the Koran and their context, against those illustrated in the commentaries provided.

My prime concerns being the subjects of Islamic "tolerance" of non-Muslims as specified in the title, and it's parallel issue of being a "peaceful" religion. I found the results of my analysis to be both informative and illuminating.

The book proceeds to cover many aspects such as the alleged "oppression of Middle East Christians", the "persecution of Jews and Christians under Islam", "Jihad and human rights", the strength of "Islamism" at the United Nations and an article labelled "Judeophobia Today = Anti-Judaism/Anti-Zionism/Anti-Semitism; A growing culture of hate".

The latter issue, for example, alleges that under an increasing "Judeophobia" and the purported guise of "anti-Zionism", a "culture of hate" is seeping into Europe and the West.

(For those interested in a further study on this particular issue I would respectfully recommend the book entitled "Eurabia; The Euro-Arab Axis" by Bat Ye'or.)

An article is even provided which addresses the establishment of CAIR (Council of American-Islamic Relations) and their described agenda of "promoting a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America".

The latter being cited as necessary due to the perception that "misrepresentations of Islam are most often the result of ignorance" by non-Muslims. This subject is addressed in some depth and makes interesting reading.

Attention is also paid to how alleged Islamic "intolerance" and fundamental beliefs allegedly underlie the Arab-Israeli conflict itself, where it is emphasised herein that solving the conflict in the Middle East does not depend upon the "cession of land".

The underlying "hostility" pertaining to the Jews is cited as being "appalling" and being described as a reflection of the ideology engendered by Jihad throughout the ancient Muslim conquests of lands populated by Christians and Jews on the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe. Reference also being made to the historic treatment of these populations under Islamic rule.

Indeed, the variety and number of subjects addressed in this work is impressive in it's own right and all are provided with a considerable list of references.

As with the other titled Islamic studies from the same source mentioned earlier, many will perhaps find the contents to be contentious or even offensive.

To those readers I can only recommend that the views expressed here be thoroughly examined by the individual reader by taking into account the references and sources provided herein, together with any independent information that may be deemed relevant.

I can but personally commend and endorse this book for it's depth and scope. A study which I consider to be essential reading at this time.

I've taken the time to read through all 45 (at this time) reviews of this book, and I discovered something quite fascinating. In essence, the vast majority of the reviewers all provide support for this book -- and I'm not just referring to the "5-star" reviews, but the "1-star, what an idiot" reviews, as well.

If you carefully read through the responses to this book, you'll note that almost all of the well-written, well-communicated reviews -- most from obviously learned individuals -- give high praise to the book. And the 1-star reviewers' comments quite often are a) much shorter, b) blast away mindlessly, with little support, and c) often have little more to say than "Oh yeah? Well, you're stupid!"

And I consider both of these to be quite insightful -- and very much in synch. (Kind of like listening to a calm, erudite, well-versed, well-spoken scientist explaining his disbelief in UFOs and alien landings, then hearing redneck Bubba talk about when "me and Ethel was just standin' out in the yard when this huge spaceship came and picked us right up off our feet", if you see my point.) To me, that's not a "one for, one against"; it's a "two for".

One reviewer even had the lack of understanding to comment on how "tolerant" Islam was, because "look at all the Muslims living in America". They can dress however they want, go to schools with the American children, work in American businesses, etc. Doesn't that show how tolerant Muslims are? (No, fool; it shows how tolerant AMERICANS are. To actually support your point, let's ask the question about whether Americans living in predominantly-Muslim countries can wear what they want, live as they want, believe what they want, etc. Women, try deplaning at the airport in Tehran in shorts and a T-shirt!)

Also, note how many of those issuing diatribes against the book, do so against the author himself -- when he is really not much more than the compiler of the information! Another case of a clear inability to comprehend the message.

Other critics have tried to use the "Yeah, but..." rebuttal, pointing out that other religions (the usual example is Christianity) have had their periods of intolerance -- to the point of death -- as well. When I was little, my grandmother used to ask "If someone else does something wrong, does that make it right for you?"

As a Christian, I DETEST those clearly-unChristian activities throughout history. There is nothing that can be said to excuse them away. They are ungodly, and certanly not representative of true Christianity. However, I would certainly not try to use anyone else's mistakes as support for my own!

This book -- and the author's other books -- makes one thing clear: there is a dangerous movement in the world (and coming soon to a city near you!) that is bringing a religion of intolerance and violence into our everyday lives. Examine it carefully, and be better prepared.

This is a fascinating book. Robert Spencer, Bat Ye'or, David Littman, Ibn Warraq, and the others who contributed the 58 articles in it are to be congratulated.

Ibn Warraq begins by explaining that "Islam is a totalitarian ideology that aims to control the religious, social, and political life of mankind in all its aspects," and "the life of its followers without qualification." There is a myth of Islamic tolerance generated by various Europeans, and Ibn Warraq gives Thomas Carlyle as an example of a 19th-century European apologist for Islam. Other articles show more recent examples of disinformation about Islam.

By the way, there is no question about what Islam is like today. There is plenty of variety among Muslims and among Muslim leaders. And there is a wide variety of literature that can be found in Muslim bookstores. But anyone who so desires can look over what is in those bookstores and see if it is at all consistent with what Muslim apologists are saying is there.

My ancestors abandoned Islam, so I find the book fascinating. I think that those who are overly uncritical of Islamic totalitarianism are doing no one any favors. That is especially true of university professors. Professors are doing us all a service when they defend freedom of speech, but they are being counterproductive if they extend this to defending sedition. And they are also being counterproductive if they discourage the teaching of material such as what we see in this book.

This book discusses the consequences of blasphemy and apostasy, the status of dhimmis, the jizya tax, the lack of freedom and rights for non-Muslims, and the culture of hate that we are witnessing today. We see how Muslim apologists often label as "racist" the liberation of people from Muslim servitude. And we read about the 2001 Durban Conference "against" racism, which rehabilitated rather than condemned the culture of hatred.

There is a section on "human rights and human wrongs at the United Nations." The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights is quite properly praised; it will be interesting to see if Islamist attacks on it succeed.

Bat Ye'or has a superb section where she explains the origin of the Arab-Israeli conflict, which is mainly the result of the trauma inflicted upon Arabs by the emancipation of Jews from their former status as dhimmis. And she continues with a very thoughtful discussion of Euro-Arab anti-Zionism. Those who find this topic interesting should consider reading her book "Eurabia" as well.

The book includes Ibn Warraq's excellent critique of the infamous and intellectually dishonest Ed Said, who "taught an entire generation of Arabs the art of self-pity."

The example of a taunting untruth that impressed me most was that by Arafat at the UN in 1983. Arafat said that Jesus Christ was the first Arab "militant fedayin who carried his sword on the path" that Arafat's gang was then on. Now, I admit that it is interesting to see Jesus depicted as a terrorist thug. And I did find myself wondering if perhaps he really was the leader of a gang that hijacked the entire catch of fish from a boat on the Kinneret, and robbed a bakery. But what struck me most about it all was how easy it is to tell that this was no scholarly effort to discern the true nature of Jesus. Nor was it a clever lie. It was a taunt. The purpose of many of the lies we are seeing from apologists for totalitarianism is not to deceive but to taunt. These statements need to be outrageously false to meet that need. So we do not have to be geniuses to realize that they are not to be taken seriously. And we can be confident when we criticize those who parrot such statements as if they were truths.

I highly recommend this book.

I like books like this because it brings out the true side of Muslims. You can read how "Peaceful" these muslims are in the reviews below. As long as you agree with thier religion and not say anything critical of their faith then they are your freind. The minute you speak freely your opinion...watch out...the true muslim mindset comes out. They want tolerance and respect for their faith...but when it comes to giving that same type of respect for jews and christians they show themselves as intolerant as the accuse others of being.

I dislike the phrase "must read," but this really is a book that every American needs to read, and you need to read it NOW. Given all the CLAIMS about how tolerant and moderate Islam is, you need to read what actually has happened and is happening to those peoples who came under Muslim rule. Not a pretty picture.

The book is edited by, not written by, Spencer, though he contributes one essay and a summary at the beginning of each Part of the book. The major contributors are Bat Ye'or, Samuel Shahid, Walter Short, Ibn Warraq, David Littman, Walid Phares, Mark Durie, and Srdja Trifkovic with additional essays by Daniel Pipes, Muhammad Younus Shaikh, Paul Cook, and Shafique Keshavjee.

Each chapter in this book takes on a special topic and gives you the facts. Part II details what Islamic LAW is regarding non-Muslims. Part III is Islamic PRACTICE regarding non-Muslims. If you don't know what dhimmitude is or what life is like for dhimmis, you need to read this. This may well be your life twenty years from now.

Part IV is a long part detailing what is happening in Europe, Palestine, Egypt, Indonesia, and Britain. Part V contrasts the United Nation's universal declaration of human rights with the Islamic declaration of human rights. The differences are significant. This includes several chapters on apostasy: Muslims are not free to leave Islam. Part VI discusses the myth in academia and the public propaganda of American Muslim organizations.

The power of lies should not be underestimated. America is now under threat and most Americans do not even know that they are under threat. And Islam is only one of the threats. Read While America Sleeps: How Islam, Immigration and Indoctrination Are Destroying America From Within to find out how bad things are and why things are not going to get any better.

I have spent 17 years working in Countries were Islam is the dominant religion. What this book points out is sad but true. If you are a not a Muslim in an Islamic nation you have no rights. In Saudi Arabia Bibles are not allowed and confiscated. In Sudan you are killed. In Egypt you are a 3rd class citizen. THe Q'uran not only teaches this type of behavior but more and more it is being acted out upon those who dare disagree. We need more books like this one for sure.

Forget all of the Islamic correct excuses and explanations for terrorism you hear today. The primary mover is to be found by the literal interpretation of the Muslim holy book and Jihad voiced by a large minority of the religion's faith. It's not the war in Iraq (bombings in countries not in the conflict prove this), nor "disaffected youth." The goal of these Jihadists is world Islamism which condones murder and slavery. Unfortunately, Muslim leaders spend far too much time on PR instead of driving out the radicals within their faith. And recent polls indicate that are majority of Muslims "understand" how a suicide bomber could be driven to act as they do. Some of the articles in this book are a bit out-dated, though laying foundations for more recent writings. Some of the rhetoric from one writer or two comes across as just as inflammatory as some of the stuff out of the Muslim fundamentalists, but on balance the book is an excellent overview of what is actually written and said by many Islamicists.