An Introduction to Islam for Jews

<p>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.) 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.</p><p></p><p>Reuven Firestone is a professor of medieval Jewish and Islamic studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Los Angeles. Many of Rabbi Firestone's publications including <em>An Introduction to Islam for Jews; Jews Christians Muslims in Dialogue</em>;<em> Children of Abraham: An Introduction to Judaism for Muslims</em> and <em>Journeys in Holy Lands</em> focus on interfaith relations with specific attention given to Islam.</p><p></p>