Jews as Catalysts for Muslim Moderation in Difficult Times
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Ze’ev Maghen, After Hardship Cometh Ease. The Jews as Backdrop for Muslim Moderation
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Berlin, New York, Walter de Gruyter, coll. « Studien zur Geschichte und Kultur des islamischen Orients », Beihefte zur Zeitschrift Der Islam, 17,2006, 249 p.
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Yves Chevalier
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Ze’ev Maghen, After Hardship Cometh Ease. The Jews as Backdrop for Muslim Moderation
Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.19583
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ze'ev Maghen's book, "After Hardship Cometh Ease: The Jews as Backdrop for Muslim Moderation," explores the intricate historical and theological relationships between Judaism and Islam, particularly during the formative period of the Islamic faith in the 7th century Arabian Peninsula. As communities of Muslims and Jews interacted politically, economically, and socially, their religious traditions became intertwined. Maghen's study uses early Islamic texts to examine how Muslims perceived Jewish law and its implications for their own legal and normative systems, ultimately illuminating the complexities of identity formation within these faiths.
Concept of Revelation and Legal Interpretation
One of the key concepts discussed in the book is the differing views on Revelation between Judaism and Islam, particularly regarding the notion of Abrogation—the idea that later revelations can supersede earlier ones. Chapter one outlines how this theological debate impacted the development of Islamic jurisprudence and its relationship with Jewish texts. Maghen delves into the apparent contradictions found in scriptural passages and how these inconsistencies fueled the formation of Islamic law. Through this exploration, he presents a nuanced understanding of how Muslim jurists idealized the Torah while simultaneously critiquing Jewish practices, thus shaping their own legal frameworks in response to the perceived shortcomings of Judaism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maghen's work sheds light on the ongoing process of identity differentiation among Muslims in relation to Jews, akin to the dynamics witnessed in Christian Europe. The coexistence of these two communities necessitated a delineation of beliefs and practices, as Muslim thinkers navigated their relationship with established Jewish traditions while also seeking to assert their distinct identity. The book serves as a meticulous examination of the early Islamic intellectual tradition, revealing the extent to which Jewish legal and theological influences contributed to the formulation of Islamic norms and, ultimately, to the rich tapestry of interfaith dialogue and rivalry that has characterized the history of these two Abrahamic religions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Ze’ev Maghen's book?
The book explores the historical interactions between Judaism and Islam, focusing on how early Muslims viewed Jewish law and its influence on Islamic legal development.
How does Maghen address the concept of Revelation in Judaism and Islam?
Maghen examines the differences in Jewish and Islamic conceptions of Revelation, particularly the notion of Abrogation and how these theological discussions influenced Islamic legal thought.
What methodologies does Maghen use in his analysis?
Maghen utilizes a detailed examination of Islamic religious and legal literature from the early centuries of Islam to analyze Muslim perceptions of Judaism and legal interactions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Jews as Catalysts for Muslim Moderation in Difficult Times”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion plays a crucial role in understanding the historical and cultural interactions between Jewish and Muslim communities. The text emphasizes how both Islam and Judaism develop their respective legal and theological frameworks, impacting their practices and communal identities.
2) Critique:
The text discusses the Muslim critique of Judaism, which allows Islam to elaborate its own identity. This critique involves interpreting Jewish practices and laws in a way that highlights their deviations from what Islamic jurists perceive to be the true divine mandate of the Torah.
3) Identity:
Identity is a central theme in the exploration of Muslim and Jewish relations. The text outlines how Muslims defined themselves in contrast to Jews, which is similar to identity forming processes seen in Christian Europe, allowing each tradition to assert its unique position within the broader religious landscape.
4) Literature:
The literature referred to in the text comprises theological and legal writings from early Islamic thought. This literature provides insights into the normative frameworks and legal systems developed in response to existing Jewish traditions and the subsequent theological debates about revelation and law.
5) Knowledge:
Knowledge, particularly of religious traditions and laws, is critical for understanding the interdependence of Judaism and Islam. The author’s meticulous examination of Islamic theological and legal literature highlights how this knowledge contributed to shaping the legal and identity frameworks within each tradition.
6) Theology:
The text engages with theology, specifically Islamic theological discussions about revelation and abrogation. It addresses how these theological concepts relate to the historical development of Muslim perceptions of Judaism and how they influenced Muslim legal thought and communal practices.
7) Frame:
The author proposes a framing of the Muslim-Jewish relationship through the lens of identity and legal interdependence. This framing reveals how early Muslim thinkers utilized their understanding of Judaism to articulate an Islamic identity that both recognized and distanced itself from Jewish traditions.
8) Anti (Amti):
The anti-ideal conception of the Jew in classical Islamic discourse reflects a critical approach towards Jewish practices. This anti-narrative serves to reinforce a distinct Islamic identity while simultaneously shaping the theological and legal frameworks that characterized early Islamic thought.
9) Lead:
The study leads to a deeper understanding of how historical interactions between Muslims and Jews shaped their legal and theological frameworks. This exploration leads to significant insights about communal identities and the ongoing relevance of such historical relationships in contemporary discourse.