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Jews in the Early Muslim Period HIS 155 1.8
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Quiet interesting how throughout history other religions such as Christianity and Islam are trying to get others to convert while Judaism turns people away. Not saying either way is right or wrong, but this difference embodies who we are as a people. This portrays that we stick together and take pride in selective few in who we are.I have to say that this is a main factor that makes me proud to be a Jew.
Aren’t the jews a light for the world? How can the light shine for the world if it is closed within a house whit windows and doors closed? The jews are selected people to be taught, but is there a commandment “keep it for thyself”? If all would open there windows how would the light shine through this world?
This a very good lecture introducing the origins of the muslim faith and how it related to the Jewish people at that time. The lecture explains that it is difficult to look at the origin of muslims without a 20th century bias but there is a debate whether this time period (7th-10th century) was a time of persecution or paradise. It is explained the the muslim faith began in the arabian desert with Mohammad. The lecture presents a picture of the Jewish angel Gabriel offering advice to Mohammad. This introduces the fact of how in general Islam and Judaism have many similarities- especially when you contrast these faiths to Christianity. Some examples are: monotheism, jesus was not the son of gd, laws for behavior, and dietary restrictions. The lecture also touches on how quickly the Muslim faith spread around the world. It is suggested that the “convert and die” mentality contributed to this. The lecture ends and leaves us with possibly the beginning of anti semitism. Muslims believed that Jews and Christians were protected due to the fact that they received messages from gd (old and new testament). This did not mean that Muslims saw these people as equals. They viewed them as guests in their land, not citizens. Guest had a lot of stipulations to live by. For example, practicing jew faith was aloud but not in public.
We are all children of G-d, aren’t we? Thus Jesus as well. Anyhow to say that Jesus is the unique son is the strange statement.
And perhaps we start to look more on our similarities and overlook a bit the differences to bring more peace and understanding to the world. Wouldn’t that be great?
In this fabulous lecture, creed seems to be a word which splits. What is Creed for? The prophets have experienced G-d. they know. We normal people have to believe until we get to know, then we understand. So believing is first and is everywhere, needed to attract the moth to the light, then it’s gone. No need anymore. But the simple people needed a form or frame. Now, people have the capacity to understand more, lets explain it and creed won’t be needed. Less misunderstandings, less fighting.
Just a reflection: If you have to do a mitzwot, without knowing why – and as you stated in another lecture, many rabbis thought: “it’s a commandment, just do it, no explanation needed” (and to be added: ‘or you are punished or out’) – isn’t that something similar?