Religion is one of the important institutions in society. It defines and shapes various aspects and perspectives of life. The moral confines and gender roles of society are largely determined by the religious fabric. The laws and rules that man uses are also heavily borrowed from the religious realm. Various religions can be found in various cultures around the world. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are but examples of the religions around the world. The focus of this paper is to analyze the portrayal of Judaism in the Quran. In recent years, the Islamic and Jewish relations have been marred with intolerance, hostility and bigotry. A number of arguments have alluded to the fact that it is the Quran that stipulates the hostility towards Jews.
An in-depth analysis of the Quran does bring to light a myriad of viewpoints. Judaism and Islam have been a dominant issue in theological arguments and discourse for years. The reason behind the dominance is the striking similarities and relations that they exude. Islam and Judaism have a number of elements that define their unique relation, with one of them being the comprehensive system of law. Both religions have a system of law that is widely respected by members of each group. The comprehensive system of law defines the relation between people, and relations with their God. Perhaps, it is this comprehensive system of law that makes both religions to attract many audiences because they are drawn to the order created by the comprehensive laws.
The contemporary Islamic opinion and perception of Judaism are defined by commentaries and interpretations by Islamic religious leaders. However, within the Quran, up to sixty verses in the Quran have a direct exposition and discussion of the Jews. A range of phrases is used to bring out the Jewish aspect, including the use of "Children of Israel" (Bani Isra'il) and "Jews" (yahud). Apart from the verses that directly address matters related to the Jews, the Quran also delves into a discussion on the use of terms such as the people of the Book Ahl al-Kitab, further creating the Judaism-Islamic relation. Therefore, some of the contemporary perceptions of Judaism are linked to Qur’an, though misinterpretations are very common. Those misinterpretations exaggerate the divide between Islam and Judaism, making the rifts between the two religions appear big.
The verse above is a representation of the condemnation that the Quran directs towards the Jews. However, the condemnation has to be understood in its true context. It does not criticize all the Jews neither does it condemn Judaism as a religion. It goes on to define the exact audience to whom it is directed. It is by failing to uphold the covenant of God and revering Him that attracts the criticism. The Quran goes ahead to compel the Jews to abide by the Torah that they were given from above by God. In this context then by observing and following the Torah, the Jews are seen as being righteous. In Islam, the Sharia defines many aspects of a Muslims life (Shirley).
The Qur’an further states, “Surely those who believe, those who are Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians, whoever believes in God and the last day and does good has nothing to fear nor will they grieve. (Qur'an 5:69).” The Quran, in the above verse, extrapolates the promises made by God to those who believe in Him. It does mention the Jews regarding their lack of belief in the Quran. However, it highlights the importance of observing the Torah thus helping establish the link between the Jewish belief and that of Islam. The argument held in the Quran is that it is a mode of reaffirmation and supplanting the previous scripture and not its replacement. This is in relation to the observance of the Torah.
The Quran does offer another interesting perspective in regards to the Jews and their religion. It highlights a specific event in which the Jews traveled to Medina so as to receive judgment. The goal of their journey was to meet Mohammed, who would help them in meeting their goals. The Qur’an states, “How do they make you a judge while they have the Torah in which is God's law? Then they turn back after that--these are not believers” (Qur'an 5:43). To this extent, the Quran is quick to criticize and condemn the Jews in their endeavor to seek judgment from Mohammed while neglecting the Torah, which had been accorded to them for help by God. By making the journey to Medina, they had failed to acknowledge god’s power and help.
According to the Quran, the Jewish people are God’s chosen people. It is clear in presenting this concept within its chapters. It even goes on to make a repetition of the meaning of the message in other chapters of the Quran. It states, “Children of Israel! Call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others” (Qur’an, Surah 2:47 and in 2:122). “Shall I inform you of something worse in the sight of God: those whom God has cursed and with whom he is angry, and he has made some of them apes and swine and servants of evil (Quran 2: 50).” This chapter has been associated with a direct attack on the Jews. However, a deeper reading and comprehension does bring to light the actual context of the message.
The relation of the text to the depiction of Jews as swine and apes has been the integral aspect of hostility and hatred between the two religious sects. This is, however, far from the truth since the verse is directed to those individuals who make fun of religion, God and the prophets and messengers. The Quran does not claim exclusivity to the Jews regarding with the text. Other people practicing other religions are still encompassed in that.
The message has an audience in all individuals who have mock religion. The argument in relation to the text is not the form of worship or the religions subscription of an individual, rather, the anger of God is aimed at people who had any form of mockery to the religious establishment as a whole. The ensuing curse of swine and apes is thus not a depiction of the Jews, and many would like to argue. It should be understood in the general sense that those who depart from the wishes of God will face consequences.
A direct attack on the Jews, however, can be found in the verse; “Among the Jews are those who misinterpret words from their [proper] usages and say, “We hear and disobey” and “Hear but be not heard” and “Ra’ina, (Quran 4:46).” The Quran makes this direct accusation to the Jews in relation to their misinterpretation of the Torah. This portrayal has resulted in most of the Muslims concluding that the Torah is corrupt.
Another aspect of relation and portrayal of Judaism in the Quran would be through the similarity of rites, rituals, practices and beliefs. From this perspective, one can begin to understand the perception that Islam and the Quran hold in relation to Judaism. For instance, when looking at the opening chapters of the Quran, one realizes the striking similarity it has to the traditional Jewish liturgy. The similarity of rites and rituals points to a common genesis. That is another strong pointer to the fact that both religions have a common point of origin. Additionally, members of both religions adhere to a strong code of morality, dietary habits, and prayer; for example, it is common for members to fast during certain periods (Shirley).
The first chapter and verse of the Quran reads; “Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the world” (Qur’an, Surah 1:1). It has an almost similar representation from the Jewish text that states; "Blessing to Elohim, Master of the Worlds." The similarity of the texts does bring forth a connection between the two religions. The fundamental thing in both religions is that there is a firm believe in a supernatural being and much of the teachings do intersect at some points. However, each religion has a different interpretation of what God requires of it, thus leading to different beliefs.
Conclusively, the analysis of Judaism in the context of its relation to Islam allows for the development of a new comprehension. In as much as the verses and phrases are thought to be a reference to both the Christians and Jews, a number of them are directed to the Jewish faith directly. The discussion pinpoints the various aspects of the Quran and their depiction of the Jewish religion. Fundamentally, the belief and submission to one God is the key connecting component for the two religions. The Torah and the belief in the prophets are another common denominator in the two religions. The analysis of the Quran (in highlighting its portrayal of Judaism) results in the identification of numerous striking similarities in the two religions. A myriad of practices and beliefs are common between the two religions highlighting the underlying tie that surpasses the contemporary issues and conflicts. However, different interpretations of the Qur’an have led to the perception that it directly attacks Judaism. That has led to the hostility and bigotry towards the Jews.
Works Cited
Quran. Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore USA, 2011.
Shirley, Steven. Five Pillars Of The Islamic Faith: Overview, The Quran & Sharia Law. 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.
