Judaism and Islam have a long history of positive interactions, with both religions sharing many common values and beliefs. From the shared Abrahamic roots to the mutual respect for each other’s holy sites, there is much that unites these two faiths. This article will explore the various ways in which Judaism and Islam have interacted positively over time, from religious dialogue to cultural exchange. It will also discuss how these positive interactions can be used to foster greater understanding between people of different faiths today.
The relationship between Islam and Judaism has been one of both cooperation and conflict throughout history. Jewish people and Muslims share a common Abrahamic heritage, and there has been considerable religious and cultural exchange between the two communities. At the same time, there have been periods of hostility, violence, and even genocide of Jewish communities. The most recent manifestation of this conflict is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the expulsion of the Jewish people from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemin, which has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The conflict between Islam and Judaism is not a new one, and it has its roots in the two religions’ shared Abrahamic heritage with our common ancestor, Father Abraham. Both Islam and Judaism trace their origins back to Abraham, and the two religions have significant overlaps in beliefs and practices.
The common ground between Islam and Judaism lies in the theology of tolerance. Islamic teaching places a strong emphasis on tolerance of other religions and belief systems. The Qur’an declares that there should be “no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Islamic teaching also emphasizes that all humans, regardless of background or beliefs, are equal in the eyes of God. The Qur’an declares that there should be “no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Muslims and Jews both believe a similar concept of a monolithic God, and so this common ground allows for a certain level of understanding and cooperation between the two religions.
Jewish teaching also places a strong emphasis on tolerance, but adds the concept of Tikun Olam, meaning that the goal is to make the world a better place in each generation for the sake of our children. The Talmud states that “a gentile who pursues justice is regarded as a pious person.” In other words, it is not necessary for someone to necessarily share the same religious beliefs in order to accomplish justice. Jewish teaching also emphasizes the idea of respecting other religious beliefs, such as those of Muslims.
The theology of tolerating others in a world where at some point most Jewish communities either have or expect eventual persecution, teaches that all individuals should respect each other, regardless of religious beliefs. This has historically provided a common ground between Muslims and Jewish people, as various Muslim empires and nations have recognized the importance of respecting differences for the benefit of all. This led to periods of truly fruitful dialogue, understanding and peace rather than conflict. It is clear that the two faith traditions have much in common when it comes to the concept of the theology of tolerance.
It is clear from the theology of tolerance that Islam and Judaism have much in common. Another area of common ground between these two great faith traditions is their shared beliefs. Most Islamic expressions are typically centered around the Five Pillars – shahada (affirmation of faith), salat (prayer), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting), and the Hajj (pilgrimage). The Five Pillars are an essential part of the Muslim faith, providing guidance and structure.
Judaism also has a similarly established set of beliefs. The Thirteen Principles of Faith, written by the medieval Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides, who had significant interactions with Islamic leaders, and they are a core part of the Jewish practice today. These principles are belief in the one God, that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, that God alone is One, that He is incorporeal, that He alone is to be worshipped, that God is supreme, that He knows everything, that He will reward the righteous, that prophecy is given by God, that Moses was the greatest prophet, that the Torah is from God, and that the Messiah will come.
These two great faith traditions may look vastly different, but they contain many core beliefs which are shared between the two. By recognizing these shared beliefs, we can find more common ground between Islam and Judaism and create a better understanding between the two. Although the greatest unifier of all is the Prince of Peace, the Jewish-born Messiah, Jesus, who makes enemies into brothers and sisters partnering together to proclaim the good news of his Kingdom to those who have their hearts already prepared and ready to receive the message of true peace and reconciliation, not theologically based tolerance.
Islam and Judaism both celebrate a number of rituals, festivals, and practices that demonstrate their faith. These rituals provide an opportunity for worshippers to express their devotion to their individual traditions and to connect with their respective beliefs as a means of guidance and growth.
In Islam, daily prayers are generally seen as acts of worship. These five daily prayers – Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha – are an important part of the faith and are seen as a direct connection to Allah. Prayer rituals also include other spiritual acts such as dhikr and du’a (a form of asking for guidance). There are also many annual Islamic festivals, such as Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, that have been celebrated for centuries.
In Judaism, prayer is a daily ritual in which worshippers recite blessings and may also extend private prayers for various needs and requests. The Shabbat is a weekly instance of the holy day, which usually involves the lighting of a blessing and the recitation of various blessings for various meals. Many of the Jewish festivals such as Pesach (Passover), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also widely celebrated. A special prayer, the Amidah, is uttered during everyday service and during certain holidays.
Both Islam and Judaism share similar food laws as well.
By recognizing these shared practices it’s possible to use them as a tool creating bridges of relationships between otherwise disconnected and skeptical people on either side of the often tense Islam and Judaism divide.
One of the foundations of both Islam and Judaism is the concept of ethics and morality. Both traditions provide guidance and support on how to live a moral and upstanding life.
In Islamic teachings, it is believed that the most important aspect of the faith is to respect and enforce ethical behavior in all aspects of life. This includes recognizing one’s obligations to Allah and to their fellow Islamic brothers.
In Judaism, ethical behavior is guided by the Torah (the first five books of the Bible and Talmudic interpretations and guidance codified from the second-sith centuries). Jewish ethics emphasize the idea of performing good deeds, as illustrated in the commandment of tikkun olam, or repairing the world for Messiah. Jewish ethics also emphasize the idea of righteousness and justice as well as charity, compassion and the honoring of women as valuable members of Jewish society.
Under some Islamic empires many even Judaism’s respect for woman was adopted, for some seasons.
As we have seen here, there are common threads that run through Islam and Judaism. Looking at such shared beliefs, practices, and values can be used to help build communication. By learning about the similarities between Islam and Judaism, as well as the basis for common teachings and beliefs, these can also be a source of inspiration. Think of it as one more tool for our toolbox in building personal relationships and even tribal and national relationships.
However, the God of Heaven, whose Son is the Creator of the world we live in (Gospel of John 1:1-10, 14; Hebrews 1, et al.), always “holds the trump card,” meaning he will intervene in supernatural ways as he is not bound by our limited human reasoning. Thus he often goes before us to tribal peoples, first nations indigenous people, Muslim people and even Jewish people as “the man in white” and “the man with holes in his hands” in dreams and visions.
