Description

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A theological and historical exploration of the connection between Islam and Judaism through the single most-mentioned character in the Quran: Moses.

There is one human mentioned in the Quran more than any other: Moses. Why is it that the Jewish prophet dominates the Islamic scripture? Because he is the role model for Muhammad, Islam’s own prophet. Because Islam, just like Christianity, is deeply intertwined with Judaism — although surprisingly little attention has been given to this fascinating connection between the two religions.

Author and journalist Mustafa Akyol takes readers on a theological and historical walk through that much-neglected side of the Abrahamic triangle: the Judeo-Islamic tradition. Using Moses’ presence in the Quran as a jumping-off point, Akyol explores the first historical encounter between Muslims and Jews, the creative symbiosis and mutual enrichment that occurred between the two belief systems in medieval times, and the modern emergence, development, and perception of the two religions.

At a time of bitter conflict in the Middle East, The Islamic Moses dives into the older, deeper, and often unexpectedly brighter story of Jews and Muslims. Readers of any background will be surprised by the common historical and theological ground that exists between the two religions, and will come away with a better understanding of both.

About the Author

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MUSTAFA AKYOL is a senior fellow on Islam and modernity at the Cato Institute, and a senior lecturer at Boston College. For eight years, he was a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, covering Islam and contemporary affairs. His earlier books, Reopening Muslim Minds (2021), The Islamic Jesus (2017), and Islam without Extremes (2011) have been reviewed and praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and the Economist. Islam without Extremes was long-listed for the 2012 Lionel Gelber Prize literary prize, while being banned in Malaysia for challenging the “religion police.”

Praise For…

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"Moses is the name that recurs most often in the Qur’an, and the Qur’an was just the beginning. Mustafa Akyol surprises again and yet again with one documented instance after another of affinity or alliance between Jews and Muslims over the centuries. Cogent, admirably concise, and thoroughly engaging."
—Jack Miles, Pulitzer prize-winning author of God in the Qur’an

"It is a rare thinker who can offer a critical comparative study of two religions and their interactions that is both honest and fair. Here you have it, and in a balanced presentation that is a delight to read. Mustafa Akyol offers a deep dive into the history, theology, law and religious practices of Jews and Muslims as they lived together and apart for centuries -- a must read for those open to sincere reflection."
—Rabbi Reuven Firestone, Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles

"By throwing light on the contentious relationship of Jews and Muslims the distinguished author Mustafa Akyol has convincingly established the deeply organic and symbiotic links between the two religions. This is a brilliant book that must be widely read by mainstream commentators and public figures as well as studied on campus. It not only tells an important story but offers a key to peace in our troubled times."
—Akbar Ahmed, Distinguished Professor and the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, School of International Service, American University, Wilson Center Global Fellow, Washington DC, and former Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland.

"This book is a piece of outstanding scholarship and an act of courage. In theology and law, worship and societal life, Judaism and Islam are united by a special relationship. Akyol explores how this relationship came about and how it thrived, well into the 20th century. He thus tells us that Jews and Muslims are not condemned to a never-ending struggle. They can make appeal to a shared past and a common rationality. And this is a reason of hope for all." —Martino Diez, Associate Professor of Arabic, Catholic University of Milan

"Is there a deeply rooted Judeo-Islamic tradition? In this bold and original book, Mustafa Akyol explains how such a tradition existed over a millennium until it was forgotten a century ago. Analyzing their theological, philosophical, and sociopolitical roots, this ambitious book sheds light on the history of Jewish-Muslim relations. Akyol’s path-breaking analysis gives us hope about better relations between Jews and Muslims in the future."
—Ahmet T. Kuru, author of Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison