The Jew Is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths That Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism

A liberal Muslim and critically acclaimed author explores the historical, political, and theological basis for centuries of Muslim animosity towards Jews, debunking long-held myths and tracing a history of hate and its impact today.

More than nine years after 9/11 and 60 years after the creation of the state of Israel, the world is no closer to solving, let alone understanding, the psychological and political divide between Jews and Muslims. While countless books have been written on the subject of terrorism, political Islam, and jihad, barely a handful address the theological and historical basis of the Jew—Muslim divide. Following the terrorist attacks on Mumbai in November 2008, in which Pakistani jihadis sought out and murdered the members of a local Jewish centre, Tarek Fatah began an in-depth investigation of the historical basis for the crime.

In this provocative new book, Fatah uses extensive research to trace how literature from as early as the seventh century has fueled the hatred of Jews by Muslims. Fatah debunks the anti-Jewish writings of the Hadith literature, takes apart the Arab supremacist doctrines that lend fuel to the fire, and reinterprets supposed anti-Jewish passages in the Quran. In doing so he argues that hating Jews is against the essence of the Islamic spirit and suggests what needs to be done to eliminate the agonizing friction between the two communities.

From the Hardcover edition.

"A frank, humble, and courageous book."

— National Post

"Valuable and courageous."

— Library Journal

"Fatah's contribution to the dire need for Islamic moderation is timely and welcome."

— Winnipeg Free Press

"Among the book's delights is Fatah's independent and inquiring mind. In a field riddled with dogmatism, he offers fresh material and original insights."

— Toronto Star

From the Hardcover edition.

Foreword by Bob Rae

Preface

 

CHAPTER ONE “O Allah, Completely Destroy and Shatter the Jews”

CHAPTER TWO Bird Flu and Other Jewish Conspiracies

CHAPTER THREE Allah, Hitler, and the Mufti

CHAPTER FOUR Is Israel Fuelling Anti-Semitism?

CHAPTER FIVE Is the Quran Anti-Semitic?

CHAPTER SIX The Jews of Banu Qurayza

CHAPTER SEVEN Muhammad Comes to the City of Jews

CHAPTER EIGHT Towards a New Jerusalem

Epilogue

 

Notes

Bibliography

Index

From the Hardcover edition.