Language:
English
Year of publication:
2009
Titel der Quelle:
Der Islam; Zeitschrift für Geschichte und Kultur des islamischen Orients
Angaben zur Quelle:
86,1 (2009) 1-29
Keywords:
Muhammad,
;
Qurʼan Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Jews
;
Islam Relations Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Judaism
;
Islam Relations
;
Judaism
;
Antisemitism History Middle Ages, 500-1500
Abstract:
Juxtaposing three documents of early Islam - the Constitution of Medina; the 8th-century biography of Muhammad, the Sira; and the Qur'an - examines the roots of Muhammad's quarrel with the Jews of Medina, which ended with the massacre of some Jewish tribes and the expulsion of others. Notes that, contrary to a widespread view, the Constitution of Medina stipulated not toleration of Jews by the Muslims, let alone equality between them, but a military alliance between the Muslims and the Jewish tribes of the Medina oasis, as well as Muslim control over the Jews. The Constitution attests only to Muhammad's and his companions' military weakness at that time; it was the first step to the subsequent formation of the "dhimmi" status. The quarrel was ignited by the scorn and mockery with which the Jewish leaders and rabbis of Medina met Muhammad and his companions. The material wealth of the Medina Jewish tribes also played a role in Muhammad's antisemitic policy, in particular in his decision to expell the Qaynuqa tribe.
DOI:
10.1515/ISLAM.2011.012
URL:
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