Tolerance and Coercion in Islam: Interfaith Relations in the Muslim Tradition

Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization

by Yohanan Friedmann

Since the beginning of its history, Islam has encountered other religious communities both in Arabia and in the territories conquered during its expansion. Muslims faced other religions from the position of a ruling power and were therefore able to determine the nature of that relationship in accordance with their world-view and beliefs. Yohanan Friedmann's original and erudite study examines questions of religious tolerance as they appear in the Quran and in the prophetic tradition, and analyses the principle that Islam is exalted above all religions, discussing the ways in which this principle was reflected in various legal pronouncements. The book also considers the various interpretations of the Quranic verse according to which 'No compulsion is there in religion', noting that, despite the apparent meaning of this verse, Islamic law allowed the practice of religious coercion against Manichaeans and Arab idolators, as well as against women and children in certain circumstances.

Genres: Islam, Religion, History

248 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 1999

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friedmann is obviously a major scholar and the book is packed full of information. It is not, however, an interesting read. A lot of evidence is given to support his main points, which makes for dry reading and even at times it can mask his analytical points.

Not enough of the Arabic sources that he quotes are translated for those of us who are not as knowledgeable in Arabic. The book is certainly understandable without knowing the Arabic, but it would have been very helpful if the quotes had been translated.