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.
"Journalist Akyol draws theological, philosophical, and cultural links between Islam and Judaism in this innovative study inspired by the prophet central to both faiths. It's a thought-provoking challenge to those who see only deep divisions between the faiths."
Publishers Weekly
"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
"A timely, accessible, and eye-opening new approach to a centuries-old story."
