Overview

Islamic Jerusalem has a special place in the hearts of the three monotheistic religions. Throughout its history it has been the site of tolerance and tensions. 'Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians' presents a critical look at historical events during the time of two key figures in the history of Islam: Caliph 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (d. 24 AH/ 644 CE), who played a critically important role in the birth and spread of Islam, and Sultan Salah al-Din (d. 589 AH/ 1193 CE) the legendary 'Saladdin' of Western Crusader lore, during and after the first and second Muslim conquests of Islamic Jerusalem. This pioneering study uses extensive primary research to explore Muslim treatment of non-Muslims in the 7th Century and in the Middle Ages, while also looking in detail at the situation of Christians in Islamic Jerusalem and their reaction and attitude to conquest.He analyses accounts of the communication between Salah al-Din and the Crusaders and the peace negotiations between Salah al-Din and Richard the Lion-Heart, King of England. In doing so Abu Munshar counters many western and particularly orientalist writers who have portrayed Muslim treatment of Christians,after the first and second Islamic conquests, as similar to any occupation that Jerusalem has witnessed during its long history; that Islamic conquest in these two periods turned the life of non-Muslims into complete disarray. A valuable source of reference for all interested in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, religion, medieval history and international relations studies, 'Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians' provides a fascinating insight into how Muslim tolerance of Christians was achieved in Islamic Jerusalem

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9781780764795

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Reviews

'The book brings forward new approaches and horizons as well as new evidence that can stir the academic debate relating to Muslim-Christians relations in general and Muslims treatment of Christians in Jerusalem in particular... an extremely important piece of research and an invaluable contribution to Middle Eastern, historical and religious studies as well as addressing international relations.', Dr. Mahdi Zahraa, Glasgow Caledonian University. 'With the indigenous Christian community in the Holy Land dwindling as never before and the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Palestine coming under renewed scrutiny, Maher Abu-Munshar's Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians provides an authoritative, reliable and accessible sourcebook with which to understand the complexities of Muslim-Christian relations in the Holy Land. Abu-Munshar's erudition, control of his subject and readable style makes this book an indispensible addition to any bibliography exploring the history of Jerusalem and should be highly recommended to all visitors to Jerusalem of any faith or none. No other book can compete with it in this sphere.' Professor Martin O'Kane, Biblical Studies, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. 'In Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians, Dr. Abu-Munshar provides the reader with a consistent and positive defence of the Muslim position on Jerusalem and Muslim treatment of Christians in the period from the Muslim conquest to the Crusades. He lays out the case clearly, supporting the argument with primary and secondary sources, providing a contextual analysis of the politics of Jerusalem at the time. The book promises to serve as fascinating fodder for discussion and debate about our modern interpretation of a pivotal period in the relations between Christianity and Islam.' Dr. Paul S. Rowe, Associate Professor and Chair, Dept of History, Geography, and Political and International Studies, Trinity Western University. 'This is an important and timely book that should appeal to students and specialists alike. At a time when the clash of civilizations thesis has dominated public as well political discourse, Maher Y. Abu Munshar has written a much-needed corrective to many misconceptions about Muslim-Christian encounters in Islamic Jerusalem. Based on primary and original sources, this book is an objective investigation of the dynamics and conditions that shaped Muslim-Christian interactions in one of the most significant cities in monotheistic traditions. Focusing on the two most dramatic moments in Islamic presence in Jerusalem under the leadership of Umar Ibn al-Khattab (d. 644) and Salah al-Din (d. 1193) respectively, Abu Munshar provides a number of significant insights into the history of religious tolerance and political tension between Muslim and Christian communities in Jerusalem.' Mazhar Al-Zo'by, Professor of culture and Politics, Qatar University

Author Information

Maher Abu-Munshar is Assistant Professor of Islamic History at Qatar University.

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