How to Use Questions to Show Roots of Hostility: Examining the Theological, Historical, and Cultural Dimensions of Antisemitism in Islam

By Dr. Tim Orr

Antisemitism in Islam is a tough topic. It’s one of those issues that stirs up deep emotions and raises challenging questions. But what if we leaned in with curiosity and compassion instead of shying away? By asking thoughtful questions—not just of ourselves but also of our Muslim friends—we can uncover the roots of this hostility and better understand the perspectives that shape it. These aren’t conversations meant to divide but to connect and build bridges of trust while exploring difficult truths together. After all, understanding starts with a willingness to ask and to listen.

Category 1: Theological and Scriptural Questions

1. The Quran’s Portrayal of Jews as "Apes and Pigs" (Quran 5:60)
   The verse’s interpretation varies across Islamic traditions. Classical tafsir often views this as a divine punishment for moral corruption among Jews. How does this interpretation evolve into contemporary rhetoric that dehumanizes Jews, fueling antisemitic propaganda?
2. The Abrogation of the Covenant with Jews
   Islamic theology holds that Jews broke their covenant with God (Quran 2:63-64). How does this theological narrative create a foundation for viewing Jews as untrustworthy or spiritually illegitimate, affecting interfaith relations?
3. Institutionalized Antisemitism Through Dhimmitude
   The status of dhimmi granted non-Muslims protection in exchange for a tax but also codified social inferiority. How does the humiliation tied to jizya payments and other restrictions reinforce systemic antisemitism?
4. Jewish Betrayal in Quranic Narratives
   Stories such as the rejection of prophets and betrayal of Muhammad (e.g., Banu Qurayza) often emphasize Jewish disobedience. How do these narratives function within Islamic theology to perpetuate distrust and animosity toward Jews?
5. Eschatology and the Antichrist Narrative
   Hadiths like Sahih Muslim 2922 depict Jews as allies of the Antichrist (Dajjal). How has this apocalyptic framing shaped modern conspiracy theories about Jewish global control?
6. Balancing Praise and Criticism of Jews in the Quran
   While the Quran praises the People of the Book in some verses (e.g., Quran 3:113-115), it harshly criticizes others. Why do Islamic scholars emphasize critical verses in theological discourses, often neglecting the positive ones?
7. Muhammad’s Personal Conflict with Jewish Tribes
   Muhammad’s interaction with Jewish tribes, particularly in Medina, influenced Quranic revelations. Could the escalating tensions between Muhammad and the Jews reflect a personal vendetta rather than purely theological disagreements?
8. Islamic View of Jews as Perennial Rebels Against Prophets
   The Quran accuses Jews of killing prophets (Quran 2:61). Does this rhetoric justify historical and contemporary hostility by framing Jews as opponents of divine truth?
9. Fitna and Jewish Opposition to Muhammad
   The concept of fitna (discord) is often linked to Jewish rejection of Muhammad. How does this association shape broader Muslim attitudes toward Jews as agents of societal unrest?
10. The Role of Hadiths in Amplifying Antisemitism
    Canonical Hadith collections include sayings that vilify Jews, such as the famous tree saying about the Day of Judgment (Sahih Bukhari 2926). How can these texts be contextualized or reinterpreted to mitigate their antisemitic implications?

Category 2: Historical and Political Questions

11. Muhammad’s Conflicts with Jewish Tribes
    The expulsion of the Banu Qaynuqa, the execution of the Banu Qurayza, and the exile of the Banu Nadir are pivotal in Islamic history. Were these events motivated more by political necessity or theological enmity?
12. The Dhimmi System and Systemic Discrimination
    Under Islamic rule, Jews were restricted in dress, employment, and social interaction. How did these policies institutionalize antisemitic stereotypes, and what parallels can be drawn with European anti-Jewish laws?
13. Jews as Colonial Collaborators
    The perception of Jews siding with colonial powers has fueled antisemitic narratives in the Middle East. How accurate is this view historically, and how has it been weaponized politically?
14. Islamism and the Politicization of Antisemitism
    Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood link Islamic theology with modern political grievances. How has this fusion of theology and politics perpetuated antisemitism as a tool of resistance?
15. Fitna and Antisemitic Policies
    How has the concept of fitna been used historically to justify oppressive policies toward Jews and other minorities within Islamic empires?
16. Periodic Pogroms in Islamic History
    Despite Islamic principles of protection for dhimmis, Jewish communities faced violence under various rulers. How do these incidents challenge the narrative of Islamic tolerance?
17. Impact of the Crusades on Islamic Antisemitism
    While primarily a Christian-Muslim conflict, the Crusades also targeted Jews. Did this period exacerbate Islamic antisemitism, particularly through alliances between Jews and Crusaders in Muslim eyes?
18. The Creation of Israel and Islamic Antisemitism
    How did the establishment of Israel reshape traditional Islamic antisemitism, transforming theological grievances into political ones?
19. Islamist-Nazi Collaboration
    Figures like Haj Amin al-Husseini collaborated with Nazi Germany, promoting antisemitism among Muslims. How did this historical episode deepen antisemitic ideologies in the Muslim world?
20. Arab Nationalism and Antisemitism
    How did the rise of Arab nationalism in the 20th century amplify antisemitism, particularly through its opposition to Zionism and Jewish identity?

Category 3: Cultural and Social Questions

21. Antisemitism in Popular Culture
    Television shows like Horseman Without a Horse in Egypt promote antisemitic narratives. How do these cultural products influence societal attitudes?
22. Jewish Conspiracy Theories in Islamic Societies
    Works like The Protocols of the Elders of Zion are widely distributed in Muslim-majority countries. Why do such forgeries find fertile ground in Islamic cultures?
23. Islamic Education and Antisemitism
    Textbooks in countries like Saudi Arabia teach antisemitic ideas. How do these curricula shape generational attitudes toward Jews?
24. Intersection of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism
    Many Islamic movements equate Jews with Zionism. How does this conflation exacerbate antisemitism under the guise of political criticism?
25. Antisemitism in Sermons and Religious Gatherings
    Imams often invoke antisemitic rhetoric during Friday sermons. What role do these sermons play in perpetuating hostility toward Jews?
26. Antisemitic Tropes in Muslim Charitable Campaigns
    How do campaigns that vilify Jews for global suffering undermine genuine charitable efforts?
27. Holocaust Denial in the Muslim World
    Denial of the Holocaust is widespread in many Muslim societies. What drives this phenomenon, and how does it serve political or ideological agendas?
28. Antisemitic Language in Everyday Life
    In many Islamic cultures, terms like “Yahudi” are used as slurs. What does this reveal about deep-seated biases in these societies?
29. Social Media and Antisemitism
    Platforms like Twitter amplify antisemitic hashtags such as #FreePalestine. How does this influence global Muslim attitudes toward Jews?
30. Cultural Censorship and Jewish Representation
    Muslim-majority countries often censor Jewish cultural expressions. What are the implications of this exclusion for interfaith understanding?

Category 4: Contemporary and Global Questions

31. Islamism as a Unifying Antisemitic Force
    How do Islamist groups use antisemitism to bridge divides between Sunni and Shia factions?
32. Muslim Communities in the West and Antisemitism
    How has Islamic antisemitism adapted to Western contexts, particularly in politically progressive spaces?
33. Antisemitism and Claims of Religious Tolerance
    Many Muslim-majority countries claim tolerance while promoting antisemitic policies. How do these contradictions persist?
34. Interfaith Dialogue Challenges
    How does Islamic antisemitism hinder genuine dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities?
35. Normalization of Relations with Israel
    Why do many Islamic leaders condemn normalization efforts with Israel as betrayal, invoking antisemitic rhetoric in their opposition?
36. Islamism and Global Antisemitic Propaganda
    How do Islamist movements exploit Western platforms to spread which antisemitic narratives globally?
37. The Role of Islamic Scholars in Combating Antisemitism
    What responsibility do contemporary Islamic scholars have in addressing antisemitism within their communities?
38. Western Progressive Movements and Islamic Antisemitism
    How do alliances between Western progressives and Islamists enable antisemitic ideologies under the guise of anti-imperialism?
39. Impact of Globalization on Islamic Antisemitism
    How has globalization spread Islamic antisemitism to diaspora communities while also introducing counter-narratives?
40. Balancing Theology and Politics in Modern Islamic Discourse
    Can modern Islamic theology disentangle itself from antisemitic political rhetoric to foster better relations with Jews?

Conclusion

When we approach the topic of antisemitism in Islam, it’s easy to focus on facts and theories, but let’s not forget the importance of real, personal conversations. Ask your Muslim friends how they view Jewish history, scripture, and relationships today. Be ready to listen, even if you don’t always agree. Good questions open the door to understanding—and understanding lays the groundwork for change. Whether we’re exploring history, theology, or culture, these discussions can move us beyond stereotypes and toward genuine relationships. In these moments of honest dialogue, we take the first steps toward peace and reconciliation.

Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.