Description
Book SynopsisYohanan Friedmann uses the Qur'anic and classical sources to explain Islamic attittudes to interfaith relations. While they were usually tolerant, coercion was employed occasionally against marginal elements. Friedmann's erudite study sheds light not only on medieval attitudes, but also on the approach of some radical Islamic movements today.
Trade Review'… Friedmann presents a remarkably wide spectrum of legal opinions by the four Sunni schools of law, and he does it with commendable clarity and beyond the sensationalism of Bat Ye'or and her likes … extremely valuable book … raises a point of pivotal importance for both Muslims and non-Muslims of today.' The Muslim World Book Review
'The book is an informative text that presents a nuanced view of Islamic legal pronouncements on issues of inter-faith relationships.' The New Delhi Book Review
Table of ContentsPreface; Introduction; 1. Religious diversity and hierarchy of religions; 2. Classification of unbelievers; 3. Is there no compulsion in religion?; 4. Apostasy; 5. Interfaith marriages; 6. Concluding observations; Selected bibliography; Indexes.
