The Mediterranean Frontier: Christianity face to face with Islam, 600–1050
Hugh Kennedy
Islam came face to with Christianity from its beginnings. Christians and Jews were regarded as “People of the Book” because they had a revealed monotheistic religion. Even though corrupted this religion turned away true path, deserved measure respect tolerance, unlike pagans whom no coexistence was possible. Nevertheless, new developed an ideology confrontation non-Muslims which almost inevitably led conflict. The idea holy war or jihād is in number suras Qur’ān but, often Qur’ān, message not simple unequivocal one. sacred text presents apparently conflicting advice faithful how should confront enemies There are significant passages advise nonviolent argument preaching when dealing Book.” In contrast there other Muslims exhorted go fight path God, those who do castigated for failing their religious duties. These culminate 9.5:
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