# Islam and the Problem of Israel

Islam and the Problem of Israel is a book by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, first published in 1980 by the Islamic Council of Europe. The book examines the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the state of Israel from an Islamic perspective.

## Background

Ismail al-Faruqi, a Palestinian-American philosopher and scholar, wrote this book to explore the complex issues arising from the establishment of Israel and its impact on the Muslim world. Al-Faruqi, known for his work in Islamic studies, aimed to provide a thorough analysis of Zionism and its implications.

## Contents

The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the problem. Key chapters include:

### Chapter I: The Three-Cornered Nature of the Problem

Al-Faruqi discusses how the issue of Israel involves three main parties: the Muslim world, Western Christendom, and the Jews. He suggests that the problem cannot be viewed merely as modern colonialism or a repetition of the Crusades but as a unique and complex situation.

### Chapter II: Aperçu of Jewish History in the Christian West

This chapter provides an overview of Jewish history in the Christian West before the Emancipation. Al-Faruqi examines the Christian reinterpretation of Jewish history, particularly how the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion influenced Christian-Jewish relations.

### Chapter III: The Emancipation and Its Aftermath

Al-Faruqi explores the period of Jewish emancipation and the challenges Jews faced in Europe. He highlights the tension between assimilation and maintaining Jewish identity, discussing the dilemmas that arose from these conflicting pressures.

### Chapter IV: The Romantic Relapse of Europe

This chapter discusses the resurgence of romanticism in Europe and its impact on Jewish thought and identity. Al-Faruqi explains how European romanticism contributed to the development of Zionism and influenced Jewish intellectuals.

### Chapter V: Zionism: The European Jew’s Counsel of Despair

Al-Faruqi delves into the origins and motivations behind Zionism, describing it as a response to the existential dilemmas faced by European Jews. He portrays Zionism as a movement born out of despair and a desire for security.

### Chapter VI: Jewish Universalism and Ethnocentrism

This chapter contrasts Judaism's universalist and ethnocentrist strands, discussing how these differing perspectives have influenced Jewish thought and Zionist ideology.

### Chapter VII: Zionism as Religion

Al-Faruqi explores the religious aspects of Zionism, explaining how it has been shaped by European romanticism and secularism. He discusses how Zionism reinterprets Jewish tradition and identity.

### Chapter VIII: Zionism as Politics

Al-Faruqi examines the political strategies of Zionism before and after World War I. He discusses the Balfour Declaration, the British Mandate in Palestine, and the various tactics used by Zionists to acquire land and establish a Jewish state.

### Chapter IX: Islam and Judaism

This chapter explores the historical and theological relationships between Islam and Judaism. Al-Faruqi discusses the Islamic critique of Jewish practices and the historical interactions between Muslims and Jews.

### Chapter X: Islam and Zionism

Al-Faruqi concludes by presenting an Islamic perspective on Zionism, discussing its perceived injustices against both non-Jews and Jews. He proposes solutions for resolving the conflict, including the concept of de-Zionization.

## Themes

Al-Faruqi's central theme is the critique of Zionism from an Islamic perspective. He argues that Zionism is not just a political movement but also has significant religious and cultural implications. The book discusses the historical roots of Zionism, its development, and its effects on both Jews and Palestinians. Al-Faruqi also explores the theological differences between Islam and Judaism and how these have been affected by the conflict. He delves into how Enlightenment and romantic movements in Europe influenced Jewish assimilation and identity, contributing to the rise of Zionism. Al-Faruqi examines how Western colonial and geopolitical interests intertwined with the development of Zionism, particularly focusing on oil control and military influence. The book’s examination of the concepts of the "God-state" and romantic nationalism offers unique insights into how Zionism was shaped by and adapted to contemporary European thought.

## Reception

The book has been influential in Islamic scholarly circles and among those interested in Middle Eastern politics. It has been praised for its in-depth analysis and comprehensive approach to a complex issue. However, it has also faced criticism from those who view it as biased against Zionism and the state of Israel.

## Publication

Islam and the Problem of Israel was first published in 1980 by the Islamic Council of Europe. A later edition was published in 2003 by The Other Press in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.