Journal of Islamic Studies (May 2013)
War in Judaism: Exposition and Critiqu
Abstract
This detailed research is concerned with understanding the Jewish position on war with non-Jews in the light of the Old Testament. It also aims to explain certain Jewish stances towards war, with particular clarification of Jewish commands. The research follows inductive and deductive approaches. Among the most important findings is that there is a distinction between the Qur’anic statements on the jihad done by the prophets of the Children of Israel for the sake of Allah on the one hand and the Old Testament statements on the other. The Qur’anic statements are faithfully accepted by Muslims, while those of the Old Testament are regarded along the same lines applicable to the jurisdiction of the “people of the book”. Evidently, there are no religious instructions for the Israeli armed forces at war to invite whom they are fighting to embrace Judaism. However, that does not mean the Jews do not accept others to embrace their religion. There is also the option of peace; it applies only to nations that are far from the land of Israel, but not to countries nearby. Related written commands give no choice but armed conflict; it is either war or death. One of the main recommendations of this research is that comparative studies of religions discuss aspects of contemporary life, such as peace and war as well as other issues that concern ordinary people, who are not necessarily religious. The research recommends that contemporary Jewish religious views on the status of non-Jews be gathered and compared with written teachings in the Old Testament. This will help identify the compliance of Jews to their religious teachings.
