The Decline of Eastern Christianity under Islam

BAT YE'OR

ISBN 10: 0838636888 / ISBN 13: 9780838636886

Published by Fairleigh Dickinson August 1996, 1996

Imagine a holocaust extending in time from the seventh century to the twentieth, in geography from the Indus River valley in the east to the straits of Gibraltar in the west. Magnify that holocaust to subsume not just one civilization, but at least eight. Include in its machinery not just outright massacre, rape, and plunder, but also long intervals of demoralization, humiliation, and systematic division of the victim communities by institutionalized incentives to collaboration with the ruling power -- imagine all this and you will have a sense of the nightmare Bat Ye'or seeks to outline in this study. The fruit of twenty-five years of research, Ye'or's unflinching, systematic analysis of the condition of Eastern Christian and Jewish communities (dhimmis) under Islam shatters two prevailing myths: that both Arab and Ottoman Islamic societies maintained a relatively tolerant attitude towards the peoples it subjugated, and that Islamic civilization originated and bequeathed treasures of scientific and philosophical wisdom to an ignorant, benighted medieval West. Abundant primary sources are drawn together to show that the attitude of warfare (jihad) toward the non-Islamic world was not just another instance of religious persecution and cruelty common to many conquering powers (of which both Christianity and Judaism have abundant occasions of which to repent), but was an integral element of original Islamic ideology, a religious obligation, that called for either the conversion to Islam of non-Islamic peoples, or their eradication, with periodic truces observed for strategic ends. ''This is a great historical work on account of its scrupulous examination of the sources, the search for those sources, and the boldness in tackling a historical factor of prime importance too often neglected'' (Jacques Ellul, in the Introduction). The use which is made of this work is another matter. It would be the greatest of tragedies if it were used to fuel a continuing cycle of resentment and accusation, rather than as a tool for historical understanding -- while practicing the forgiveness which we are commanded to extend ''up to seventy times seven.'' Firm binding, unmarked text, moderate exterior wear. Seller Inventory # 235193

Synopsis:

very minor shelf wear only

Review: Ye'or's books on dhimmitude and jihad have an essential place in the ecumenical world.--James E. Biechler, Journal of Ecumenical Studies (Philadelphia) "Journal of Ecumenical Studies "

[I]t must be allowed that behind Muslim thinking was the distinction between dar al-islam and dar al-harb; and while this may have had little effect on the actual course of events, it seems to have been present in the background. It is at this point that the basic question raised by Bat Ye'or's book--the condition of the Peoples of the Book under Muslim rule--ties up with contemporary problems...It is of the utmost importance that Muslim jurists should consider whether such treatment of non-Muslims is in accordance with the Shari'ah or contrary to it. More generally, does the Shari'ah allow Muslims to live peaceable with non-Muslims in the 'one world' or must they regard it as dar al-harb? To have an answer to these questions may be a matter of urgency in a few years times.--William Montgomery Watt, Journal of Semitic Studies (London)

It seems likely that in the new century of clashing civilizations there will either be heightened conflict or a breakthrough to something like the beginnings of a dialogue... A good place to start is to understand the history that brought us where we are, and to that end I warmly recommend a careful and critical reading of Bat Ye'or's The Decline of Eastern Christianity under Islam.--Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, First Things

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Decline of Eastern Christianity under ...
Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson August 1996
Publication Date: 1996
Binding: Trade
Condition: Good