A lecturer at Dundee’s Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies has had a book published offering a pioneering study of Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians.
“A History of Tolerance and Tensions” by Dr Maher Abu-Munshar highlights the special place Islamicjerusalem has in the hearts of the three religions that believe in the existence of one God.
Throughout its history Islamicjerusalem has been the site of tolerance and tensions and this 256-page book presents what the publishers claim is “a critical look at historical events during the time of two key figures in the history of Islam.”
The publication of this book is a significant development of the scholarly field of Islamicjerusalem Studies, pioneered by Al-Maktoum Institute. The work of the Centre for Islamicjerusalem Studies at the Institute has highlighted how the understanding of the region within Islam provides us with a model for conflict resolution, security, and multiculturalism.
The Centre will be hosting the 10th international academic conference in Dundee on Islamicjerusalem in February 2008, on the theme of Islamicjerusalem as a model for multiculturalism.
Dr Maher Abu-Munshar’s book examines, firstly, Caliph ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, who played an important role in the birth and spread of Islam. Secondly, the book examines the legendary, Sultan Salah al-Din – ‘Saladin’ of Western Crusader lore – whose peace negotiations with Richard the Lion-Heart, King of England are brought to life by Abu-Munshar.
It is a pioneering study using extensive original research to explore Muslim treatment of non-Muslims in the 7th Century and in the Middle Ages. “I hope my book will be a valuable source of reference for all interested in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, Religion and Medieval History,” said Dr Abu-Munshar.
Director of the Centre for Islamicjerusalem Studies at Al-Maktoum Institute, Dr Khalid El-Awaisi, said that Islamicjerusalem Studies was a new and exciting field of study. “It gives us a vital model for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect,” said Dr El-Awaisi. “It offers a way for people from different religious and cultural backgrounds to live together in an environment of multiculturalism and religious as well as cultural diversity and tolerance. We are very pleased at the contribution that this new book is making to the field.”
Acting Principal at the Institute, Professor Malory Nye said the book was an impressive one. “ ‘Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians’ certainly establishes and develops new evidence for academic debate and clearly demonstrates how Al-Maktoum Institute is taking the leading role in setting the new agenda for the study of Islam and Muslims at this crucial time,” said Professor Nye. ‘Islamic Jerusalem and Its Christians: A History of Tolerance and Tensions’ by Maher Abu-Munshar is published by I.B. Tauris Academic Press, 2007. ISBN: 1845113535
