The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims

MUSTAFA AKYOL is a regular contributing opinion writer for The New York Times since 2013, covering matters of Islam in the modern world. His earlier books, Islam without Extremes (2011) and The Islamic Jesus (2017), have been reviewed and praised by The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and the Economist. Islam without Extremes was long-listed for the 2012 Lionel Gelber Prize literary prize, while being banned in Malaysia for challenging the “religion police.” --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. "The Islamic Jesus is about so much more than Islam or Jesus. It’s about the very bridge that connects Jews and Christians with the followers of Mohammad. Regardless of whether he’s a Jewish radical or a Christian Messiah, Jesus is also one of the most beloved prophets in Islam. In this book, Mustafa Akyol expertly distills the Jesus persona and the role it plays in all three religions. This is a profound contribution in proving that Judaism and Christianity are not adversaries to Muslims, but rather intrinsic parts of the entire Islamic belief system." ―Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and Zealot "Interfaith dialogue is undoubtedly an admirable way of advancing tolerance and understanding. But removing one’s 'military boots' and stepping into the proverbial shoes of another religious conviction in order to ask 'what can Jesus teach Muslims today?' is the preferred way of this book, which I applaud unequivocally. Akyol’s proposition to discern the Islamic Jesus through the early apocryphal literature uncannily echoes the Orthodox Church’s priority to illuminate the Gospel Jesus through the eastern liturgical tradition." ―Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and author of Bartholomew: Apostle and Visionary "This work helps Westerners, especially Christians, to gain more insight into the Islamic understanding of Jesus - upon whom be peace- and also into why, while he is so highly venerated in Islam, he is not divinized as he is in Christianity but remains a prophet." ―Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Professor of Islamic Studies, The George Washington University "Anyone interested in the deeper relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will learn much from Mustafa Akyol’s thoughtful, clearly written, and well researched analysis of how Jewish beliefs and practiced carried over into Christianity, Christian themes were preserved by some Jewish groups, and both, but especially Christianity, were received in Islam. Drawing upon accepted Christian Scriptures as well as lesser known apocryphal writings and related sources, Akyol makes a compelling case for recognizing more common ground among the three faiths than has been heretofore acknowledged. His compelling book is a must read for friends and foes of the Children of Abraham theme." ―Charles Butterworth, Emeritus Professor, Department of Government & Politics, University of Maryland "In this highly readable and provocative book, Mustafa Akyol establishes the unique role played by Jesus within the Islamic tradition. Most importantly, Akyol turns radical revisionist arguments on their head to make the compelling case that Jesus’ life when properly understood confirms the Islamic belief that there is no inherent contradiction between the Biblical and Qur’anic worldviews. From this vantage point, Jesus does not divide the Abrahamic religions but reconciles them, a message much needed in our divisive times." ―Asma Afsaruddin, Professor of Islamic Studies, Indiana University "Whether one agrees or disagrees with the historical nuances Akyol presents, one can certainly applaud his significant effort to call people of the respective faith traditions away from the 'us-versus-them' mentality to not only exploring common ground but a respectful exploration of how each of us fit into the larger story of God’s interaction throughout human history. His focus on the message of the Christ rather than on the nature of the Christ, is a helpful focus towards interaction which can benefit all. Further, his cultivation of a space of Abrahamic soil – the 'Abrahamic archetype' – upon which we can come together and benefit in a mutual sharing of faith, points a direction worth pursuing... The Islamic Jesus is a read worth the consideration of those from both the Biblically based faith tradition and the Qur'anic based faith tradition who are serious about their faith and their relations with people of other faiths." ―Jerald Whitehouse, former director of the Global Center for Adventist Muslim Relations of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists " The Islamic Jesus is a learned and thought-provoking exploration of the figure of Jesus in Islam. Mustafa Akyol develops a measured and distinctive argument of how the Islamic understanding of Jesus is connected to Judaism and Christianity. At the same time he challenges readers to consider how earlier religious controversies, and the figure of Jesus himself, might offer guidance for Islam today." ―Gabriel Said Reynolds, Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology, University of Notre Dame "Mustafa Akyol is the kind of public intellectual our fractured world needs. He is anchored in a specific tradition but also capable of engaging others with nuance, humility, and good will. In this timely and important book, Akyol provides an insightful account of an Islamic Jesus and a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Abrahamic dialogue." ―John Barton, PhD, Director of the Center for Faith and Learning, Pepperdine University --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.