Who is a Jew... According to Muslims?
In Islamic teachings, the term "Jew" refers to the followers of Judaism, who trace their religious lineage back to the Prophet Jacob, known as Yaqub in Arabic, and his son Judah. The Qur'an acknowledges the significance of the Children of Israel and their prophets, such as Moses (Musa) and Jesus (Isa).
In Surah Al-Baqara, it is mentioned, And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters.
2:135. This verse highlights that while Jews and Christians identify their faiths with their respective prophets, Muslims follow the monotheistic tradition of Abraham, positioning themselves as adherents of the true religion.
Furthermore, the Qur'an emphasizes the importance of not distinguishing between the prophets, stating, We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
2:136. This illustrates that, from the Muslim perspective, all prophets are respected, including those from the Jewish tradition.
Islamic tradition, as reflected in tafsir literature, acknowledges the historical context of the Jews and their covenant with God, but also emphasizes that true guidance comes from following the teachings of the final prophet, Muhammad, and the Qur'an. Thus, while Jews are recognized as a significant religious group within the Abrahamic traditions, the Islamic view positions itself as the completion of God's message to humanity.
Sources
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2:135 · Al-Baqara
2:135 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَقَالُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ هُودًا أَوْ نَصَٰرَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا۟ ۗ قُلْ بَلْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ حَنِيفًۭا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters.
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2:136 · Al-Baqara
2:136 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
قُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
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