| There are many studies analyzing Islamic polemics against other religions in the Middle Ages, but only a few that concern themselves with the polemics against Islam by medieval Christian and Jewish authors. This study focuses on two medieval Jewish scholars: Abu Ya `qub Yusuf b. Ish&dotbelow;aq al-Qirqisani (late 9th-early 10th centuries) and Moses Maimonides (d. 1204), a Karaite and a Rabbanite respectively.;As a brief introduction to their polemics, a chapter about the dhimmah in Islamic history is included here, that will cast new light on certain important issues in dhimmah studies, such as the differences between the various Islamic schools of law (ma dahib), political, economic, and social factors. Examples are given to illustrate these topics, with translations of Arabic texts from the original sources.;Al-Qirqisani's polemics in (Kitab al-Anwar wa-l-Maraqib) are analyzed and his knowledge of Islamic theology is evaluated based on the mutakalimun's books. A brief historical and cultural background of his time is given, including a section on the Mu`azilites, who were a strong influence on al-Qirqisani and other Jewish scholars of his generation.;Finally Maimonides' polemics against Islam in his "Epistle to Yemen" are analyzed and his knowledge of Islamic theology evaluated based on his arguments. A brief historical background of his time is also given. A fresh look at and explanation of his alleged conversion to Islam is provided, based on the historical and religious sources. |
