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Map, "The Arab World in the Middle Ages"
(Courtesy Jewish Publication Society) |
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Learning Activity 2: Jewish-Muslim Relations in Islamic Lands
In this learning activity, students will gain a better understanding of the relationship between Judaism and Islam. The focus will be on the rise of Islam and the early relations between Islam and the other major religions of the region, Judaism and Christianity.
1. Before beginning this activity, ask students to share their questions from the Atlas Exploration (PDF) assignment in Learning Activity 1. Write their questions on large sheets of paper and place them around the room. This exercise will help the students begin to think critically about the complexity of the relationship between religions, cultures, societies, political systems, etc. You might choose to help the students categorize their questions by type and clump the related questions, physically, in groups.
(Note: If you did not do Learning Activity 1 with the students, you may instead begin by having the students work in small groups to discuss what they know about the origins of Islam. Ask students to write the information and questions they generate from discussion on large pieces of paper and post these on the walls of the room. Then, discuss students' thoughts with the whole class.)
2. Distribute copies of the Jewish-Muslim Relations (PDF) handout, and ask students to watch the multimedia presentation  Ishmael's Children. Make sure to leave enough time for questions. Ask the class:
- What does this presentation tell us? Does anyone have any questions?
- Read the explanation at the end of biblical text on Ishmael's Children.
3. Play the multimedia presentation Muhammad and explore the options at the end of the presentation - especially A Verse from the Quran and Muhammad Debates the Jews, including the explanations. Have students form small groups and respond to the questions on the handout:
- With these materials in mind, how would you depict the early stages of Islam?
- What was the impact of Muhammad (the individual) and Islam (the new religion) on the region?
- What was the relationship between Judaism and Islam according to Muhammad? According to the Jews of the Arabian lands?
- Was there a difference between how Islam related to Jews and Christians?
4. Distribute the Arab Age (PDF) handout. View the video segment The Arab Age (just under four minutes long). At the end (after the words, "And to him, we surrender"), click on "Explore Topic" (make sure "The Arab Age" is still highlighted and not "Jews in Muslim Lands"). Read the text on the left-hand side and then click on "Historical Documents."
You may have students explore each of the Historical Texts, however they should focus on:
Have the students return to their small groups and respond to the questions on the handout. This is complicated, and the teacher should pay careful attention to analyzing the texts along with the students to provide them with deeper understanding of the relationship between early Islam and the Jews.
- How do these texts jibe with the views expressed in the video section?
- What do these texts convey about the treatment of the "People of the Book"?
- Do you sense any conflicting positions on the part of Muhammad/Islam relative to the "People of the Book"?
- What was the purpose of the different types of stipulations in these documents?
- Does the legal formulation of the "The Pact of 'Umar" correspond in any ways to the views expressed in the Quranic verses?
5. At this point, review the information regarding the rise of Islam and Muhammad. Ask students: What do you know after looking at this material? What questions do you have? Remember to keep the discussion focused on this early period and not to spend much time comparing this early stage of Islam to modern day Islam, especially as it relates to current politics. Although it would make for a fascinating discussion, it would lead students far afield of the topic at hand! Write down on the board what the students say and encourage them to take notes.
6. Show Jews in Muslim Lands, which describes Jewish life under Muslim rule in various lands, particularly Spain, during the eighth through twelfth centuries. Discuss the following questions with the class:
- How do the treatment and success of Jews during this time period fit in with the views of Jews expressed in the Quran and the treatment of non-Muslims reflected in the Pact of Umar?
- At the end of the video segment, Abba Eban states, "Never before had the Jews found themselves in such a position." To what is he referring? Why is the status of Jews so special at this point in time?
Note to teachers: For more information regarding Jewish life in Spain during the time period discussed above, refer to The Roadmap to the Jewish Golden Age of Spain.
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