Islam Quote by Simon Schama
““Judaic monotheism had deeply penetrated Arabia for almost a century before Muhammad declared his revelation in 610 in one of the towns – Makka, or Mecca – in which those Himyarite emigrants had settled. It was precisely because Arabian monotheism (as distinct from the confusing three-in-one version preached by Christianity) had such a strongly Judaic colouring – was in effect Arab Judaism – that Muhammad, who had lived among Jews all his life, could assume at the very least a sympathetic hearing among them, even that they might be the most receptive of the population to his prophecy, not least the part about Islam being the true Abrahamic faith.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A History of the Jews by Simon Schama, 2013
Arabian monotheism was heavily influenced by Judaism, making early Islam more acceptable to Jews and facilitating its spread.
In simple terms: Jewish ideas shaped early Arab religion, easing Islam’s acceptance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how cultural exchange shapes belief systems.
Themes
religion
history
culture
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
historical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- interfaith dialogue
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
syncretism
interfaith
prophecy
Questions to Reflect On
- How did pre‑Islamic monotheism vary across Arabia?
- What role did political factors play?
A Different Perspective
Assumes uniform acceptance among diverse groups.
![“I think [rock'n'roll] essence is what made it good and has a lot in common with what originally made monotheism good - it's against everything that is fixed, all the social structures that you can't go past.” quote by Ezra Furman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/658/ezra-furman-4439_common_i-think-rock-n-roll-essence-is-what-made_680749.jpg)
![“Far from being the crown of human thought and religion as its supporters have claimed for several bloody millennia, [monotheism] is in fact a monstrous step backwards--a step that has been responsible for more human misery than any other idea in known history.” quote by Isaac Bonewits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0eb/isaac-bonewits-49346_backwards_far-from-being-the-crown-of-human-though_419570.jpg)
![“Ben Carson also denounced [Donald] Trump's ban all Muslims proposal saying we do not and would not advocate being selective on one's religion.” quote by Rachel Maddow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d7/rachel-maddow-1240_bans_ben-carson-also-denounced-donald-trump-s_674.jpg)
![“[Islam] Leaves no room of human legislation in an Islamic state, because herein all legislative functions vest in God and the only function left for Muslims lies in their observance of the God-made law.” quote by Abul A'la Maududi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/704/abul-a-la-maududi-51903_function_islam-leaves-no-room-of-human-legislatio_886.jpg)
![“[T]he people who are close to Allah worry so much about wasting time that they call themselves to account for every breath they spend - how many of us wonder about how we spend our day, let alone each breath?” quote by Ethar El- Katatney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a43/ethar-el-katatney-236694_allah_t-he-people-who-are-close-to-allah-worry_3003.jpg)
