Judaism Quote by Washington Irving
““It is remarkable that circumcision, which is invariably practiced by thE Mahometans, and forms a distinguishing rite of their faith, to which all proselytes must conform, is neither mentioned in the Koran nor the Sonna. It seems to have been a general usage in Arabia, tacitly adopted from the Jews, and is even said to have been prevalent throughout the East before the time of Moses. It is said that the Koran forbids the making likenesses of any living thing, which has prevented the introduction of portrait-painting among Mahometans. The passage of the Koran, however, which is thought to contain the prohibition, seems merely an echo of the second commandment, held sacred by Jews and Christians, not to form images or pictures for worship. One of Mahomet's standards was a black eagle. Among the most distinguished Moslem ornaments of the Alhambra at Granada is a fountain supported by lions carved of stone, and some Moslem monarchs have had their effigies stamped on their coins.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Alhambra, Washington Irving, 1835
The passage notes that certain Islamic practices like circumcision and image prohibition are not directly mentioned in the Qur’an, suggesting they stem from earlier traditions and cultural exchange.
In simple terms: Islamic customs may derive from older influences rather than Qur’anic text.
Recognize the layered origins of religious practices.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
- museum curation
- religious education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do religious traditions evolve from external influences?
- What role do cultural exchanges play in shaping faith practices?
The claim may oversimplify complex theological histories and ignore internal Islamic scholarship.