Cross-posted from Judaism-Islam.com

This article explores what Judaism thinks of the teachings of Islam, its followers and their revered Prophet – Muhammad SAW

Islam was unknown to most Jews during the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW lifetime. It wasn’t until the Muslim conquest of Iraq, shortly after his death, that the leaders of Banu Yisrael first investigated Islam and ruled the Jewish people should consider Muslims as fellow monotheists.

As time passed Judaism’s spiritual leaders, particularly those living in Muslim caliphates, began exploring the teachings of Muhammad SAW and his companions RA. Upon immersing himself in Islamic study one such rabbi, Maimonides, declared that the Muslim understanding of monotheism was without fault.

The [Muslims] are not idol worshipers, [idolatry] has ceased to exist in their mouths and hearts, and they attribute the proper Oneness to God with no blemish. And because they [the Muslims of the 13th century] lie about us, and falsely accuse us of saying God has a son, it does not mean we can lie about them and say they are idol worshipers… And if someone should say that they worship in an idolatrous shrine [the Kaaba], as their ancestors worshiped idols there – this does not matter. The hearts of those who bow down toward it today are [directed] only to Heaven [towards One God]… [Regarding] the [Muslims] today, all of them [including] women and children have ceased to believe in idolatry.

– Maimonides, Responsa #448.