Convivencia

Introduction

Convivencia refers to the coexistence of Muslim, Christian and communities of Jews in the medieval Spain and through extension in the cultural interaction and exchange fostered by proximity. It is opposed to the relationships of Christian-Jewish in Ashkenazic land of Europe. The historians of Spanish do not believe on the Convivencia which is a harmonious as a previously perceived. Both Arab and Pro-Arab historians believe on this period as considered this period as “interfaith utopia”, however, Zionist and Jews have described it as a suffering under the rules of Islam. The Convivencia was not considered as a pure harmony, and it was a market by the oppression and violence. Cohen addresses the question in his book, Under Crescents and Cross: The Jews of the Middle Ages”. There was a comparative approach that discuss that on what basis relationship between Muslims and Jewish were not remaining secure and peaceful as compare to the relationship between Christians and Jewish. It is not satisfied me because these Muslim, Jews and Christians did not purposefully seeks to each other community in order to build a combine life. In fact, each of these communities will preferably segregate themselves where circumstances allowed. But in the small town where population was low and mixed, there was no choice but to work together which is missed by Cohen.

Personal Opinion

The Convivencia is the great approach that helps to unite Muslim, Jews and Christine at one place according to Cohen. But I personally think that they must effectual and affluent for all three communities, but the possibility of building misconception must also present. Though, it rarely possible for three communities to must rely at same standpoint according to their religion theologies.

Discussion

In this paper, I will critically evaluate Cohen paper according to light of different authors and then share my own thoughts about either I agree or disagree with Cohen. This depends on building concepts that have frequently opposed in the past.

Theological difference

Cohen raises a point about theological difference that exists between Islam and Christianity which had a strong correlation to their tolerance towards Judaism. From Cohen's point, I had a personal difference with this point to indicate that Islam has a closer theology with Judaism as compare to Christian theology with Judaism. Though, the principles that have manipulated in Bible and Islam are almost same, but defining the concepts at slightly different perspectives. The new testaments have also the Jews on the theological grounds. Messiah-God of Christian does not accept by Judaism. St Augustine doctrine is one of the few documents that do not completely reject beliefs of Jewish and still denies the community of Jewish in future. On the other side, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did not claim divinity and died of the natural causes.

The Jews did not accept Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as a messenger of God, but Muslims on the other hand does not have any strong reason to reject Jews because Muslims have a strong belief on their Holy Book, ...