The Epistle to Yemen: The National and Religious Propensity of Maimonides

This paper attempts to expound the national and religious propensity of Rabbi Maimonides, which, to some extent, conflicts with what is known of him as an open and tolerant medieval philosopher. In addition, it aims to discuss whether he can be regarded as an Islamic thinker or philosopher – as claimed by many Arabic and Islamic scholars. The paper highlights some of his controversial opinions and statements which appeared in his letter to the Jewish community in Yemen, known as the "Epistle to Yemen". Despite being greatly influenced by Arabic and Islamic culture and philosophy, in this letter Maimonides revealed a strong political and religious orientation against Arabs and Islam, something worth underlining in order to allow a better understanding of the historical and political context of his thoughts and writings.      

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This paper attempts to expound the national and religious propensity of Rabbi Maimonides, which, to some extent, conflicts with what is known of him as an open and tolerant medieval philosopher. In addition, it aims to discuss whether he can be regarded as an Islamic thinker or philosopher – as claimed by many Arabic and Islamic scholars. The paper highlights some of his controversial opinions and statements which appeared in his letter to the Jewish community in Yemen, known as the "Epistle to Yemen". Despite being greatly influenced by Arabic and Islamic culture and philosophy, in this letter Maimonides revealed a strong political and religious orientation against Arabs and Islam, something worth underlining in order to allow a better understanding of the historical and political context of his thoughts and writings.      

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