Is it true what Muslims say that the Torah orders Jews to KILL people and enslave their children?

Question

I watched a tv show on Al-Jazeera tv where Dr. Yousuf Al Qardawy (a very well-known Muslim schoalr) said that the Jews are the main cause for violence in the world because the Torah orders them to KILL people and enslave their children.

http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=096wmv&ak=null

Is it true what that Muslim scholar said?

Answer 1

Completely untrue.

The Tanach (which is the Torah, Nevi'm and Ketuvim- what non-Jews call the Old Testament) contains two things- historical writings, and laws.

The narrative about killing the tribes already in the land when the Jews left Egypt falls into the history section, it is not laws that were binding beyond that generation. The sole exception to this is Amalek as they are seen as the opposite of the Jews and a group of people that would work to completely destroy them. This is also a non-issue today as the tribe of Amalek dissapeared along time ago and is no longer extant.

So for Jews betyond the generation of Joshua (in other words for the last 3400 years), there are no laws about killing or enslaving anyone- those peddling these lies do so in order to create anti-Semitism and as an excuse for their attacks on Jews.

Answer 2

The Torah is basically the Old Testament. There's a whole lot of killing and slavery there.

That certainly doesn't make the Jews the main cause of violence though.

The old Testament is the basis for Christianity and Islam as well. Perhaps that Muslim scholar doesn't know that?

Answer 3

Hi,
Don't believe everything your hear..... didn't your momma teach you anything when you were a child!? You'd be smart to shut off your TV and learn something about how the Jews have changed the world for the better. There have been some very good inventions, and medical break through developed by Jewish people. Stop bashing Gods chosen people already. And you wonder why everyone is starting to dislike Muslims so much! You are bringing it on yourselves. And Muslims claim to be peaceful? I don't think so.....We all see right through your burkas......men and all.

Answer 4

First, in response to Fokkerball, God told the Israelites to kill Amalek only becuase they were a notoriously barbaric tribe, who attacked women and children before the men. Also, don't trust Al-Jazeera. They same organization says that Jews put Christian blood in Matzah, but of course we all know that isn't true. (in case u need proof for that, matzah is made of nothing but unleavened dough and water. if even one drop of blood were to be added, the matzah would turn out red.
Of course, also, Jews are not the source of violence in the world. Also, it is believed that Hitler was a descendant from the tribe of Amalek (catch my drift?).

Answer 5

well im not a jew....but yeah many places in the first 5 books of the Bible (the torah) God tells the israelites (who are now the jews of course) to kill the amelekites juzzusites, cannanites etc and kill the children and men and women and all that.....but the deal is is that these ppl rejected God for centuries and there time was done and all so God told the israelites to kill them off......

but u dont see or hear about God tellin them to nuke the arabs these days....

and by the way the koran tells the muslims to kill the unbelievers.....and if they havent noticed, they're the ones tryin to kill us

Answer 6

The Torah is one of our Holy Books. Surely the word of God, and I doubt he would order his people to kill others. The Middle East situation is very misunderstood, this scholar could be expressing anger. The jews are a blessed people but the zionists have a true hate for muslims, maybe he was referring to this denomination. I have heard that the Anti-Christ will be a zionist but we have to wait to see. The jews are certainly not the MAIN cause for violence, I have a deep sympathy after the holocaust for them but the Zionists have no right to murder muslims over the holy land. We can share it surely, somehow.

Answer 7

Muslims spread many lies about Jews and Judaism.
Their claims are not true.
The Torah is part of the OT; The five books of Moses. They are out there in all languages and avilable to anyone who wishes to read and learn. You can open the Bible and see for yourself whether or not these outrageous claims are true.

Answer 8

The Torah contains historical accounts of the Hebrews trekking through the wilderness. God ordered them to kill certain people and enslave their children because this was necessary in order to fulfill his promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's offspring.

That does not mean that Jews (who are no longer God's chosen people) are under obligation to do this today.

Answer 9

Dr. Yousuf actually IS a well-known trustworthy respectable Muslim scholar who would never say something that is not true as far as I know. However, if you need to double check ( and it is totally your right to do so) , I think the best source to consult is the Torah itself. See for yourself and decide.

+ Dear Barry: The Quran does not advocate killing non-believers . It actually declares the fact that people have the right to either believe or not believe and no one is to be forced into Islam.

Answer 10

Most holy books deal with killings. Killing in the name of our lord or god is a man spoken statement. Why would a god want us to kill each other? Take the bible. Early on in this book was god happy when Cain took Abels life? All organized religions think they are the only saved or favored ones. They all promote subtle to grandiose animosity to gods creatures of different beliefs. Hatred being spoken by leaders should not be surprising. All holy books are victim to human edification and religious sects.