Tolerance and Coercion in Islam: Interfaith Relations in the Muslim Tradition (Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization)

Tolerance and Coercion in Islam was authored by Professor Yohanan Friedmann, a renowned scholar of Islamic studies and a professor emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Published in 2009 by Cambridge University Press as part of the Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization series, the work represents a rigorous academic examination of the legal and theological frameworks governing interfaith interactions within Islamic history. It was developed to address the complex evolution of the relationship between Muslim authorities and non-Muslim communities, moving beyond superficial generalizations to analyze how classical jurists and historical rulers navigated the tension between exclusionary dogma and the practical necessity of coexisting with religious minorities.

The book is recognized for its objective analysis of primary texts, particularly the role of the 'covenant' or 'dhimma' system in historical practice. Friedmann explores how the Quranic and Hadith-based traditions were interpreted over centuries, shedding light on the varying degrees of religious autonomy granted to protected peoples. Upon its release, the volume was well-received by the academic community for its nuanced historiography, providing a structured counter-narrative to reductive contemporary political discourse. It remains a standard reference for students and scholars seeking a deep understanding of the structural foundations of religious tolerance within the Islamic tradition.