Islamic-Christian relations have spanned over 1,400 years, marked by periods of cooperation, coexistence, and conflict. While much attention has been given to Christian antisemitism in Europe and Eastern Orthodoxy, the dynamics between Christianity and Islam have also played a role in shaping Jewish-Christian relations, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This essay explores the historical intersections between Islam and Christianity, focusing on how their interactions influenced antisemitic attitudes in Christian Arab communities. From medieval Muslim rule to the rise of modern Arab nationalism, Christian-Muslim relations have been complex, with Jews often caught in the middle of political, religious, and social struggles.

Islam emerged in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula, in a region influenced by both Judaism and Christianity. Early interactions between Muslims and Christians were shaped by:

Christians and Jews were recognized as “People of the Book” (Ahl al-Kitab) under Islamic law, granting them dhimmi status—a form of protected but second-class citizenship under Muslim rule. While they were allowed to practice their faiths, they also faced restrictions, such as special taxes (jizya) and social........

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