Is there anti-Semitism in the Koran?

Anti-Semitism - a contempt and hatred towards people of Semitic origin. It is a manifestation of bigotry and racism. He, like all other forms of racism have no place in Islam and Muslims in the Holy Scriptures. The Koran forbids hatred towards representatives of any race, nationality or skin color. God says to us (the meaning): "O mankind! We have created you male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other. Indeed the noblest of you before Allah - the most pious. Allah - the Knower, Versed! "
Throughout the history of Islam under the banner of the Qur'an never carried out such atrocities as ethnic cleansing, genocide and the Holocaust. Jews were among the first who embraced Islam in Medina. In the Middle Ages they can safely practice their religion under Islamic rule.

The passages from the Koran, as well as from other scriptures, should be considered in their context. Qur'an was revealed not only the Arabs, but also to all people, including Jews and Christians. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the successor of the prophetic line that includes Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon them all), and the Qur'an - a continuation of the previous scriptures, the One God sent down.

The Koran contains no contempt to the Semitic race. Moreover, he recognizes the special status of the Jews, because of their common with the Islamic prophetic tradition. He criticizes only those Jews who have turned away from the true commandments of God, and condemns those who makes a mockery of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Last Revelation. A similar criticism can be found in other scriptures, including the Old Testament. It should be taken as a reminder and warning to those who shy away from the execution of the divine precepts. Scholars of Islam have never thought that such criticism should cause hatred of the Jewish people, and that it has anything to do with anti-Semitism.

The Koran says a lot about the "children of Israel" and acknowledges that the Jews - descendants of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him), continues the line of his son Ishaq (Isaac) and his grandson Ya'qub (Jacob) (peace be upon them both). God chose them to accomplish their mission (44:32) and sent them many prophets and gave them something that is not granted to others (5:20). He exalted them above many nations of the earth (2:47, 122) and gave them a lot of benefits.

Those passages from the Koran, which contains criticism of the Jews, can be divided into two categories. First, the Qur'an tells us that the children of Israel turned away from Revelation sent down to them. They disobeyed God and showed ingratitude in spite of all his deeds. The Jews have lost the true Torah and added to the sacred text their own words and interpretation. They became arrogant and claimed that, as children of God, the Jews occupy a unique position "chosen people" (4: 155; 5:13, 18). The children of Israel committed sins shamelessly, and their rabbis and priests do not let them do it (5:63, 79). God sent the Jews the prophet Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him), so he showed them miracles and led them directly, but they did not recognize him and tried to kill him. The children of Israel even claimed that really killed him, but actually were not able to do it (4: 157, 158).

In many verses, God refers especially to the children of Israel. This is important because once again demonstrates that the Qur'an message is addressed to everyone, including the Jews. Criticism directed against certain representatives of the Jewish people for their specific actions. It should not be confused with a curse to people solely because of their ethnicity.
The second type of criticism (for example, 5: 60-64) is directed against the Jews and Christians who ridiculed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the message brought by them. They mocked him, when he called to prayer, and showered him with constant reproaches, although the Messenger (peace be upon him) encouraged them to believe in what was sent down to them through their own Prophets (peace be upon them). They rejected him and grudge, because he did not belong to the children of Israel (2: 109; 4:54).

The Qur'an specifically notes that such criticism does not apply to all the Jews in a row. Even where it occurs, is always contained the remark that "some of them are ... God-fearing and righteous people, calling to good, holding on disapprove and try to outrun each other in good deeds" (3: 113, 114). "Whatever they do good, it will never deny them. Verily, Allah knows those who fear Allah "(3: 115)!. The Koran contains words (the meaning): "And of Musa's people was a community that led to the truth and acting on it is true" (7: 159). "And We have distributed their land to the people: among them, and the righteous among them, and worse than that. And We tested them with good and evil - maybe they will appeal "(7: 168)!. "Those who cling to the Book and establish regular prayer ... because we do not ruin reward those who do good" (7: 170).

Tearing of certain passages from the text of the Qur'an and the historical context will not lead to a correct understanding of the religious scriptures. This applies not only to the Qur'an, but also to the Bible.

In many passages of the Old Testament, especially in the Book of the prophet Micah (chapter 3: 1-12) and the Book of the prophet Hosea (Chapter 8: 1-14) also criticizes the Jews. They denounce as "abhor justice and pervert all equity" as "build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem - in unrighteousness." They predict that now the children of Israel will be among the nations "as a waste receptacle." "Israel has forgotten his Maker and built temples, and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire on his cities, - and it shall devour the palaces thereof "(Book of the Prophet Hosea 8:14). The prophet Ezekiel calls the Israelites "rebellious house" (Ezekiel, chapter 2). In Deuteronomy warns: "The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all the work of your hands, which no'll be you do, until thou be destroyed, - and thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, that thou hast forsaken me" (28:20). In the Gospel of Matthew (23: 13-39) condemned "scribes" for their hypocrisy and for the fact that they killed previous prophets. It contains the following statement attributed to 'Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him): "You serpents, you brood of vipers! How can you escape the damnation of hell? "And" Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left empty. "

It would be strange if someone based on these principles, would argue that the biblical prophets, including Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) were anti-Semitic, called for the murder of Jews and the destruction of Israel. Blaming the Qur'an is that it contains anti-Semitism - as unfounded.