Christian-Muslim Relations in the Aftermath of the Arab Spring by Hager, Anna;

Short description:

Uses 'The Innocence of Muslims' controversy as a starting point for exploring Christian–Muslim relations in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan.

Long description:

This book uses 'The Innocence of Muslims' controversy as an entry point into the study of relations between Christians and Muslims in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Instead of dismissing the condemnations and joint reactions as shallow and ritualised displays of solidarity, Anna Hager argues that they offer insights into the mechanisms of Christian–Muslim relations. Christians and Muslims, including Islamist figures, channelled the potential violence – turning it into an occasion to strengthen inter-communal relations and, crucially, their own positions.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Revisiting Christian-Muslim Relations through a Minor Controversy

1. Beyond the Controversy: Islamist Movements and the Constraints of the Political Game Introduction Egypt: Claiming the Islamic Leadership The Risks of Antagonising Copts Lebanon: Contesting Hezbollah’s Islamic and Lebanese leadership Jordan: Dissatisfaction with the Regime Conclusion

2. Another Understanding of Violence: From Coptic-Muslim Violence to a Far Greater Danger Introduction The Starting Point: Sectarian Violence in Egypt The Issue of Christian Fear The Hierarchisation of Targets and Victims The Greater Danger: Potential Violence Conclusion

3. The Stakes of Being Christian or Muslim: The Other Key Actors of Christian-Muslim Relations Introduction The Legal and Political Foundations of being Christian or Muslim in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon Another Key Player: Official Islam The Forgotten Christian Laity The Churches Upset Speaking as and for Christians Conclusion

4. Searching for Proximity to the Other: Redefining Fitna and Dhimma Introduction Classical Islamic and Christian Attitudes: Polemics The Moderation of Islamist Attitudes towards Christians The Fear of Fitna A Christian Expansion of the Term dhimma Searching for Proximity to Muslims The Limited Institutionalisation of Proximity Conclusion

5. The Core of Peaceful Relations: Rituals of Solidarity and Avoidance Introduction Ritualised and Avoiding Language: Rituals of Solidarity Behaviour and the Expectation of Reciprocity Excurse: The Issue of Christmas A Powerful Ritual: The United Egyptian Nation Conclusion

6. Renegotiating the Promises of the Arab Spring Introduction Old and New Fears What Level of Differentiation? The Egyptian, Lebanese and Jordanian Nations The Religious Foundations of Unity The Political Sources of Unity Conclusion

Conclusion: The Requirements for the Ideal Islamic Society

Bibliography