Maryam Jameelah & Muhammad Asad: Two Jewish Converts Who Became Pillars of Modern Islamic Thought

In the panorama of 20th-century Islamic revival, few figures shine as distinctly as Maryam Jameelah and Muhammad Asad—two individuals of Jewish origin whose journeys into Islam informed some of the faith's most influential modern scholarship.

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Maryam Jameelah (Margret Marcus, 1934–2012)

Origins and Early Life
Born Margret Marcus in New Rochelle, New York, to a secular Jewish family of German descent, Jameelah showed exceptional intellectual promise from childhood yet often found herself isolated and restless Wikipedia.

The Search for Faith
Her teenage years were marked by exploration across spiritual traditions—including Reform and Orthodox Judaism and the Baha'i Faith—but none satisfied her inner quest for authenticity. Particularly alienating to her was the Zionist support she perceived among these circles; this discomfort deepened her attraction to the plight of Arabs and Palestinians Wikipedia.

Her narrow escape from mental-health crises led her to the Quran and the works of Muhammad Asad—especially The Road to Mecca, which left a profound imprint on her Wikipedia.

Conversion and New Life
In 1961, she formally embraced Islam, adopting the name Maryam Jameelah. Soon after, under the invitation of Maududi, she moved to Pakistan and married Muhammad Yusuf Khan in 1963, settling in Lahore and becoming a devoted voice for conservative, orthodox Islam Wikipedia.

Scholarship and Legacy
Over her lifetime, Jameelah authored more than thirty books on Islamic culture and history, boldly defending traditional practices such as veiling, gender segregation, and polygamy, and critiquing Western secularism and modernization Wikipedia.

Her writings were frequently translated across the Muslim world and remain archived in the New York Public Library's Humanities and Social Sciences Library Wikipedia.

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Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss, 1900–1992)

Early Life and Intellectual Roots
Born Leopold Weiss into a Jewish family in Galicia, Asad grew up fluent in Hebrew and Aramaic and well-versed in Biblical exegesis—a foundation that later deepened his engagement with the Quran Hawzah News Agency Wikipedia.

Conversion to Islam
Disillusioned by Europe's post–World War I moral decline, Weiss converted to Islam in Berlin in 1926, adopting the name Muhammad Asad. His path was not fueled by a mystical experience but by an intellectual urgency—a spiritual longing sparked by the stark discontent he saw around him Hawzah News Agency The Muslim Times.

Shortly after, he traveled to the Arabian Peninsula, immersing himself in Bedouin life, making five pilgrimages, and gaining the confidence of Ibn Saud, who even entrusted him with sensitive diplomatic missions The Muslim Times Wikipedia.

Activism, Politics & Diplomacy
Asad’s political journey led him to close associations with Muhammad Iqbal and influential Islamic thinkers, as well as with Pakistan’s founding state structure. He took on significant roles in Pakistan’s foreign ministry and served as a UN envoy Wikipedia Culture.pl.

Literary Contributions
His autobiographical masterpiece, The Road to Mecca (1954), was critically acclaimed in Western literary circles for its heartfelt narrative of spiritual and cultural discovery Wikipedia Culture.pl.

His crowning achievement, The Message of The Qur’an, is a modern English translation and exegesis of the Quran, celebrated for its philosophical depth and appeal to rational, independent thought. Dedicated “to People Who Think,” it is regarded alongside classics by Pickthall and Yusuf Ali Wikipedia+1.

He also wrote Islam at the Crossroads (1934), urging Muslims to resist uncritical imitation of Western values and preserve Islamic identity and heritage Wikipedia TRT World.

Impact and Recognition
Asad’s influence has endured; he inspired figures like Sayyid Qutb and even Pakistan's Imran Khan Hawzah News Agency Shafaqna English TRT World.

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Comparative Reflection

Aspect	Maryam Jameelah	Muhammad Asad
Background	Secular Jewish American, converted 1961	Jewish-Austrian, converted 1926
Drivers	Search for spiritual authenticity, rejection of Western secularism	Moral crisis of West, quest for spiritual meaning
Mode	Scholarly writings rooted in conservatism	Autobiography, translation, political engagement
Legacy	Conservative Islamic apologetics	Rationalist interpretation, bridge between East & West

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Conclusion

In two vastly different arcs, Maryam Jameelah and Muhammad Asad navigated personal alienation, cultural dissonance, and existential longing to become towering thinkers in contemporary Islam.

Jameelah brought a fervent defense of orthodox Islamic values through prolific writing and lived example—formed by her rejection of Western modernist narratives. Asad merged intellect with spiritual awakening, shaping modern Islamic discourse through eloquent narrative and reinterpretation of sacred texts tailored for the age of reason.

Both illustrate the power of faith to transform identity—and how deeply personal journeys can ripple outward to influence generations. Despite their distinct approaches—one as an uncompromising guardian of tradition, the other as a rational innovator—their work intersects in revealing Islam’s capacity for renewal, depth, and universality.

The Israel Lobby Is as Real and Powerful as the Antichrist Is Imagined to Be

In Christian eschatology, the Antichrist is the figure who emerges at the end of days, deceiving nations, corrupting governments, and wielding vast influence across the globe. Whether taken literally or metaphorically, the Antichrist has long been viewed as a symbol of concentrated power—stealthy, strategic, and often working through institutions to shape the course of human history toward its own ends.

In the real world, there are few political forces that mirror that kind of concentrated, often unquestioned influence quite like the Israel Lobby—particularly in the United States.

This comparison isn't meant to suggest anything supernatural or demonic about pro-Israel lobbying efforts. Nor is it an accusation leveled at Jewish people broadly. But just as the Antichrist in religious literature is imagined to be a singular force guiding world events behind a veil of righteousness, the Israel Lobby operates in a similarly opaque and expansive way—steering policy, media narratives, and public discourse with stunning efficiency, often outside the spotlight.

To say the Israel Lobby is real is no longer a controversial assertion—it is a documented fact. What remains controversial is discussing how much influence it wields, and what the consequences are for American democracy and foreign policy.

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Defining the Israel Lobby

The term “Israel Lobby” refers broadly to the network of individuals, advocacy groups, political action committees (PACs), and think tanks that work to advance Israeli interests, particularly within the United States. Chief among them is AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), but the network extends much further, including Christian Zionist organizations, major donors to both political parties, media advocates, and cultural influencers.

In 2007, political scientists John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt published The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, a groundbreaking (and controversial) academic book that argued the lobby had a disproportionate influence on U.S. foreign policy, often pushing it in directions contrary to American national interest. Their thesis was not that the lobby was omnipotent or sinister, but that it was unusually powerful, and rarely subject to the scrutiny or criticism that other lobbies endure.

They were immediately labeled as fringe or even antisemitic by some commentators, even though both had long records of serious scholarship and made it clear their critique was of political influence, not ethnic identity.

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The Anatomy of Influence

What makes the Israel Lobby so unique is not that it exists—most nations have interest groups that advocate for favorable U.S. policy. It’s the scale and intensity of its power, combined with the taboo surrounding open discussion of it.

Through extensive lobbying efforts, campaign donations, and political pressure, the Lobby has helped secure billions in military aid for Israel annually—regardless of that country’s human rights record or its treatment of Palestinians. It has helped frame the U.S. media narrative in ways that obscure or minimize Israeli abuses while casting criticism of Israeli policy as dangerous or antisemitic. And perhaps most critically, it has helped ensure that any elected official who dares to question the U.S.–Israel relationship pays a steep political price.

Politicians such as Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who have dared to raise questions about Israeli policy or U.S. support for it, have faced intense backlash—not just from conservatives, but from centrist and even liberal sectors. The mere mention of “the Benjamins” in a tweet—referring to campaign donations—was enough to ignite a firestorm.

Compare this to how the Antichrist is portrayed in apocalyptic literature: as a figure who enforces loyalty, silences dissent, and reshapes the public's understanding of truth. Of course, lobbying groups aren’t evil incarnate, but the cultural and political pressure they can exert mimics the psychological control often associated with apocalyptic power.

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A Global Footprint

The Lobby’s influence is not restricted to Washington. In Europe, Australia, and Canada, pro-Israel advocacy groups have worked to push for legislation that equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, often using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which controversially includes some forms of criticism of the Israeli state.

This expansion of influence has a chilling effect on free speech. Universities are pressured to cancel pro-Palestinian events. Media outlets self-censor coverage. Critics are silenced not through reasoned debate but through reputational and professional threats.

None of this requires a conspiracy. It's simply the exercise of power—strategic, well-funded, and deeply embedded in the institutions that shape public opinion and policy. Just like the Antichrist myth reflects a fear of hidden domination, the Israel Lobby operates in such a way that many fear even discussing it.

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The Real Danger: Taboo

The greatest power any entity can wield is the ability to make itself immune to criticism. The Antichrist figure is dangerous not just because of what it does, but because people are too late to recognize it. In much the same way, the Israel Lobby’s strength lies in how effectively it has made discussion about itself off-limits.

This doesn’t just hurt Palestinians or critics of Israel. It undermines democratic debate. It reduces complex geopolitical issues to loyalty tests. And it weaponizes accusations of bigotry to shield political influence from scrutiny.

It’s possible—and necessary—to hold two truths at once: that antisemitism is a real and rising threat, and that the Israel Lobby is a real and powerful force that deserves the same critical examination we apply to other major lobbying entities like the NRA, Big Pharma, or the fossil fuel industry.

To deny the Lobby’s influence is to deny observable political reality. But to talk about it without falling into conspiracy requires care, courage, and clarity.

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Conclusion: Naming the Power

Comparing the Israel Lobby to the Antichrist isn’t about demonizing anyone. It’s about recognizing the scope of institutional power that can shape history while avoiding scrutiny. Just as the Antichrist in religious texts is feared because of their ability to command loyalty and control discourse, the Israel Lobby has become a political force whose influence often goes unnamed out of fear.

Until that changes, the public will continue to operate in a political landscape shaped by forces it isn’t allowed to see clearly—just as prophecy warns.

Muslims, Jews and Christians all Worship God (or Allah in Arabic)

Throughout history, the relationship between the world’s three major monotheistic religions—Islam, Judaism, and Christianity—has been marked by both shared beliefs and significant theological differences. A recurring question in interfaith discussions is: Do Muslims, Jews, and Christians all worship the same God? The answer, while nuanced, is rooted in shared history, scripture, and core theological concepts. This article explores the similarities and distinctions in how each faith understands and relates to God—called Allah in Arabic.

Common Ancestry: Abraham as a Unifying Figure

At the heart of the connection between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity is Abraham, a central patriarchal figure in all three religions. Often referred to as the Abrahamic faiths, these religions trace their spiritual lineage to him:

• Judaism sees Abraham as the founding patriarch of the Jewish people.

• Christianity honors Abraham’s faith and obedience, as mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

• Islam regards Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) as one of the great prophets and the model of monotheistic faith, the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad through his son Ishmael (Isma’il).

This shared reverence underscores a common belief in a single, supreme Creator, laying the foundation for understanding how the three religions conceptualize God.

One God, Three Names

One of the most apparent similarities among the three faiths is monotheism—the belief in one, all-powerful, transcendent God:

• In Judaism, God is often referred to as YHWH (Yahweh), though this name is considered too sacred to pronounce. Jews frequently use terms like Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (The Name).

• In Christianity, God is known as God the Father, and Christians believe in a Trinitarian understanding of God: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.

• In Islam, the word for God is Allah, which simply means “The God” in Arabic. It is used by Arabic-speaking Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.

It is crucial to note that “Allah” is not a different deity. It is the Arabic word for the same monotheistic God. An Arab Christian Bible, for instance, refers to God as Allah. Thus, linguistically, there is no difference.

Shared Attributes of God

All three religions describe God as:

• All-Powerful (Omnipotent)

• All-Knowing (Omniscient)

• Merciful and Just

• Creator of the Universe

• Eternal and Unchanging

Each faith emphasizes God’s moral nature, His demand for righteousness and justice, and His relationship with humanity.

In Judaism, God is a covenant-making God who gave the Torah and commandments to guide His people. In Christianity, God’s love and grace are most fully expressed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Islam, Allah is both Just and Merciful, revealing His will through the Qur’an and the Prophets.

These shared attributes affirm the idea that followers of the three faiths, at their theological core, are indeed directing their worship to the same divine being, even if their understandings of Him differ.

Theological Differences

While the monotheistic core is shared, major theological differences separate the three faiths, especially in how they perceive God’s nature and His relationship with the world:

Christianity and the Trinity

The most significant point of divergence is the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that God is One Being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is considered polytheistic or heretical by Jews and Muslims, who strictly emphasize the oneness and indivisibility of God.

Jesus Christ

• Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, divine, and the incarnation of God.

• Muslims honor Jesus (Isa) as a great prophet, born of the Virgin Mary, but not divine and not crucified in the Christian sense.

• Jews generally view Jesus as a historical figure but not a prophet or messiah.

This divergent view of Jesus’ identity and role leads to major theological disagreement between the three religions.

Revelation and Scripture

Each faith believes in divine revelation, but through different means:

• Judaism holds the Torah as the central, divinely given law.

• Christianity views the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, as God’s word.

• Islam teaches that the Qur’an is the final and complete revelation, correcting earlier scriptures.

Muslims believe the Torah and Gospel were originally divine but became corrupted over time, whereas Christians and Jews do not accept the Qur’an as revelation.

Interfaith Perspectives: Is It the Same God?

Many theologians, scholars, and religious leaders affirm that Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God, though in different ways.

• The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church declared in Nostra Aetate (1965) that Muslims “together with us adore the one, merciful God.”

• Jewish thinkers have historically acknowledged that Islam, like Judaism, is uncompromisingly monotheistic.

• Islamic scholars affirm that Jews and Christians are Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book), recognized for receiving earlier revelations.

However, there are also religious groups and theologians, particularly within conservative or exclusivist traditions, who argue that the doctrinal differences are too great to say that all three religions worship the “same” God in a meaningful sense.

Practical Implications

Recognizing the shared worship of one God among Muslims, Jews, and Christians has profound implications for:

• Interfaith dialogue

• Mutual respect and coexistence

• Collaborative social and humanitarian efforts

It provides a foundation for peace-building in a world increasingly divided along religious lines. Emphasizing common ground can help counter religious extremism and foster understanding.

Conclusion

So, do Muslims, Jews, and Christians all worship the same God?

Yes, in a foundational sense, they do. All three affirm belief in one, sovereign Creator who is just, merciful, and actively involved in human history. They share key prophets, sacred stories, ethical principles, and a common spiritual ancestry.

However, the ways they understand and relate to that God differ significantly, especially in relation to Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the role of scripture.

Rather than forcing a simplistic answer, it's more productive to acknowledge both the shared devotion to the one God and the distinctive theological paths each religion takes. By doing so, believers can engage in deeper dialogue—not in spite of their differences, but with a spirit of respect that arises precisely because of their shared faith in the divine.

The Islamic Jesus: Will He Establish the Kingdom of God or an Islamic Caliphate Upon His Return?

The figure of Jesus (Isa in Arabic, peace be upon him) holds a central place in Islamic eschatology. While Christians view Jesus as the divine Son of God and the savior of humanity, Muslims regard him as a mighty prophet and the Messiah who was neither crucified nor killed, but raised to the heavens by God. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Islamic view of Jesus is his second coming. According to authentic Hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), Jesus will return at the end of times. The purpose of his descent has been the subject of scholarly discussion for centuries. Will he establish the Kingdom of God, as many Christian eschatologies assert, or will he institute an Islamic Caliphate aligned with Shariah law?

Jesus in Islamic Theology

In the Qur'an, Jesus is mentioned by name 25 times, with titles such as al-Masih (the Messiah), Kalimatullah (the Word of God), and Ruhullah (the Spirit from God). He was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam), performed miracles, and was a servant and prophet of God. The Qur'an refutes the crucifixion, stating:

“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them…”
— Qur’an 4:157

Instead, Muslims believe that Jesus was raised bodily to the heavens and will return in the end times as part of God’s divine plan.

Purpose of Jesus’ Return in Islam

The return of Jesus is a major sign of the Day of Judgment in Islamic eschatology. The Hadith literature, especially those recorded in Sahih Muslim, Sahih Bukhari, Sunan Abu Dawood, and others, provide detailed descriptions of this event.

According to these narrations, Jesus will return to:

1. Kill the Dajjal (Antichrist): The greatest deceiver who will spread immense corruption on Earth.

2. Break the Cross: Symbolizing the rejection of the belief in his divinity.

3. Kill the Pig: Denoting the end of unlawfulness and distortion in religion.

4. Abolish the Jizya: A tax taken from non-Muslims under Islamic rule — implying all will embrace Islam at that time.

5. Rule with Justice According to Islamic Law (Shariah).

A famous Hadith in Sahih Bukhari states:

“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely the son of Mary will soon descend among you and will judge mankind justly (as a Just Ruler); he will break the cross and kill the pigs and there will be no Jizya. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it…”
— Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2222

This description clearly portrays Jesus not only as a spiritual reformer but as a temporal ruler who will establish justice and order based on Islamic principles.

The Kingdom of God or Caliphate?

From a Christian perspective, the "Kingdom of God" is a spiritual and sometimes eschatological concept that encompasses God's rule over the hearts of believers and the eventual defeat of evil. In Christianity, the return of Jesus ushers in the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

However, in Islamic eschatology, the rule of Jesus is not symbolic or merely spiritual — it is political, legal, and physical. His reign represents a literal establishment of divine justice on Earth before the final Day of Judgment. Many Islamic scholars have interpreted this as the re-establishment of the Caliphate — a system of governance in which a righteous leader rules in accordance with divine guidance.

Evidence for the Islamic Caliphate View

Islamic traditions indicate that Jesus will descend during a time of great global chaos and religious confusion. A righteous Muslim leader, the Mahdi, will have already emerged to unite the Muslim Ummah. However, when Jesus arrives, the Mahdi will offer him leadership of the Muslim community, which Jesus will accept.

An authentic narration from Musnad Ahmad and Sunan Ibn Majah reports:

“Jesus son of Mary will descend and will lead the people with the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger.”
— Musnad Ahmad

This narration clearly ties Jesus’ rule with the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah — the foundation of Islamic law.

Furthermore, another narration from Sahih Muslim says:

“A leader will be appointed from among them (the Muslims), and Jesus son of Mary will descend. He will come down at the white minaret in the eastern side of Damascus, wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron, placing his hands on the wings of two angels. When he lowers his head, beads of sweat will fall from it like pearls…”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2937

These descriptions make it clear that Jesus’ rule will not inaugurate a new religion but rather affirm and solidify the final religion — Islam — as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Characteristics of Jesus’ Rule

• Peace and Justice: His rule will bring an end to tyranny, oppression, and war. Humanity will experience peace and prosperity.

• Universal Islam: All people will embrace Islam, not by force, but through overwhelming clarity and truth.

• Abolishment of False Beliefs: The divinity of Jesus, the cross, and corrupted doctrines will be removed.

• No New Revelation: Jesus will follow the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad and not bring a new scripture or law.

Therefore, the reign of Jesus in Islam can be understood as both the Kingdom of God on Earth, in terms of divine justice, and an Islamic Caliphate, in terms of governance and law.

Conclusion

In Islamic theology, the return of Jesus is a momentous event filled with spiritual and political significance. He will not come to found a new religion or merely lead spiritually. Instead, he will confirm the message of Islam, defeat falsehood, and establish justice through governance based on Islamic law. His reign represents the realization of divine justice on Earth — the very essence of the Kingdom of God in Islamic understanding.

So, while Christians await Jesus to establish the Kingdom of God in spiritual terms, Muslims await him to rule as a just leader — upholding the Shariah, abolishing corruption, and leading a final phase of human history before the Day of Judgment. In this way, the Islamic vision of the return of Jesus blends the spiritual "Kingdom of God" with the tangible structure of a righteous Caliphate, united under God’s final revelation.