Egyptian novelist and scholar Youssef Ziedan, a Muslim, has angered the Egyptian Coptic Church with his best-selling novel Azazeel, the story of a 5th-century Egyptian-born monk who witnesses early Christian disputes. "The Egyptian Coptic Church imagined for years that the centuries that preceded the arrival of Islam (in 640 AD) are a history private to the Coptic Church, and I cannot accept that, and I see no meaning or logic to it," he said. Sure, any Muslim should study all part of his country's history; it is not strange that Zeidan has an interest in pre-Islamic history.
In his novel the monk Hypa watches a Christian mob lynch the pagan Greek scholar Hypatia in Alexandria in 415 AD. He later plays a minor part in the conflict between St Cyril of Alexandria and the Syrian-born theologian Nestorius over whether the Virgin Mary gave birth to God or to Christ.The modern Coptic Church, followed by up to 10 percent of Egyptians, counts St Cyril one of its most illustrious fathers, and is extremely displeased by the violent character Zeidan ascribed to St Cyril.
Zeidan, who calls himself a religious liberal, said he did not deny the importance of St Cyril in Christian history, 'but he was violent and his thinking was violent. Now the fathers of the contemporary church say he was innocent of the blood of Hypatia. Okay, but look at his language in the Letter of Anathema with which he replied to Nestorius," he said.
He defended his interest in Christian theology on the grounds that it is part of a shared heritage."I believe that this heritage is connected. I will not understand the Islamic heritage unless I go back to the Christian period," he said. "So in this respect I should not be counted as Christian or Muslim, but as someone who thinks and tries to interpret the reality he is in."
Sure. Mr Zeidan, we now wait for your book in which you as a liberal Muslim describe that your prophet Muhammad was a violent man. Ah.... no, you do this to the history of the Church. You are clever enough to not do this to Islamic history. You would be unemployed and spit out. Cheap. Very cheap.
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The reason this book was written is only to criticize Christianity that is a peaceful religion,,, All the history of Islam is stained with the blood of Christians who were killed for refusing to convert to islam, or were not rich enough to pay the penalty to be left alone. Islam is nothing but a book stained with the blood of the christians martyrs, raped women and abused children.
Hello sir. I do not agree. Yes, I agree with how you describe Islam's attitude to Christians. But in this case, I think the writer wanted to criticize all religion - but he did not have the guts to do that to Islam, so he used Christian history to serve his ends.
Having read the novel very closely and having came across your interesting replies;
Don't you think 'Historical accuracy and validity' is key and more of a solid ground to initiate such a valuable debate...
rather then pre-assumptions on a single individuals intentions...(in this case Dr.Zeidan's)
Looking forward for any historical tweeking or verification regarding main events and factual milestone incidents stated in the debated novel...
Thanks.
My point is not historical correctness, as I made quite clear I think. My point is that the same historical correctness is NOT allowed when it comes to a novel on the life of early Islam. That book would be forbidden, would it not, if it is not 100% in line with Islamic orthodoxy.
Islam allows any form of criticism of the Christian faith, but Islam does not allow any criticism of itself. That makes it lame that a Muslim writes a book (novel! not historical truth!) about the Christian faith.
Now its a bit more clear....or maybe not clear at all....Thanks John...
So its all about liberation and tolerance, yet you wouldnt accept a 'Scholar and Director of the Manuscripts Center' the right to publish a novel based on the following;
1-Part of his heritage relative to his national and regional background..(Taking into consideration that history and heritage knows no religion but facts and sources....)
2-An inner struggle(Through Hypa..) that has truly inspired me on how the author clearly touched all those thoughts and emotions that we all must have gone through or still are...and that would again be religion blind....as i honestly tell you it would have equally inspired me if Hypa were to be Jewish or Muslim and going through the same eternal,universal and human struggles...
i dont see any nearness or intrusion to coming close to 'Christian Faith' in the authors (nor even in his Hypa's...)words...from what i read,he was just neutrally displaying both sides of a debate that is engraved in human memories...which in turn is available to everyone anyways...and that he balanced both sides very well....if that isnt the case please state where he wasnt and clarify....as it would be enlightening...
So Again...Let me conclude...your two points are...
1-TH NON-TOLERANCE OF THE ISLAMIC CULTURE TO SELF CRITIC?
...John, i think that would be subject to your readings and research.....
Have you heard of 'Sayed Al Qumni' (a local example...an egyptian writer....) 100% un-orthodox to his community and surroundings....and not very popular amongst strong believers...YET awarded a high ranked national award from an 'Official Muslim Government...
Highly criticized YES!! but also liberal and rewarded...
(and just out of curiosity....i visited your 'Muslim Watch' on the recommended sites list....and ohhhh the discussions there were all about 'Faith' and 'No History nor Tolerance' there whatsoever...not to mention that they are discussed by god knows who....(im sure not scholars nor 'Directors of the Manuscript Centers'
is that the tolerance and cross-religious debates you offer here on this esteemed magazine?
2-HAVING ANYONE NON-CHRISTIAN APPROACH CHRISTIAN HISTORY?
This point i have not much to say about other then history and thought are not anyones monopoly....with the sole and mere defense conveyed in the precious japanese saying...'If you believe every book you read...Dont Read...'
Again John i hold my point...it was history and NOT faith...history of a nation he participates and lives in....and lives among its people 'Being it Alexandria makes it even more sensible and logical....'
Just the same way ' Karen Armstrong' writes her thoughts and takes about religions in general with an in depth approach to Islam...and trust me some of the 'Citations' and marks were not what i pleasurably wanted to know or read(its validity is something else of course...)but that defines tolerance...
And that is all exactly why the 'Common' words on your title as from my opinion contrasted severely with such a valuable and tolerant religion such as christianity and such a decent magazine to adorn...
Best Regards.
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