Sheikh `Abdul-Majeed Subh, a prominent Azharite scholar, states the following: “The word ‘Semite’ is traced back to Sam, son of Prophet Nuh (peace and blessings be upon him) who is known as the forefather of Is-haq and Isma`il and their progeny. The Arabs, who bore untold suffering that far exceeded that of the Jews, are also ascribed to Sam.
The Jews use the expression ‘Anti-Semitism’ every now and then to direct the world’s attention to what extent the Jews were and are still oppressed from time immemorial.
They suffered the gravest oppression ever at the hands of the Europeans, particularly in Spain after the elapse of the Islamic era, and in Germany under the Nazis.
The Jews, who are originally Semites, claim that they were persecuted by Europeans on the basis of their race and religion. Driven by this concept, the Jews managed to direct Western public opinion into a sympathetic manner that has coincided with the Western governments’ malice against Islam and Muslims. Consequently, they allowed the State of Israel to be born in an attempt to rid themselves of the Jews and show no respect to the Muslims.
Islam, on the other hand, does not consider race or lineage as determining factors in distinguishing people. However, its criterion is piety and righteousness. Allah Almighty says: “O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.” (Al-Hujurat: 13)
Finally, Islam is a religion that calls for peaceful co-existence in the fullest sense of the word. We, Muslims, do not show any enmity against the Jews for the mere reason that they are Jews, but because of their open enmity and transgression against Muslims. As long as Jews honor their treaties with Muslims, and do not show hostility towards Islam and Muslims, then they should be treated kindly.”