Moshe Sharon: Historian of Islam and Baháʼí Studies
Moshe Sharon is a distinguished Israeli historian specializing in the history of Islam and Middle Eastern studies. Throughout his extensive academic and political career, he has bridged the gap between rigorous archival research and high-level policy advisory, contributing significantly to the understanding of early Islamic civilization and the Baháʼí faith.
Currently serving as Professor Emeritus of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Sharon also holds the position of Chair in Baháʼí Studies. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to primary sources, particularly through the study of ancient inscriptions and manuscripts.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Academic Role: Professor Emeritus and Chair in Baháʼí Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- Specializations: Arabic epigraphy (the study of inscriptions) and papyrology (the study of ancient papyrus documents).
- Major Work: Author of the multi-volume Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae.
- Political Experience: Former Arab Affairs adviser to Prime Minister Menachem Begin and official in the Ministry of Defense.
- Honors: Elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2014.
Education and Professional Career
Born in Haifa in 1937, Moshe Sharon pursued his higher education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he joined the faculty in 1965 and completed his Ph.D. in 1971 under the guidance of David Ayalon.
Beyond the classroom, Sharon has played a pivotal role in Israeli diplomacy and international academic development. He participated in peace negotiations with Egypt while serving in the Ministry of Defense and acted as a key adviser on Arab affairs to Prime Minister Menachem Begin. His influence extended to South Africa, where he established and directed the Centre of Jewish Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand during his tenure as director of the World Zionist Organization branch in Johannesburg.
In 1999, he was appointed to the chair of Baháʼí Studies at the Hebrew University, further diversifying his scholarly contributions. He also provides expertise as a policy expert for the Ariel Center for Policy Research.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Sharon's research focuses heavily on the formative periods of Islamic history and the evolution of Shia Islam. He is widely recognized as a specialist in Arabic epigraphy and papyrology, tools he uses to reconstruct the social and political landscapes of the early Islamic era.
His magnum opus, the Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae, is a comprehensive collection of Arabic inscriptions found in Palestine, spanning seven volumes published between 1997 and 2021. Additionally, Sharon has contributed to the study of the Baháʼí faith, publishing the first Hebrew translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the holy book of the Baháʼí faith) in 2005, accompanied by a detailed study of the religion's theology and history.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบPerspectives on Religion and Geopolitics
Moshe Sharon is known for his candid and often controversial views regarding the intersection of religion and politics in the Middle East.
Views on Islam and Conflict
Sharon argues that Western leaders often misunderstand the nature of Islam. He posits that there is no "fundamental" Islam, but rather a singular, cohesive Islamic civilization whose inherent attitudes lead to conflict. He has expressed the belief that wherever Islam exists, war is an inevitable outcome, citing the conflict in Yugoslavia as an example.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Regarding the prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Sharon has stated that peace is impossible because he believes Islam forbids it. He has been a vocal critic of the Oslo peace accords, describing them as a primary source of instability, and argues that the dismantling of Israeli settlements only encourages further aggression.
The Baháʼí Faith Controversy
In the 2007 documentary Bahais in My Backyard, Sharon claimed that the only Baháʼí academic chair in the world was located in Israel. However, this claim was contested, as chairs had already been established at the University of Maryland (1993) and Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (1991). He also denied the existence of descendants of Bahá'u'lláh in Israel, a claim contradicted by the presence of several relatives, including a great-granddaughter featured in the same film.
Summary of Academic and Professional Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Field | History of Islam / Middle Eastern Studies |
| Key Academic Institution | Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
| Major Publication | Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae (7 Volumes) |
| Political Roles | Adviser to PM Menachem Begin; Ministry of Defense |
| Specialized Skills | Arabic Epigraphy and Papyrology |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moshe Sharon's most significant academic work?
His most significant work is the Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae, a multi-volume series that documents and analyzes Arabic inscriptions in Palestine.
What is the focus of his work regarding the Baháʼí faith?
Sharon holds the Chair in Baháʼí Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and produced the first Hebrew translation of the Baháʼí holy book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, in 2005.
What are his views on the Oslo peace accords?
He strongly opposed the Oslo accords, describing them as "the root cause of all evil" and arguing that they did not lead to genuine peace.
What is his stance on the military confrontation with Iran?
Sharon has stated that the only way to avoid a direct military confrontation with Iran is to leave the management of that conflict to powers larger than Israel.
What are Arabic epigraphy and papyrology?
Arabic epigraphy is the study of inscriptions engraved on hard surfaces (like stone), while papyrology is the study of ancient documents written on papyrus.