الرسالة اليمنية : النزعة الدينية و القومية للفيلسوف موسى بن ميمون

Abstract EN

This paper attempts to expound the national and religious inclination of Maimonides, which, to some extent, conflicts with what is known of him as an open and tolerant medieval philosopher.

In addition, the paper aims to discuss whether he can be regarded as an Islamic thinker or philosopher - as claimed by many Arabic and Islamic scholars.

This is achieved by highlighting some of his controversial opinions and statements which appeared in his letter to the Jewish community in Yemen, known as the «Epistle to Yemen».

Despite being greatly influenced by the Arabic and Islamic culture and philosophy, Maimonides in this letter revealed a strong political and religious oriented stand against Arabs and Islam.

We think this is worth underlining in order to allow a better understanding of the historical and political context of his thoughts and writings.