Interview: 'Antisemitism is embedded in core Islamic texts' says Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern

In a candid interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern – and author of the new book "The Challenge of Islam" – argued that antisemitism is embedded in core Islamic texts and reflected in parts of Islamic history and contemporary preaching.

Dieppe maintains that both the Quran (Islam’s central holy book) and the Hadith (collections of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and traditions ) contain hostility toward Jews that continues to fuel modern antisemitic movements and attitudes.

Dieppe cites specific passages in the Quran that mention the eschatological Hadith texts about stones and trees, exposing Jews to be killed. He links this textual tradition to occurrences during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime and to the interpretations of subsequent Islamic scholars, arguing that such sources shape present-day Islamist rhetoric and violence.

The interview with Calvert touches on the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and the openly genocidal language of the terror group in Gaza, which Dieppe says is “absolutely central” to the group’s ideology and consistently rooted in religious texts rather than purely political grievances.

He contrasted this with the Bible, which he said consistently shows God’s promises to Israel in both the Old and New Testaments. According to him, the Church’s history of antisemitism has no real basis in scripture. He described antisemitism as a spiritual battle and “a particularly demonic form of racism,” calling it a warning sign of times to come.

At the societal level, Dieppe remarked on the rise in antisemitic incidents in the city of London, asserting that much of it stems from “Islamic-inspired antisemitism,” expressed through public chants and intimidation tactics that normalize hostile behavior.

He urged listeners to personally examine the history of Islam and the primary texts of core Islamic writings to understand the roots of these trends.

“The source of antisemitism amongst Muslims is Islam itself.” He added, “I’m not saying every Muslim is, but I’m saying that the teaching of Islam, the official teaching of Islam, is antisemitic.”

To listen to Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern expand on these points, click below to listen to the full interview.

Click here for information about Dieppe's book, "The Challenge of Islam: Understanding and Responding to Islam's Increasing Influence in the UK."

Christian Concern is a UK-based Evangelical organization that advocates for Christian values in public life, focusing on issues such as religious freedom, family and education.