Rambam Class: The Epistle on Martyrdom

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Epistle On Martyrdom - In the 1140s, an extremist Muslim sect, the Almohads, invaded Spain and North Africa. Spanish and Moroccan Jews were forced to publicly affirm that Muhammad was the Prophet. Many Jews succumbed to the pressure. This letter deals with consequences of this tragic period of time. The study questions are below.

What was the dilemma faced by the letter writer? (1)

What was the first answer that the letter writer received (from one who thinks himself to be a sage!)? (3)

Why is Rambam so upset at the "sage" who offered the first response? What was the basic distinction that the original responder failed to make? (11)

Should one pretend to be an idolater / heretic for self-protection? (12,13)

Can one who worships idols, repent? (17)

How does rambam know that Jews who publicly converted but secretly remain Jews, will be rewarded? (20)