Interfaith Scripture in the Qur’an

I practice Islam and have found that especially in institutionalized religion, there is a huge, unnecessary, and cumbersome divide between the three Abrahamic Faiths. There is SO much in common between these three religions, and they are all united under the one main premise, the belief in One All Powerful God.

Many people possess the false belief that Muslims are instructed by scripture to loathe Christians, Jews, and even disbelievers.

A close examination of the text demonstrates that this is far from the truth.

Let me disclaim that the Qur’an, like any other piece of dated text, has been subject to many translations and interpretations.

In other words, human hands and minds have been tasked with carrying on the message of the Lord since the 6th century. Therefore, it is difficult to know the exact meaning and accurate translate of the Words of God that were directly inscribed by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).

All this is to say that when reading and interpreting Holy Texts, we must bear in mind that the words have been through generations and generations of inscribing, transcribing, and telling. There will always be holes to poke in the words included in ALL Holy Books, but it is important to prioritize the core concepts of the Books, like the one we’re going to explore today– embracing tolerance, peace, and commonalities within diversity.

A Bit of History…

During Muslim rule of Spain, a majority Christian country, Islamic leaders did not force Jews and Christians to convert to Islam, as forceful conversion is forbidden. According to the Qur’an “There is no compulsion in religion”. Forceful compulsion goes against one of the main messages in Islam.

Since the Qur’an is the youngest Holy Text, I wanted to shine a light on what the Book has to say about the older Abrahamic faiths (Christianity and Judaism).

According to Islam, adherants of all three religions are “people of the Book”. The Qur’an validates the prophets who have come before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings they spread.

Related-> The Most Controversial Qur’an Verses- Explained

Verses on  Prophethood and Apostles

“And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.” (5:46)

The Qur’an ensures that “those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:62)

“O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Apostle, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Apostle and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Apostles, and the Day of Judgement, hath gone far, far astray” (4:136)

“And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, “We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam).” (29:46)

These Interfaith Verses show the unification of all peoples under ONE GOD.

[bctt tweet=”what unites all Abrahamic faiths is the belief in ONE GOD who is Omnipotent, Generous, Merciful, Giving, and Powerful.” username=”soulfulseedblog”]

“Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper” (7:157).

“To thee We sent the scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety” (5:48).

Related-> 10 Most Inspiring Rumi Quotes

“Say: ‘We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in the Books given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one another among them and to Allah do we bow our will ” (3:84)

“How come they (come) unto thee (Muhammad) for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? … Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light … And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah – a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers” (5:43-48).

“And unto thee (Muslims) have We revealed the Scripture (the Qur’an) with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ” (5:43-48).

There ya have it, friends. I am delighted to be sharing more Interfaith Scripture and material….. launching through Women Ministries Online— a platform for females of faith to share delight in God. Want in on this community? Sign up HERE to receive access to Women Ministries Online!