Commonalities Between Judaism, Christianity & Islam

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Sequel 2: Commonalities Between Judaism, Christianity & Islam

Thanks for your spirit of willingness to engage in some topics that are near and dear to both of us. I, too, have respect for your religious beliefs.

You made several key comments in your email from yesterday that I summarize now:

"I think the commonalities between these 3 Abrahamic faiths are overwhelming: belief in God, His messengers, revelations, angels, after life, accountability, day of judgment, and so on."
"Religions have played a very significant role in peace and stability of our small world."

I assume the three Abrahamic faiths you refer to are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In light of your comments, and only with a desire to "peel back the onion" and discover the truth, please describe in your own words what Surah 5:51 means. I can't really see "peace and stability" in this passage, but a very clear call to disunity and conflict, perhaps even violence (inferred from the eventual "victory" that Allah will give his people). Very chilling words in light of September 11th. I would think that in the Arabic world, "Judaism and Christianity" would be synonymous with the United States and Western civilization. Islam would, in my mind, be considered an "Eastern" religion. Do you agree? Please help me understand how you interpret the intention of this command in Surah 5:51, and how I, as a Christian, should interpret it.

No speedy response required. I'm still plowing through the book you gave me and find it fascinating. I'm thinking it should be "must reading" for all Christians to understand the truth of Qur'anic teaching.

- Wiley, 18 October 2001

Answer

I must thank you for asking me these questions. That shows your sincerity as you are trying to understand Islam.

I know that you probably do not know the socio-historical background to which the Qur'an was revealed. You probably also do not know anything about the life of the Prophet. That is why I am not surprised at your questions. I rather appreciate your embarking on this journey so that you know a little about Islam.

My recommendation would be to approach the Qur'an with an open mind as if you have not heard anything about it. That is a pre-condition for understanding any book, as a matter of fact. And as you read, take your notes so that we can address them. Once you read the whole of it, you will get a fuller view. And then we can sit down and address your questions. Or we can discuss as you go.

- Mushfiqur Rahman, 18 October 2001

(Verse 5:51 refered to in the question above was later addressed in detail in the article Jews, Christians, & Muslims: From A Conflicting Past To A Future of Tolerance)

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