Islam's View on Abrahamic Faiths: A Scholarly Insight

This article explores the Islamic scholarly understanding of Abrahamic faiths – Judaism and Christianity – emphasizing their shared monotheistic roots and the unique message of Islam. It delves into Quranic teachings, Prophetic guidance, and classical scholarly interpretations to foster a comprehensive and respectful perspective. ---

### INTRODUCTION

Allāh (God) in His infinite wisdom has sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity throughout history, each carrying a singular, universal message. The Quran reminds us of this continuum: "Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Nūḥ (Noah) and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and Ismāʿīl (Ishmael) and Isḥāq (Isaac) and Yaʿqūb (Jacob) and al-Asbāṭ (the Descendants) and ʿĪsā (Jesus) and Ayyūb (Job) and Yūnus (Jonah) and Hārūn (Aaron) and Sulaimān (Solomon), and to Dāwūd (David) We gave the Zabūr (Psalms)." (Quran 4:163). This verse beautifully encapsulates the shared lineage of prophethood that forms the bedrock of what are known as the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Understanding the Abrahamic faiths from an Islamic scholarly perspective is crucial for Muslims in an increasingly interconnected world. It enables us to appreciate our shared spiritual heritage, engage in respectful dialogue, and clarify the unique aspects of Islam while fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. This article will delve into the Quranic foundations, the guidance of the Sunnah, and the interpretations of classical and contemporary Islamic scholars to illuminate Islam's comprehensive approach to these sister faiths. We will explore the commonalities, acknowledge the differences, and provide practical guidance for Muslims seeking to navigate these relationships with wisdom and integrity.

### QURANIC FOUNDATION

The Noble Quran serves as the primary source for understanding Islam's perspective on Judaism and Christianity. It frequently refers to Jews and Christians as "Ahl al-Kitāb" (People of the Book), acknowledging their reception of divine revelations through previous prophets. The Quran emphasizes that the core message of all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), was the pure monotheism of Tawhid – the Oneness of Allāh.

One of the most foundational verses regarding the People of the Book is: "Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans - those who believed in Allāh and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Quran 2:62). This verse, revealed early in the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) mission, has been subject to various scholarly interpretations. Classical commentators like Imam al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this verse applies to those who sincerely believed in Allāh and the Last Day and performed righteous deeds according to the revelation sent to them at their time, before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). After the final revelation of Islam, with the Quran superseding previous scriptures and the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ) becoming universal, the path to salvation for all humanity is through accepting Islam. However, the verse also teaches a profound lesson about Allāh's justice and mercy, and the importance of sincere faith and good deeds.

The Quran also extends an invitation to common ground: "Say, 'O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we worship none but Allāh and that we associate nothing with Him and that none of us take others as lords instead of Allāh.' But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].'" (Quran 3:64). This verse, revealed in Madinah, highlights the central tenet of Tawhid as the unifying principle. It calls for agreement on the fundamental truth that Allāh alone is worthy of worship, rejecting all forms of polytheism or associating partners with Him. This invitation to a "common word" demonstrates Islam's openness to dialogue based on shared monotheistic principles.

Furthermore, the Quran affirms the divine origin of the Torah (given to Mūsā/Moses) and the Injīl (given to ʿĪsā/Jesus) in their original, uncorrupted forms. Allāh says: "And We sent, following in their footsteps, ʿĪsā (Jesus), the son of Mary, confirming what was before him of the Torah; and We gave him the Injīl (Gospel), in which was guidance and light and confirming what was before it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous. And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allāh has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allāh has revealed - then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient." (Quran 5:46-47). This acknowledges the sanctity of these earlier revelations and the guidance they contained. However, Islamic belief also holds that these scriptures underwent alterations and corruptions over time, necessitating the final and preserved revelation of the Quran.

The Quran also teaches Muslims to believe in all prophets without distinction: "Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allāh and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and Ismāʿīl (Ishmael) and Isḥāq (Isaac) and Yaʿqūb (Jacob) and al-Asbāṭ (the Descendants) and what was given to Mūsā (Moses) and ʿĪsā (Jesus) and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" (Quran 2:136). This verse underscores the unity of the divine message and the continuity of prophethood, positioning Islam as the culmination and completion of the Abrahamic tradition.

### HADITH AND SUNNAH

The life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), known as the Sunnah, provide practical examples and further guidance on how Muslims should interact with and understand the People of the Book. His (ﷺ) interactions were characterized by justice, respect, and a clear articulation of the Islamic message.

One poignant example of the Prophet's (ﷺ) respect for humanity, regardless of faith, is narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah: "A funeral procession passed by us and the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up for it and we too stood up. We said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! It is the funeral procession of a Jew.' He said, 'Is it not a living soul (human being)?'" (Sahih Bukhari 1312, Sahih Muslim 961). This incident clearly illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) profound respect for human life and dignity, setting a precedent for Muslims to treat all people with honor and compassion. This universal respect forms a cornerstone of Islamic ethics in interfaith relations.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also emphasized the shared spiritual lineage with earlier prophets, particularly Jesus (ʿĪsā): "I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary, in this world and in the Hereafter. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one." (Sahih Bukhari 3442, Sahih Muslim 2365). This profound Hadith highlights that all prophets share the same fundamental religion (Dīn), which is submission to Allāh (Islam), even if their specific laws (Sharīʿah) and communities differed. This reinforces the concept that Islam is not a new religion but the pristine continuation and completion of the universal monotheistic message. The Prophet's (ﷺ) profound respect for Jesus (ʿĪsā) and Moses (Mūsā) and other prophets is a crucial aspect of Islamic belief.

Furthermore, the Prophet's (ﷺ) interactions in Madinah, particularly the "Sahīfah al-Madīnah" (Constitution of Madinah), established a framework for peaceful coexistence and mutual defense between Muslims and the Jewish tribes residing there. This document, though eventually challenged by some Jewish tribes who broke their covenants, serves as an early model for how a Muslim society can establish civic relations with non-Muslim communities, guaranteeing their rights and religious freedom under certain conditions. The Prophet (ﷺ) also permitted Muslims to eat the food of the People of the Book and marry from among their chaste women (Quran 5:5), indicating a level of social interaction and trust unique to their status. These examples from the Sunnah provide practical guidance on extending justice, kindness, and respect to people of other Abrahamic faiths, while firmly upholding Islamic principles.

### SCHOLARLY PERSPECTIVES

Islamic scholars, both classical and contemporary, have extensively discussed the understanding of Abrahamic faiths, building upon Quranic verses and Hadith. While recognizing the shared heritage, they have also meticulously delineated the theological differences.

Classical Scholars:

Imam al-Ghazali, a prominent 11th-century polymath, emphasized the ethical commonalities found across religions and the importance of inner piety. While affirming the finality and perfection of Islam, he recognized the divine origin of earlier revelations and the potential for truth and guidance within them, particularly in their original forms.
Ibn Taymiyyah, the renowned 13th-century scholar, meticulously analyzed the scriptures of Jews and Christians. While he critiqued what he identified as theological deviations from pure monotheism (Tawhid) and alterations in their texts, he consistently acknowledged the divine origin of the Torah and Injīl. He engaged deeply with their texts to demonstrate how they, in his view, hinted at the coming of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the message of Islam. His approach was one of intellectual engagement and clear distinction, rather than outright rejection.
Ibn Kathir, in his monumental Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim, frequently provides historical context and explanations regarding the People of the Book, clarifying the circumstances of revelation for many verses pertaining to them. He consistently highlights the Quran's affirmation of the original divine messages while pointing out the subsequent human alterations.

Contemporary Scholars:

Contemporary Islamic scholars continue to build on this rich tradition. Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a leading contemporary scholar, advocates for interfaith dialogue based on the Quranic call to "a common word" (Quran 3:64). He emphasizes cooperation on shared ethical values and humanitarian causes, while maintaining the distinct identity and principles of Islam. He stresses that dialogue should not lead to syncretism but to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, a prominent philosopher and scholar, discusses the "transcendental unity of religions," asserting that while the external forms and laws of religions may differ, their inner essence, when pure, points towards the same Divine Reality. He views Islam as the universal religion, encompassing the primordial truth revealed to all prophets.
There is a general scholarly consensus (Ijma) among orthodox Islamic scholars that while the original Torah and Injīl were divine revelations, their current forms contain human additions and alterations. Therefore, Muslims are enjoined to believe in the original revelations but not necessarily in the entirety of the current texts. The final and complete revelation is the Quran, and the final prophet is Muhammad (ﷺ). However, this does not negate the respect due to the prophets and the core monotheistic elements still present in these faiths. This scholarly perspective forms the basis for interfaith engagement, allowing Muslims to build bridges of understanding while safeguarding their own theological integrity.

### PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

Understanding the Abrahamic faiths from an Islamic scholarly perspective provides Muslims with essential practical guidance for living in diverse societies and engaging with people of other beliefs.

Actionable Steps for Muslims:

1. Cultivate Knowledge: Learn about other faiths, especially Judaism and Christianity, from reliable and objective sources, recognizing both commonalities and differences. This knowledge fosters informed dialogue and prevents misconceptions.
2. Practice Respectful Dialogue (Da'wah): Engage in conversations with people of other faiths with wisdom (hikmah), good admonition, and beautiful preaching (Quran 16:125). The goal of Da'wah is to convey the message of Islam clearly and kindly, not to coerce or belittle. Focus on shared values like monotheism, justice, and morality.
3. Exhibit Good Neighborliness (Husn al-Jiwar): The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized treating neighbors well, regardless of their faith. This includes being kind, helpful, and respectful of their customs and traditions, as long as they do not contradict fundamental Islamic principles.
4. Uphold Justice and Fairness: Islam commands Muslims to be just in all their dealings, even with those who differ in faith. Allāh says: "O you who have believed, be persistently Qawwāmīn (maintainers of justice), witnesses for Allāh, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allāh is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you deviate. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allāh is ever, of what you do, Acquainted." (Quran 4:135). This principle applies universally.

Common Questions and Misconceptions:

* Are all non-Muslims enemies? No. Islam distinguishes between those who are hostile and actively fight against Muslims, and those who are peaceful and coexist. The Quran encourages justice and kindness towards the latter (Quran 60:8-9).
* Should Muslims isolate themselves? While maintaining one's Islamic identity is crucial, isolation is not encouraged. Social interaction, respectful engagement, and contributing positively to society are part of the Prophetic tradition.

Warnings Against Common Mistakes:

* Religious Syncretism: Avoid blending Islamic beliefs with the doctrines of other faiths. While commonalities exist, the unique tenets of Islam, such as the finality of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the perfection of the Quran, must be upheld without compromise.
* Compromising Core Beliefs: Never compromise on the absolute Oneness of Allāh (Tawhid), the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), or the complete and preserved nature of the Quran.
* Hatred or Bigotry: Islam strictly prohibits hatred, bigotry, and prejudice against any people. The Quran teaches that diversity of languages and colors is a sign of Allāh (Quran 30:22), and that humanity was made into nations and tribes to know one another (Quran 49:13).

By adhering to these principles, Muslims can embody the true spirit of Islam, fostering understanding and peace while steadfastly upholding their faith.

### CONCLUSION

The Islamic scholarly understanding of Abrahamic faiths reveals a rich tapestry of shared spiritual heritage, while clearly articulating the unique, universal, and final message of Islam. From the Quranic affirmation of previous prophets and scriptures to the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) exemplary interactions, Islam provides a comprehensive framework for acknowledging common roots, engaging in respectful dialogue, and living harmoniously with people of Judaism and Christianity.

Muslims are encouraged to believe in all prophets, uphold the principle of Tawhid, and extend justice and kindness to all humanity. This approach, rooted in divine revelation and prophetic guidance, fosters understanding and peaceful coexistence without compromising the integrity of Islamic faith. By studying these teachings and applying them with wisdom and compassion, Muslims can contribute positively to a world in need of greater mutual respect and interfaith harmony. May Allāh guide us all to truth and righteousness.

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