The Outlook of Islam on Christians and Jews

In the Qur'an, Jews and Christians are called the "People of the Book". This is because the members of these two religions abide by the Divine Books revealed by Allah. The outlook of Islam on the People of the Book is extremely just and compassionate.

Christian and Muslim beliefs have many aspects in common. Judaism too shares many beliefs with Islam. In the Qur'an, Allah relates that Muslims share the same faith with the People of the Book and that they say to them "We have faith in what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to you. Our Allah and your Allah are one and we submit to Him." (Surat al-‘Ankabut, 46)

All true adherents of these three great religions:

- believe that Allah has created the entire universe out of nothing and that He dominates all that exists with His omnipotence.

- believe that Allah has created man and living things in a miraculous way and that man possesses a soul granted him by Allah.

- believe in resurrection, Heaven and Hell and angels, and that Allah has created our lives with a certain destiny.

- believe that besides the Prophets Jesus (as), Moses (as) or Muhammad (as), Allah sent many prophets including the Prophets Noah (as), Abraham (as), Isaac (as) and Joseph (as) throughout history, and they love all these prophets. In one verse, that Muslims make no distinction among prophets is related as follows:

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him by his Lord, and so do the believers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers. We do not differentiate between any of His Messengers. They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (Surat al-Baqara, 285)

The beliefs of the People of the Book are in harmony with Muslims, not only in terms of faith-related issues, but also of moral values. Today, in a world where such immoralities as adultery, homosexuality, drug addiction and a model of egoism and self-seeking cruelty have grown widespread, the People of the Book and Muslims share the same virtues: Honor, chastity, humility, self-sacrifice, honesty, compassion, mercy and unconditional love.