In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
How Islam views Judaism and Christianity?
Islam calls Jews and Christians as 'the
People of the Book' to whom came the great Prophets including Moses
(Musa) and Jesus (Isa). Islam invites them to cooperate in what is common
between them and Islam. In the respective Prophets' time they were
also called Muslims as God Almighty said in the Holy Qur'an about Prophet
Abraham, the forefather of Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them, in the
following words:
Say: "O people of the Book! Let us get together on what is common between us
and you: that we shall worship none but Allah (the One and only True God); that
we shall not associate any partners with Him; that we shall not take from among
ourselves any lords beside Allah." If they reject your invitation then tell them: “Bear
witness that we are Muslims (who have surrendered to Allah).” O people of the
Book! Why do you argue with us about Abraham as to whether he was a Jew or a Christian? You
know that the Torah and the Gospel were revealed long after him? Have sense at all?
So far, you have been arguing about things of which you had some knowledge! Must you
now argue about that of which you know nothing at all? Allah knows while you do not. Abraham
was neither a Jew nor a Christian but he was a Muslim, true in faith. He was not one of the
Mushrikeen (who set up partners with Allah). Al-Qur'an 3: 64-67
Muslims are required to believe in all the Holy Scriptures revealed to various Prophets in the following words:
Say: "We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us; and what was revealed
to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, and that which was
given to Moses, Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction
between any of them, and to Him (Allah) we have surrendered ourselves (in Islam).
So, if they believe (accept Islam) like you have believed, they shall be rightly guided;
if they reject it, they will surely fall into dissension (divide into differing factions);
Allah will be your sufficient defender against them, and He hears and knows everything.
Baptism is the baptism of Allah; and who is better than Allah in baptizing? Him do
we worship. Say (O Muhammad): “Would you dispute with us concerning Allah, who
is our Lord and your Lord as well? We shall be accountable to Him for our deeds and you for
yours; to Him Alone we are devoted. Do you claim that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and their
descendants were all Jews or Christians? Say: Are you more knowledgeable than Allah?” Who is
more unjust than the one who hides the testimony received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what
you do. Al-Qur'an 2:136-140
Muslims are allowed to eat the food and marry chaste women from the People of the Book. What can be more intimate relationship than
husband and wife - basic unit of future generations. God says in the Holy Qur'an:
Today all good clean things have been made lawful for you; and the food of the
People of the Book (Jews and Christians) is also made lawful for you and your food is
made lawful for them. Likewise, marriage with chaste free believing women and also
chaste women among the People who were given the Book before
you is made lawful for you, provided that you give them
their dowries and desire chastity, neither committing fornication nor taking them
as mistresses. Anyone who commits Kufr with Imân (rejects faith), all his good deeds
will become void (zero) and in the hereafter, he will be among the losers.
Al-Qur'an 5:5
