Relations between Communities of Faith in the Qur'an

(NOTE: the term “People of the Book” is used in the Qur'an to refer to Jews and Christians, among others who have received scriptures which contain divine guidance.)

Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) can prevail- whoever works evil will be requited accordingly, nor will he find, besides God, any protector or helper. And if any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, they will enter heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in faith? For God did take Abraham as a friend. And to God belong all things in the heavens and the earth. And it is he that encompasses all things. (4:122-126)

It was we who revealed the Law of Moses, and therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, the Prophets who bowed to God’s will, the Rabbis, and the doctors of law. And they were witnesses thereto…We ordained for them ‘life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.’ But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by the light of what God hath revealed, they are wrongdoers. 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- a guidance and an admonition to those who fear God. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what God has revealed therein. If any fail to judge by the light of what God has revealed, they are of those who rebel. To thee we sent the scripture in truth confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety. So judge between them by what God has revealed. And follow not their vain desires, if they diverge from the truth that has come to thee. To each among you we have prescribed a law, an open way. If God had so willed, he would have made you a single people. But his plan is to test you in what he has given you. So strive as in a race of all virtues. The goal of each of you is to God. It is he that will show you the truth in matters that you dispute. (5:44-48)

To each [religious community] we have given a direction which it follows, so compete [all together] in [the performance of] good deeds. Whosesoever you may be, God shall certainly gather you all [for Divine Judgment]. God certainly has power over all things. (2:148)

Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error. (2:256)

Say: We believe in God, and in what has been 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 and another among them, and to God de we submit in Islam. (3:84)

Compiled by Muslims Against Terrorism