"I used to think that religion and faith are sensitive
issues which are best not discussed or talked about with people of other
beliefs. I am sure many of you feel the same way. Having learned my own faith
better, I do not feel it that way anymore. I feel there is so much in common in
Islam with other Monotheistics (belief in One and Almighty God) particularly
the Christians and Jews, and there are prospects of better understanding and
love if we open up our minds; discussion and dialogue.
In my humble understanding of the Holy Scriptures, The Holy
Qur'an and the Holy Bible what is striking is the amazing similarities that I
find. This is not surprising because Allah (SWT) says to Abraham in the Holy
Qur'an:
«Behold! His Lord said to him, «Bow (thy will to Me): «he said:
«I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe».
And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so
did Jacob; «Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not
except in the state
of submission (Islam) to Allah SWT (2:132- 133).
Isn't it amazing! It was the
same religion preached by all the earlier prophets, yet many of us think we are
alien and apart. I rejoice to find that the scriptures unveil to us a chain of
revelations and a line of prophets starting from Noah and Abraham and ending
with Muhammad (PBUH), the last of prophets. I do not understand them as
competitors but complimentors who brought good tidings and guidance from Allah,
the God Almighty, at different times depending on Allah's Divine Plan for His
universe as this verse says: «Say Ye: We believe in Allah and the revelations
given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Issac, Jacob and the tribes, and that
given to Moses and Jesus and that given to all prophets from Allah» (2:136).
So then the purpose of my humble writing is to bring to your
attention the amazing similarities in our faith and worship. I have made an
attempt to briefly discuss some of the differences which have mostly come as
artifact authored by human beings. I request my Christian friends not to see it
as a debate but only a dialogue to stimulate a process of thinking, learning
and understanding.
I am sure you will, because the Holy Quran says: «And nearest among
them in love to the believers will thou find those who say: 'We are Christians'
because among these are men who are devoted to learning and men who have
renounced the world and they are not arrogant» (5:58).
It is fair and healthy to know each other's beliefs for better
human relationship.
This booklet is not written because of any literary talent or
specialised knowledge that I have, but purely out of Allah's blessing (glory be
to Him) and my desire to share my inner feeling on the brotherhood of Islam.
Knowing my limitations I have as far as possible avoided hypothesising, but
liberally quoted from the Holy Scriptures so that you can use your own
intellect to learn and be guided by the words of Allah (God Almighty)."
... By Sukayna H. Al-Ghaithy
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