Let Us Reason

"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