Though Islam and Christianity are two different religions, a number of moral and spiritual claims unite them. The Two Greatest Commandments form a common ground that links the New Testament, the Quran and the Torah (MABDA 21). Verses from the Bible and the Quran demonstrate how these principles are underlined in scripture. These two principles that unite Muslims and Christians are the Love of God, and the love of the neighbor. A number of spiritual claims can be drawn from these two principles. One, both religions believe in the existence of God. Two, there is only a single God. Therefore, this demonstrates the God’s Unity, the need of love for God, and the need of love for the neighbor. This implies that there are no other gods and justice is for all people. Also, both Muslims and Christians recognize the dignity of each human being, the centrality of each human being, and defending and respecting life which is God’s gift (MABDA 33).
These common words or teachings are important contacts for both Christians and Muslims. This is because the two religions are the largest in the world, Christianity being the largest and Islam being the second largest. The two religions constitute more than 55 percent of the population in the world. Therefore, the connection between Christians and Muslims is the most significant factor in attaining lasting peace in the world. The common words or teachings make it appropriate for Muslims and Christians to listen to one another and question one another in the course of their reading and interpretation of the texts from which they learn of God’s will and purpose. Basically, these common words or teachings form a common ground of understanding, tolerance, acceptance and cooperation between the two religions.
Works Cited
MABDA. A Common Word Between Us and You. English Monograph Series, No. 20. Amman: The Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, 2012.
