The Seed · Messengers
Jews, Christians and Muslims
The Quran tells Jews, Christians and Muslims that our god is one and the same. Let's look together at what it says to each of us, and at how we can live side by side with kindness.
Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, & Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner—unless they transgress— and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”
[29:46]Who This Page Is For
This page is written for anyone who grew up Jewish, Christian or Muslim. It is also written for anyone who wants to understand these three communities better.
We want to be honest with all of you, and we want to be kind to all of you as well. Nothing on this page is meant to win an argument against anyone.
When people talk about religion, the conversation often goes wrong in one of two ways. Some people say that all religions are the same, and that the differences between them do not matter. Other people turn every difference into a fight.
The Quran does not do either of these. It tells us plainly what it teaches, and at the same time it shows us a great deal of common ground. It also speaks to each community directly, and with respect.
So far in this section, we have met Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. From here, let's look together at what all of this means for each one of us, whether we grew up Jewish, Christian or Muslim.
On This Page
The page has five parts. After most of the parts, you will find the questions people usually ask about that topic, along with their answers from the Quran.
One Religion From the Start
Let's start with something that surprises many people. The Quran does not present itself as a new religion. It tells us that God gave one religion to all of His messengers.
God says: “He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: ‘You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.’” [42:13] Please notice that the “we” in this verse is God speaking.
God also tells us that He sent this message everywhere: “We have sent a messenger to every community, saying, ‘You shall worship GOD, and avoid idolatry.’” [16:36] So no people was ever left without this message.
So when we come across some truth in another tradition, there is no need for us to be surprised by it. The same God sent the same message to every people.
The Religion of Abraham
The Quran calls this one religion Submission, which means giving ourselves to God alone.
This religion goes back to Abraham: “Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist submitter. He never was an idol worshiper.” [3:67] God also tells the believers that it is “the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you ‘Submitters’ originally.” [22:78]
Every messenger preached the same message, which is to worship God alone. And as we have just read, Abraham was the one who first named its followers Submitters [22:78].
This is the reason believers honour every messenger in the same way. God commands us to say: “We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” [2:136]
Questions About One Religion
Is Submission a new religion?
No, it is not. It is the oldest religion there is, the one God gave to every messenger, and the Quran calls it the religion of Abraham. God tells us that He decreed the same religion for Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, with one command: “You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.” [42:13] God also told Muhammad to follow Abraham: “Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.” [16:123] So Submission is the same call God has always made to people, which is to worship Him alone.
If God sent messengers to every people, why does it matter which one we follow?
It matters because all of the messengers brought the same message, and what is important is keeping that message pure. The Quran does not ask anyone to leave Moses or Jesus. God tells the people of the scripture to uphold the Torah and the Gospel [5:68]. God tells us that all of His messengers carried one religion [42:13], and He tells us to make no distinction among them [2:136]. The Quran describes itself as “confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them” [5:48]. So when people disagree about what God said, the Quran is the reference we go back to. This is something each one of us can check. We can read the Quran next to what we already believe, and see for ourselves.
What does ‘Submission’ mean? Is it the same as being a Muslim?
Submission means giving ourselves to God alone. It is about what is in our heart, and not about the name written on a form. God says: “The only religion approved by GOD is ‘Submission.’” [3:19] God also describes who a submitter is: “those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord” [2:112]. God calls the believers Submitters [22:78]. But calling ourselves Muslim does not by itself make us submitters. God names Jews, Christians and converts together in one verse, and He gives all of them the same conditions [2:62]. So a true submitter can be found in any of these communities, wherever a person submits to God alone and does good. So the real question for each one of us is whom we worship, whatever name we are called by.
What Saves a Person
Now that we have seen that God gave one religion to every messenger, let's look at who will be saved. The Quran answers this in a verse that names different communities one by one:
“Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.” [2:62]
If you look closely at this verse, you will notice that it does not condemn anyone because of the name of their religion, and it does not save anyone because of that name either.
God says almost the same thing again in another verse [5:69]. So the conditions are the same for everyone. We believe in God, we believe in the Last Day, and we lead a righteous life [5:69].
A Warning for Every Community
The name of a religion cannot save a group of people, and it cannot condemn them either. No group can claim Paradise just because of its name.
Some people once said, “No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!” God calls this wishful thinking, and He tells His messenger to answer them: “Show us your proof, if you are right.” [2:111]
The same is true for all of us, including those of us who call ourselves Muslim. God warns: “The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.” [12:106] So believing in God is not enough if we also set up others beside Him.
God is the One who judges between all of the communities: “Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, the Christians, the Zoroastrians, and the idol worshipers, GOD is the One who will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. GOD witnesses all things.” [22:17]
Questions About Salvation
Are people of other faiths automatically condemned?
No, they are not. The Quran judges people by what they believe and by how they live, and not by the name of their religion. God names the communities one by one, and then He gives three conditions: “anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord.” [2:62] The Quran also speaks warmly about the righteous people among the earlier communities: “They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite GOD's revelations through the night, and they fall prostrate.” [3:113] The one thing God tells us He does not forgive is idol worship: “GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills.” [4:48] This means idol worship that is kept until death. Anyone can repent of any offense, including idol worship, before death comes. What God does not accept is repentance that is left until the moment of death [4:18]. And judging any person is for God to do, and not for us [22:17].
Does being a Muslim guarantee Paradise?
No, it does not. No name guarantees Paradise, and that includes this one. What counts is worshipping God alone and doing good. When some people claimed Paradise for their own group by its name, God called it “wishful thinking”, and He told His messenger to answer them: “Show us your proof, if you are right.” [2:111] Then God tells us who is rewarded: “those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life” [2:112]. God also warns us that most believers fall into idol worship: “The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.” [12:106] So this is a question each of us should ask ourselves humbly every day, which is whether we are worshipping God alone.
What about Hindus, Buddhists and people of other faiths?
The same standard applies to everyone. God sent messengers to every people, and He judges every soul fairly. God says: “Every community must receive a warner.” [35:24] In another verse, God says: “To each community, a messenger. After their messenger comes, they are judged equitably, without the least injustice.” [10:47] The message was always the same, which is to worship God alone and avoid idolatry [16:36]. So wherever a person is, what matters is whether they turn to God alone and live a righteous life. We are not the judges of any community. God tells us that He will judge among all of them [22:17].
If You Grew Up Jewish
So far, we have looked at the one religion God gave to every messenger, and at what saves a person. From here, let's look at what the Quran says to each of our communities, one at a time. If you grew up Jewish, you will notice that God honours your story in the Quran. It tells of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of Joseph, of Moses and Aaron, and of David and Solomon. The Quran tells the story of Moses again and again.
God reminds the Children of Israel of the favour He gave them: “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people.” [2:47]
God gave Moses the scripture, “a beacon and mercy” [6:154]. God also sent down the Torah, “containing guidance and light” [5:44].
Please notice that God sends the Quran to you as a confirmation of what you already have, and not as a stranger: “You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have” [2:41].
The Quran also speaks warmly about the faithful among you: “Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.” [7:159]
You can read the full story of Moses on his own page: Moses.
If You Grew Up Christian
Now let's look at what the Quran says to those who grew up Christian. If this is you, you will notice that God honours Jesus in the Quran. He calls him the Messiah, a messenger of God and a prophet [4:171] [19:30]. The Quran tells of his wonderful birth and of his miracles.
God also corrects what people say about Jesus: “You shall not say, ‘Trinity.’ You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god.” [4:171] Please notice the words “for your own good” in this verse. They show us that this correction is offered out of care, and not to look down on anyone.
God also gives us the words of Jesus himself: “The Messiah himself said, ‘O Children of Israel, you shall worship GOD; my Lord and your Lord.’” [5:72]
God says about the people of the scripture: “They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous.” [3:113] And the door to forgiveness is always open: “Would they not repent to GOD, and ask His forgiveness? GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.” [5:74]
You can read the full story of Jesus on his own page: Jesus.
If You Grew Up Muslim
Last of all, let's look at what the Quran says to those who grew up Muslim. If this is you, the Quran is your book too, and God speaks to you in it with the same care. Muhammad delivered it, and every word of it is for you.
Because the Quran is our own book, we should be the first ones to listen to its warnings. Those warnings are not only about other people, and they are meant for us as well.
In 29:46, where the Quran tells us how to talk with the people of the scripture, the people of the scripture are explained as “(Jews, Christians, & Muslims)” [29:46]. So we Muslims are included among them, and the verse is speaking about us as well.
Many Muslims mention Muhammad's name next to God's name in the declaration of faith and in their Contact Prayers (Salat). If we look closely, the believers in the Quran say: “We make no distinction among any of His messengers.” [2:285] And God commands us: “do not call on anyone else beside GOD” [72:18].
God also warns us against splitting into sects: “(Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.” [30:32]
The Quran also asks a question that each one of us who grew up Muslim should hear: “Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?” [6:114]
You can read the full story of Muhammad on his own page: Muhammad.
Questions About Where We Differ
What does the Quran say about Jews and Christians?
The Quran honours the righteous among them, and it corrects what went wrong, above all the claim that God has a son. It also tells us to argue with them only in the nicest manner. The Quran calls them people of the scripture, and it praises the righteous among them [3:113]. It makes their food lawful for believers, and it allows believers to marry chaste women among them [5:5]. The Quran corrects the idea that God has a son: “GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son.” [4:171] And it shows us how to hold both of these together: “Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, & Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner—unless they transgress— and say, ‘We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.’” [29:46]
What does the Quran say about Jesus?
The Quran honours Jesus as a great messenger of God, and it tells us that he was a human being, and not God or the son of God. God calls him “a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him.” [4:171] God gave him the Gospel, “containing guidance and light” [5:46]. God also tells us: “The Messiah, son of Mary, is no more than a messenger like the messengers before him, and his mother was a saint. Both of them used to eat the food.” [5:75] Jesus taught people to worship God alone: “you shall worship GOD; my Lord and your Lord.” [5:72] So loving Jesus and worshipping God alone go together, because this is exactly what Jesus taught.
Does the Quran criticise Muslims too?
Yes, it does. The warnings in the Quran apply to everyone who received scripture, and Muslims are included. In 29:46, the people of the scripture are explained as “(Jews, Christians, & Muslims)” [29:46]. God also warns us that most believers fall into idol worship [12:106]. God commands us to call on Him alone [72:18], and the believers make no distinction among His messengers [2:285]. So none of us should feel that we are better than others. All of us need to check our own worship.
Living Side by Side
Now that we have looked at what the Quran says to each of us, and at where we differ, let's look at how we can live side by side with kindness. The Quran is very clear that faith cannot be forced on anyone: “There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way.” [2:256] Each person is free to believe or not to believe [18:29].
God even asks: “Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?” [10:99]
Instead of forcing anyone, God tells us how to share His message: “You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner.” [16:125]
God also tells us not to curse what others worship, so that they are not provoked into cursing God: “Do not curse the idols they set up beside GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance.” [6:108]
Friendship and Fairness
God gives us a kind and simple law for living with people of other faiths: “GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.” [60:8]
The only people we are told not to befriend are those who fight us because of our religion and drive us out of our homes [60:9].
God also commands us to be fair, even with people we are in conflict with: “Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous.” [5:8]
And God reminds all of us why we are different from one another in the first place: “O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous.” [49:13]
Questions About Living Together
Can we be friends with people of other faiths?
Yes, we can. God allows it, and He loves those who are fair to others. God says: “GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.” [60:8] The limit is only for those who fight us because of our religion and drive us out of our homes [60:9]. So whether it is a Christian neighbour, a Jewish colleague or a Hindu friend, we can share our lives with them, help them, and be good to them.
Can we attend the weddings, funerals and services of another faith?
Yes, we can be there for the people we care about. What we do not do is join in worship that is directed to anyone other than God. Going to a friend's wedding, or sitting with a grieving family at a funeral, is simple kindness. God allows kindness and fairness toward peaceful people of other faiths [60:8]. The line is drawn at worship itself. God tells us: “The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.” [72:18] So we can be present and respectful, and stay quiet during prayers that are addressed to someone other than God. And we never curse what others worship, because God tells us not to [6:108].
Do we have to reject our family's tradition to follow the Quran?
We only set aside the part of the tradition that sets up a partner beside God. We never turn away from our family. The Quran speaks about the hardest case, when parents push us toward idols: “If they try to force you to set up any idols beside Me, do not obey them. But continue to treat them amicably in this world.” [31:15] So we do not obey them in that, but we also do not stop being kind to them. This means that most things stay the same: the meals, the visits, the respect, and honouring our parents and treating them kindly for as long as they live [17:23]. What changes is where our worship goes, and it goes to God alone. There is also no need to rush into a difficult conversation with our family. We can show them our kindness first, and talk with them about these things when the time is right.
Where We Agree and Where the Quran Differs
This is an honest comparison that looks at both what we share and where we differ.
| Question | Where many faiths agree | What the Quran teaches |
|---|---|---|
| Is there one God? | Jews, Christians and many others believe in one Creator. | God is one, with no partner, no son and no equal: “Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten. None equals Him.” [112:3-4] |
| Did God send messengers? | Many faiths honour prophets, and three of these faiths share Abraham and Moses. | God sent a messenger to every community [16:36], and they all carried the same message [42:13]. |
| Are earlier scriptures from God? | Many faiths hold their own scriptures to be revealed or sacred. | The Torah and the Gospel were “guidance and light” [5:44] [5:46]. The Quran confirms them and supersedes them [5:48]. |
| Is anyone needed between us and God? | Many traditions have priests, saints or intercessors. | No one is needed. “All intercession belongs to GOD.” [39:44] And God says: “Implore Me, and I will respond to you.” [40:60] |
| Does anyone carry another's sins? | Most faiths hold people responsible for what they do, although Christianity teaches that Jesus bore the sins of others. | Each soul answers for itself: “No soul can carry the sins of another soul.” [35:18] |
| Is there a life after this one? | This is one of the points that the largest number of faiths agree on. | Yes, and with perfect justice: “No soul will suffer the least injustice.” [21:47] |
What We Have in Common
Here are the things that we really do share, put simply. Seeing them does not erase our differences, but it does make an honest and friendly conversation possible.
One Creator
A great many people believe that the universe was made by a Creator, and that we should live our lives for Him.
Accountability
Most faiths teach that what we do matters beyond this life.
Care for the poor
Giving to people in need is taught in many traditions.
Honesty
Many faiths agree that a person should be honest and keep their word.
Honouring parents
Caring for the people who raised us is taught almost everywhere.
Prayer
The wish to speak to God is one of the most natural things for a human being.
Fasting
Many traditions practise going without food for the sake of God.
Mercy to the vulnerable
Caring for orphans, travellers and the needy is taught in many scriptures.
How to Talk About Faith Kindly
Sharing our faith kindly is a skill that we can learn. Here are a few things that help us do it well.
Listen first
We start by asking what the person in front of us really believes, rather than assuming that we already know.
Speak gently
God commands us to invite “with wisdom and kind enlightenment” [16:125], and to argue only “in the nicest possible manner” [29:46].
Be fair
We compare things fairly, and we do not set the best of our own side against the worst of theirs. God tells us never to let a conflict push us into injustice [5:8].
Never curse what others worship
God tells us not to do this, so that they are not provoked into cursing Him [6:108].
Accept that some differences remain
We do not have to settle everything in one conversation. Saying what we believe clearly and kindly is enough.
Leave the rest to God
Guidance belongs to God, as He tells us: “Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.” [16:125]
Key Verses From This Page
These are the key verses on this page, brought together in one place.
He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: “You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.” The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.[42:13]
One religion, given to every messenger.
We have sent a messenger to every community, saying, “You shall worship GOD, and avoid idolatry.” Subsequently, some were guided by GOD, while others were committed to straying. Roam the earth and note the consequences for the rejectors.[16:36]
A messenger was sent to every community.
Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.[2:62]
Three conditions, and not the name of a religion.
Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.[5:48]
The Quran confirms earlier scriptures, and the differences between us are a test.
O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. You shall not say, “Trinity.” You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. GOD suffices as Lord and Master.[4:171]
Jesus is honoured, and the Trinity is corrected, for their own good.
Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, & Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner—unless they transgress— and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”[29:46]
How to speak with the people of the scripture.
There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.[2:256]
There is no compulsion in religion.
GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.[60:8]
Friendship and fairness with peaceful people.
O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.[49:13]
Why we are different, and what really counts in the sight of God.
Growth Prompt
Please think of one conversation you had with someone of another faith, and write it down from their side, in their words. Then you might ask yourself whether they left that conversation more likely, or less likely, to read the Quran for themselves.
When I talk with someone of another faith, am I trying to understand them, or trying to win?
Keep growing
Every topic on this site connects to the others. Here is where this page leads next.