Islam by John Kaltner

Author:John Kaltner [John Kaltner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-5064-1667-0
Publisher: Fortress Press

Respect and the Non-Muslims

It would be a serious error to assume that Muslims are taught to hate Jews and Christians, and that they perceive these groups to be their enemies. There is no ingrained animosity toward Judaism and Christianity imbedded in Islam. Just the opposite is true. The followers of Moses and Jesus enjoy a special relationship with Muslims since they have all been given the same revelation. This is summed up succinctly in the Qur’an passage that reads, “Certainly, some from among the People of the Book believe in God” (3:199).

An example of Muslim respect for members of the People of the Book can be seen in the “A Common Word” initiative of 2007. In September of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI gave a lecture in his native Germany that contained a reference to Islam that many people considered to be inflammatory and that led to strong negative reactions from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In October of the following year, more than one hundred Muslim leaders from around the world signed a letter that was addressed to the pope and other Christian leaders inviting them to recognize and celebrate two things that Muslims and Christians have in common—love of God, and love of neighbor. The name of the initiative comes from a verse in the Qur’an that begins with the words, “People of the Book! Come to a common word between us and you” (3:64). The document elicited positive responses from many on the Christian side, and it resulted in a number of meetings and conferences between Christians and Muslims that have led to improved relations and a greater appreciation of what unites members of the two religious traditions. The Common Word initiative was a clear example of how, even under trying circumstances, a positive outcome is possible when people respond in a spirit of respect.

This is not to say that there have been no problems since then. As is often the case among people of different faiths, religion has sometimes been a tool used by all three monotheistic communities in order to support theological, political, and social agendas. All parties must do what they can to avoid this and establish relationships that are tolerant of the differences among them.

But this work must begin at home—we can each only take care of our own side and try to improve the situation there. In this effort, Jews and Christians would do well to keep in mind the deep respect most Muslims have for their religions and the potential this offers. Within Islam there is an inherent appreciation of the worth of the People of the Book that can be validated and sustained by Jews and Christians. If they live good lives that are in conformity with the teachings of their sacred texts, they will have justified and earned the respect of Muslims.

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