The idea in brief

The Qur’an addresses Jews and Christians as People of the Book, recognises their prophets and scriptures as coming from God, and affirms that religion cannot be forced. It also states clear differences: on the nature of Jesus, on the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood, and on the Qur’an as the final revelation.

Shared roots

Islam understands itself as the continuation of the faith of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, not as a new religion. The Qur’an tells Muslims to say that they believe in what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus, making no distinction between the prophets, 2:136. Jews and Christians are addressed as People of the Book, ahl al-kitab.

Qur’an 3:64 invites the People of the Book to a common word: to worship God alone. Qur’an 29:46 tells Muslims to argue with them only in the best way and to say that our God and your God is one.

Real differences

Islam does not accept the divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, or the crucifixion as Christianity teaches them; Qur’an 4:157 states that Jesus was not killed or crucified but that it was made to appear so. It holds that earlier scriptures were revealed by God but that the Qur’an is the final, protected revelation, and that Muhammad is the last prophet.

Honest interfaith dialogue names these differences rather than smoothing them over. Muslims, Jews, and Christians can respect each other without pretending to believe the same things.

Freedom and coexistence

Qur’an 2:256 states that there is no compulsion in religion. Qur’an 109 ends with the words “to you your religion, and to me mine”. Qur’an 60:8 says God does not forbid kindness and justice towards those who have not fought Muslims over religion. In Medina the Prophet concluded agreements with Jewish tribes and received Christian delegations in his mosque.

Historically, non-Muslims under Muslim rule were protected communities with their own courts and worship but with a distinct legal status and a special tax. This arrangement was more tolerant than most of its contemporaries and less equal than modern citizenship. Muslim thinkers today debate how the principles behind it apply in states based on equal citizenship.

Beyond the People of the Book

The Qur’an speaks mostly of Jews, Christians, Sabians, and the pagans of Arabia. Muslim jurists later extended protected status to Zoroastrians, Hindus, Buddhists, and others in practice. Qur’an 5:48 says God could have made all people one community but did not, so that they might compete in good works; the final settling of differences belongs to God.

Many Muslims read this as a basis for pluralism in society while holding firmly to their own faith as true.

Interfaith life today

Muslims take part in interfaith councils, shared charity, and neighbourhood life across the world. Marriage between a Muslim man and a Christian or Jewish woman is permitted in classical law; Muslims also care for parents, children, and friends of other faiths, as the Qur’an requires.

If you belong to another faith, you can expect a Muslim to disagree with you about some things and to be commanded to treat you with justice and kindness about everything. Both are part of the tradition.

Sources & further reading

Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.