The Quranic Appraisal of Christians and Jews - A Balanced View

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 10 December 2024 Abstract: This paper offers a brief examination of the Quran's assessments of Jews and Christians, navigating a balance between critique and acknowledgment of shared spiritual, historical, and ethical bonds. Through a critical analysis of the Quran's interactions with the "Children of Israel" and "People of the Book," this study uncovers a multifaceted approach aimed at aligning Jewish and Christian practices with monotheistic and moral principles. By examining the Quran's critiques of Jewish and Christian theologies, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of its treatment of these faiths, emphasizing the shared values of justice, compassion, and righteousness that form the foundation of interfaith relations. This study yields valuable insights for promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world, highlighting the Quran's ongoing relevance as a framework for fostering coexistence and understanding. Critique of Christian Theology One of the Quran’s most significant theological critiques focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus. The Quran strongly upholds Tawhid (absolute monotheism) and views associating partners with God as a deviation from divine truth. It sees the concept of the Trinity as akin to adding a discordant note to the harmonious melody of monotheism (Q.4:171, 5:73). Similarly, the Quran rejects Jesus’ divinity, emphasizing his prophetic role and human nature. It likens attributing divinity to Jesus to confusing the moon’s reflection in a puddle with the moon itself (Q. 5:116). These critiques target theological constructs rather than individuals, calling for a return to the straight path of monotheism. Acknowledgment of Shared Heritage and Praise for Righteousness While critiquing certain beliefs, the Quran recognizes the shared scriptural heritage between Muslims and Christians, referring to them as Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book). This acknowledgment invites unity, urging both communities to build bridges and find common ground: • “Say, ‘O People of the Book, let us come to a common word between us and you: that we worship none but God” (Q. 3:64). The Quran also praises Christians who demonstrate righteousness, humility, and devotion, likening their prayers to lamps that dispel darkness: • “Indeed, they are not all alike. Among the People of the Book is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of God during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]” (Q. 3:113). • “You will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and they are not arrogant” (Q. 5:82). These verses highlight the Quran’s emphasis on diversity and individuality within religious communities. Emphasis on Individual Accountability and Diversity The Quran often cautions against sweeping generalizations, recognizing that within any group, there are shades of belief and behaviour. It separates the wheat from the chaff, emphasizing the complexity of human nature: “There are among them [Jews] some who are righteous, and among them [Jews] are others who are most wicked” (Q. 3:75). “Many among the People of the Book would love to turn you back to disbelief after you have believed” (Q. 2:109). By using qualifiers like “among them” and “many among them,” the Quran underscores its commitment to fairness and rejects the idea of guilt by association. Recognition of Universal Truth and Eternal Values The Quran repeatedly highlights universal truths that transcend cultural and religious boundaries, emphasizing principles such as justice, mercy, and truthfulness. These values serve as the bedrock of a moral society, likened to a tree whose roots are firmly planted and whose branches reach the heavens: “Indeed, God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (Q. 4:58). “Establish the weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance” (Q. 55:9). These principles emphasize that justice and righteousness are eternal values, unbound by religious or cultural distinctions. Historical Context and Scriptural Distortion The Quran critiques certain theological practices and scriptural distortions prevalent among Christians during the 7th century. It describes these distortions as smudges that obscure the brilliance of divine revelation (Q.2:75, 3:78). Such critiques focus on historical practices, urging discernment while affirming the original scriptures’ divine origins. Shared Ethical Principles Despite theological differences, the Quran underscores the universality of righteousness. It compares goodness to rain that nurtures all fertile soil, regardless of location: “Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabians—those [among them] who believed in God and the Last Day and did righteousness—will have their reward with their Lord” (Q. 2:62). Similarly, it describes humanity as one family, bound together by shared values and a divine covenant: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Q. 49:13). This universality demonstrates the Quran’s insistence that sincerity and good deeds transcend communal boundaries. Call for Respectful Engagement The Quran emphasizes respectful engagement with followers of other faiths, advocating dialogue over confrontation. It encourages using wisdom and tact to foster understanding: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best” (Q. 16:125). “Do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except with those who commit injustice among them” (Q. 29:46). This approach turns potential conflicts into opportunities for dialogue and understanding. The Quran thoughtfully explores its connections with the "Children of Israel" (Bani Israel) or "People of the Book," offering a balanced critique and acknowledgment of their shared spiritual and historical heritage. This nuanced discussion reflects the Quran's overarching dedication to promoting monotheism, justice, and universal ethics. Through a critical examination of the Quran's appraisal of Jewish beliefs, practices, and behaviours, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of its treatment of Jews, grounded in their shared heritage and moral principles. Acknowledgment of Shared Heritage and Divine Favour The Quran underscores the significant role of the Children of Israel in the Abrahamic tradition. It acknowledges their status as recipients of divine blessings and guidance, likening them to a tree planted in fertile soil, nurtured with divine wisdom and care (Q.2:47, 2:87). These verses highlight the privileged position of the Children of Israel in receiving a continuous chain of prophets and divine scriptures. Their history is portrayed as a tapestry woven with threads of divine guidance and human responsibility. Critique of Jewish Beliefs and Practices While recognizing the sacred history of the Children of Israel, the Quran offers constructive critiques of specific beliefs and practices that deviate from its monotheistic vision. 1. Distortion of Scripture The Quran accuses some Jewish groups of altering and distorting their sacred texts, akin to smudging the lens through which divine light is meant to shine (Q.2:75, 4:46). These critiques highlight concerns about human interference in divine revelations, urging followers to remain faithful to the original message and avoid manipulating it as one might twist a rope out of shape. 2. Rejection of Prophets The Quran critiques the rejection and persecution of prophets by some members of the Jewish community, describing it as closing the door to divine mercy while standing in its very shadow (Q.2:87, 3:21). The Quran condemns these actions as betrayals of the covenant with God, likening them to breaking a contract written with divine ink. 3. Exclusivist Claims The Quran challenges traditional notions of Jewish exclusivity, reimagining divine favour as an inclusive and universal blessing available to all who approach with sincerity: “They say, ‘None will enter Paradise except one who is a Jew or a Christian.’ That is [merely] their wishful thinking. Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you should be truthful’” (Q. 2:111). “Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise, and they will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed." (Q. 4:124) These verses emphasize the universality of divine mercy and the importance of faith and good deeds over tribal or religious affiliation. Critique of Jewish Behaviours The Quran also critiques behaviours observed within the historical and contemporary Jewish community, cautioning against actions that undermine ethical and spiritual values. 1. Disobedience and Rebellion The Quran recounts episodes of disobedience and rebellion among the Children of Israel, painting a picture of a ship veering off course despite the presence of a compass (Q.2: 2:58-59, 7:133). These accounts serve as cautionary tales, reminding all communities that ignoring divine guidance is akin to walking blindfolded through a thorny path. 2. Materialism and Worldliness The Quran critiques materialism and the excessive pursuit of worldly gains among some Jews, comparing it to clutching at shadows while losing the light: “You will surely find them the greediest of people for life—even more than those who associate others with God. One of them wishes that he could be granted life for a thousand years” (Q. 2:96). “Indeed, those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book and exchange it for a small price—they consume nothing into their bellies but fire” (Q. 2:174). These critiques are not aimed at wealth itself but at the prioritization of material over spiritual values, akin to valuing the glitter of fool's gold over true treasure. 3. Injustice and Exploitation The Quran condemns acts of injustice, such as usury and exploitation, as poison that corrodes the soul and society (Q.4:161, 2:275). These critiques are directed at systemic injustices and call for a return to fairness and compassion, much like straightening a bent arrow before it can hit its target. Call for Justice, Compassion, and Unity Despite its critiques, the Quran emphasizes the potential for moral goodness within the Jewish community and invites them to common ethical ground, urging them to share the warmth of a fire that burns brightly for all: • “O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason?” (Q. 3:65). • “Establish the weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.” (Q. 55:9) Such verses underscore the Quran’s call for justice, equity, and dialogue over divisiveness. A Framework for Mutual Respect and Cooperation Upon closer examination, the Quran's criticisms of certain Christian and Jewish behaviours—such as scriptural distortion, exclusivist claims, disobedience, materialism, injustice, and exploitation—reveal a profound insight. These criticisms are not targeted at specific faith communities, but rather at universal human vulnerabilities and tendencies that can affect people of all faiths, including Muslims. The Quran's portrayals of Jews and Christians offer a nuanced and balanced approach to interfaith relations, providing a framework for respectful engagement, coexistence, and cooperation. By intertwining theological critique with acknowledgment of shared values and heritage, the Quran promotes a critical examination of one's own faith and values, while encouraging mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. This balanced perspective is crucial for today's world, where interfaith tensions often run high. The Quran's approach serves as a guiding light for interfaith dialogue, reminding believers of all faiths to uphold justice, compassion, sincerity, and universal values. By recognizing the complexities of Jewish and Christian beliefs, practices, and behaviours, the Quran avoids simplistic or stereotypical portrayals, instead emphasizing shared Abrahamic roots and ethical potential. Ultimately, the Quran's vision of interfaith harmony is one of convergence and unity, inspiring Muslims, Jews, and Christians to build bridges of understanding, foster greater cooperation, and work toward peaceful coexistence. By drawing inspiration from their shared heritage and values, they can recognize that their differences are but a small part of a much larger tapestry of shared human values and aspirations. ------ V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar of Islamic humanism. He writes with a passion for developing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress. His work inspires the creation of a just society, fosters critical thinking, and promotes inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-pluralism/quranic-appraisal-christians-jews/d/133983 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism