Page 374 - A Call For Unity

A Call for Unity

Christians and Jews in the appropriate manner.
In the Qur'an Allah clearly states that the People of the
Book are closer to Muslims than idolaters or atheists.
Even though some Jewish and Christian beliefs and
practices no longer accord with the original divine revela-
tions, their revealed books still contain moral values based on
divine revelation and a code of good and evil, which is why
their food is halal (lawful) for Muslims. Likewise, Muslim

men are allowed to marry Jewish and Christian women, for:
Today all good things have been made halal [lawful] for
you. The food of those given the Book is also halal for
you, and your food is halal for them. So are chaste
women from among the believers and chaste women of
those given the Book before you, once you have given
them their dowries in marriage, not in fornication or tak-
ing them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects faith,
his actions will come to nothing, and in the Hereafter he
will be among the losers. (Surat Al-Ma'ida: 5)
These rules show that Muslims and the People of the
Book can establish good relations among themselves through

marriage and the sharing of food, both of which enable the
formation of warm human relationships and tranquil togeth-
erness. It is inconceivable that Muslims could have different
views when the Allah demands a moderate and tender ap-
proach in the Qur'an.
Therefore, Muslims must approach Christians and Jews
with respect and politeness and inform them of the Qur'an's
call to unite under a common word. The secret of such an al-
liance is found in this call:

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