Religions have more in common than you think

Dr. Anis Ansari, Clinton
Letter to the Editor

January 12, 2007 11:27 pm

— Jim Fullan’s letter and his kind words for me and my article about Muslim’s view of Christmas is appreciated.
It was important to review the Quranic verses about Jesus Christ, peace be upon him (pbuh), which is not well known yet. The Quran was revealed by God through angel Gabriel to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), who transcribed to his companions, who immediately wrote it down and memorized the revealed verses. The text of Quran was rechecked for any error by angel Gabriel himself and arranged into chapters by the prophet himself. Muslims believe the Holy Quran to be the last and only true scripture of God that still exists in its original form. Its authenticity is a testimonial to its scientific facts contained in it. There is only one version of the Holy Quran since it was revealed to prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
The Holy Quran defines God as omnipotent, omnipresent, He begets not; nor is he begotten; He has created the universe and everything in it. In fact, the belief in unity of God, is one main thing that is common among the three Abrahamic faiths.
The book “Orientations of a Dialogue Between Christians and Muslims” stresses belief of unity in God. During a conference in March 1969, in Cairo, Egypt, when Cardinal Koenig proclaimed this unity in God, the audience of the Muslims University Al-Azhar, was very surprised. It reminds us also that the Vatican Office in 1967 invited Christians to offer their best wishes to Muslims at the end of the fasting of Ramadan. These passages are described in a book “The Bible, The Quran, and Science” by Maurice Bucaille.
It is important for us to emphasize the shared belief among us than the differences. William Baker, a Christian author, founder and president of Christian and Muslim for Peace, wrote a book called “More in Common Than You Think” that enumerates examples of our shared believes. Some of these commonalities are the origin of religion; their patriarch (Abraham); theological beliefs including establishment of prayers, fasting, charity and living according to high moral and ethical standards; belief in birth of Jesus and high esteem for Mary; resurrection; belief in the day of judgment; and eternal life in heaven or hell.
Thus, despite the significant differences between Christians and Muslims about Jesus himself, there are many common elements between the two faith-based communities, who can work together.