QURANIC TEXTS

In the Name of God All-Compassionate, Most Merciful

A Selection of Texts on Interreligious Relations
from The Generous Qur’an

Short passages:

“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) save as compassion to the worlds.” (21:107)

“The servants of the Compassionate are those who walk upon the earth in humility and when the ignorant address them, answer ‘Peace.’” (25:63)

“To God belong the East and the West. Wheresover you turn, there is the face of God. For God is vast, all-knowing.” (2:115)

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error.” (2:256)

“Those who keep faith (with this revelation), and those who follow the Jewish way, and the Christians, and the Sabeans—any who have faith in God and the Last Day, and perform righteous works—shall have their reward with their Sustainer. On them shall be no fear, neither shall they grieve.” (2:62)

“Surely those who keep faith, and those who follow the Jewish way, and the Sabeans and the Christians and the Magians and those who associate (others with God)—surely God will decide between them on the day of resurrection; surely God is a witness over all things.” (22:17)

“Say: ‘O people of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with God; that we set not up from among ourselves masters and patrons other than God.’ If then they turn back, say: ‘Bear witness that we (at least) are muslim(surrendering to God’s will).’” (3:64)

“God is my God and your God. So serve God. That is the straight path.” (19:306)

“The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel evil with that which is better; then he between whom and you there was enmity will become like an intimate friend.” (41:34)

“Keep to forgiveness, enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (7:199)

“What army can save you except the Compassionate?” (40:20)

An extended text:

“It is We who sent down the Torah: in it is a guidance and a light. By it the God-surrendered prophets judged those who follow the Jewish way, and the rabbis and the priests—by such of the Book of God as they were bidden to observe. And to this they are witnesses. So do not fear human beings, but fear Me, and do not sell My signs for a little price. Whoever will not judge by what God has sent down, it is these who are the unfaithful [kafirun].
     “We wrote in it for them: (Only) a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds, equal retaliation—but if anyone lets go the retaliation out of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. Whoever will not judge by what God has sent down, it is these who are the oppressors [zalimun].
     “And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, in confirmation of the Torah that came before him. We gave to him the Gospel—in it is a guidance and a light—in confirmation of the Torah that came before him. A guidance and an admonition to the careful [muttaqin]!
     “Let the people of the Gospel judge by what God has sent down in it.Whoever will not judge by what God has sent down, it is these who are the covenant-breakers [fasiqun].
     “And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book with the truth, in confirmation of the Book that came before it, and a guardian over it. So judge among them by that which God has sent down, and follow not their impulses away from what has come to you of the truth.
     “For each of you We have made a clear road and an open way. Had God so willed, God could have made you a single community, but God wishes to test you in that which God has given you. So compete with each other in good works. Unto God you will all return, and God will explain to you those matters in which you differ.” (5: 44-49)

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