The Garden We Share: A Message to the People of the Book

In Islam, Christians and Jews are known as "Ahl al-Kitab" — People of the Book. This means we all come from a shared spiritual heritage. We believe in One God, in prophets, and in holy scriptures like the Torah, Bible, and Qur’an.

Many scholars agree that the last complete verse revealed was:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)

This verse signifies the completion of the religion of Islam.

There is also a tradition that the last complete chapter (surah) revealed was Surah An-Nasr (Chapter 110):

“When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.”

This surah is seen as a sign that the mission of Prophet Muhammad was coming to an end, as many people were embracing Islam.

Sit down and talk...

Most conflicts between Jews, Christians, and Muslims are not truly about faith. They’re about power, land, politics, or fear. Religion is often used as a tool or excuse to divide people, but the real reasons go deeper.

Many of us don’t really know what the other believes. That lack of knowledge can turn into fear, and fear becomes hate. But when we actually sit down and talk, we often find more in common than we expected.

Our Scriptures Teach Peace

All three religions teach love and kindness:

• The Qur’an says: “We made you into nations and tribes so you may know one another.” (49:13)

• Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

• The Torah says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)

We are taught to care, not to fight.

Think about it

The world needs less war and more understanding. We don’t have to agree on everything — but we can still respect each other. Because at the end of the day, we’re all People of the Book. And that means we’re family.

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light... And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary... And We gave him the Gospel...”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44–46)

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44–46) is important because it shows that Islam confirms the earlier scriptures—the Torah and the Gospel—and honors the prophets before Muhammad. It teaches that Islam is the final and complete revelation, bringing the ultimate guidance and light for all humanity.

The Qur’an speaks often about Jews and Christians — the People of the Book — with respect and recognition:

·        “Say: O People of the Book, come to a word we all agree on: that we worship only God...”(Qur’an 3:64)

·        “Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best and most respectful way...”(Qur’an 29:46)

·        “Among the People of the Book are those who are righteous, who pray and believe in God.”(Qur’an 3:113)

Islam teaches that Jews and Christians were given true scriptures before, and that we should treat each other with fairness and kindness — even when we disagree.

So Why Do We Forget?

There is something deeply painful in watching people who share the same spiritual roots turn against one another.

The Qur’an doesn't teach us to hate our neighbors — it teaches us to understand them.

"Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best and most respectful way..."(Qur’an 29:46)

"Among them are those who are righteous, who pray at night, and believe in God."(Qur’an 3:113)

It tells us to speak kindly, even when we disagree. It reminds us that true belief leads to peace, not pride or cruelty.

It’s definitely worth taking the time to study Islam — there’s so much wisdom to discover.