The Unity of Believers and the Kinship of Abrahamic Faiths
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
Introduction:
The Divine Call for Unity
The Quran, the eternal word of Allah, repeatedly emphasizes the unity of humanity and the oneness of divine guidance. Allah (SWT) declares:
“Indeed, this community of yours is one community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Quran 21:92)
This verse underscores the fundamental truth that all humanity originated from a single source—Adam (AS), the first human and the first prophet. From Adam (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the message of monotheism and submission to Allah has been consistent, unbroken, and universal. Despite this, humanity has fragmented into sects and religions, often forgetting their shared spiritual and biological lineage. This report seeks to explore the profound connections between Jews, Christians, and Muslims, emphasizing their shared origins, divine guidance, and the imperative for unity.
The Creation of Adam: The Beginning of Divine Guidance
The Quran narrates the creation of Adam (AS) in a manner that elevates humanity above all other creations. Allah (SWT) says:
“And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They said, ‘Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.'” (Quran 2:31-32)
This divine act of bestowing knowledge upon Adam (AS) signifies the unique status of humanity. Unlike other creatures, humans were endowed with intellect, the capacity for learning, and the responsibility to uphold divine commandments. Imam Ali (AS) once said, *”The worth of every man is in his knowledge.”* This statement echoes the Quranic emphasis on knowledge as the foundation of human dignity.
However, with knowledge comes accountability. Adam (AS) and Eve (AS) were tested in Paradise and, despite their lapse, were forgiven by Allah’s infinite mercy. This event marks the beginning of humanity’s journey on Earth, guided by divine revelation.
The Unity of Divine Messages
Allah (SWT) sent numerous prophets and messengers to guide humanity, all conveying the same core message: the worship of One God. The Quran states:
“Mankind was one community; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed.” (Quran 2:213)
This verse highlights the unity of humanity’s spiritual heritage. Prophets such as Noah (AS), Abraham (AS), Moses (AS), Jesus (AS), and Muhammad (SAW) were sent to different nations, yet their message was consistent. Allah (SWT) affirms:
“And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that there is no deity except Me, so worship Me.”* (Quran 21:25)
Despite this clarity, humanity diverged, often due to arrogance and prejudice. The Quran laments:
“Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Every time there came to a nation its messenger, they denied him, so We made them follow one another [to destruction], and We made them as tales for the people. So away with a people who do not believe!”* (Quran 23:44)
The Abrahamic Lineage: A Shared Spiritual and Biological Heritage
The Quran and the Bible trace the lineage of prophets back to Abraham (AS), the patriarch of monotheism. Abraham (AS) had two sons: Ishmael (AS), the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and Isaac (AS), the forefather of the Israelites. This makes Jews, Christians, and Muslims not only spiritual cousins but also biological descendants of a common ancestor.
Allah (SWT) reminds us of this shared heritage:
“Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'”* (Quran 3:84)
This verse encapsulates the Islamic belief in the unity of prophethood and the continuity of divine guidance.
The Role of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the Seal of Prophets
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as the final messenger to confirm and complete the messages of previous prophets. The Quran states:
“Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah is Knowing of all things.” (Quran 33:40)
His mission was not to introduce a new religion but to restore the pure monotheism preached by all prophets. Imam Ali (AS) eloquently described the Prophet’s role: *”He was a mercy to the worlds, a guide to the nations, and a proof of Allah’s existence.”*
The Call for Unity Among Believers
Despite their shared heritage, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have often been divided. The Quran addresses this disunity:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you—when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.”* (Quran 3:103)
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the need for unity among believers. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized this in his farewell sermon: *”All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have superiority over a white; except by piety and good action.”*
Imam Ali (AS) further elaborated on this principle, stating: *”People are of two kinds: either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.”*
Embracing Our Shared Legacy
The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) call upon believers to recognize their shared spiritual and biological lineage. Allah (SWT) declares:
“And verily, this religion of yours is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me. But they have divided their religion among themselves into sects, each faction rejoicing in what it has.”* (Quran 23:52-53)
It is incumbent upon Jews, Christians, and Muslims to transcend historical animosities and embrace their common heritage. By doing so, they can fulfill the divine command to worship One God and uphold the values of justice, compassion, and unity.
As Imam Ali (AS) wisely said: *”The most complete gift of God is a life based on knowledge.”* Let us seek knowledge, recognize our shared origins, and work together for the betterment of humanity.
This report serves as a reminder of the profound connections between the Abrahamic faiths and the urgent need for unity in a world often divided by ignorance and prejudice.