A Common Word (Surah 3:64) between Muslims and Christians?

Abstract

The article inquires critically into the operative understanding of “unity” when the motto of the WCC assembly speaks of the love of Christ uniting the world. What does this mean for the relationship between Christians and other religions, especially Islam? Muslims repeatedly refer to the “Common Word” mentioned in Surah 3:64 as the basis of Muslim–Christian interactions. The author shows that Muslims and Christians dispute over what “to be lord” means precisely, since Christians recognize and testify to God’s presence in Jesus Christ, their Lord. The Islamic doctrine of the uniqueness of God (tawḥīd in Arabic) fundamentally contradicts this conviction. The author shows that in Muslim practice, very different consequences may derive from tawḥīd, ranging from cooperation to conflict. Along the lines of a polyphonic understanding, the author seeks ways for a peaceful coexistence that does not comprise the Christian faith witness.