Understanding the Concept Of “The People Of the Book” In Qur’an
Allah has blessed humans with multiple bounties out of which one is instilling the familiarity of religion that commemorates the oneness of Allah and acceptance of Muhammad as Last Messenger. Divinity of God is irrefutable and irresistible to admit but the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is debatable in some of the religions that have their connections back to Arab peninsula. The primitive custodians of Scriptures are termed “people of book” by Allah, as the sacred Books were unveiled upon them for their betterment to hold the same common beliefs as Muslims but with few deviations.
On the basics of common terms, Allah has addressed the “book of people” in same proximal eloquent terms like Muslims so that they can extract the divinity in regard of specific issues. Allah clearly has explained the ground for commonality in matters pertaining to religions as narrated in Holy Book that:
“Say, “O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].”” [Quran 3:64]
People With Different Regions and Creed
People all around the world are born and divided into different sects. The differences between them have always been a cause of enmity leading to disputes and lack of tolerance towards one another’s beliefs and religious dogmas. Indeed Allah has created people in different creeds and communities thereupon latterly calling them towards peace and security.
“O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” [Quran 2:208]
Even among the creeds, people are further divided into nations for His recognition as one true Exalted Lord as Quran states:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Quran 49:13]
The aforementioned verse clearly shed light on the fact that the cohesion is mere “Allah’s acceptance as one God” and pertaining to this the book of people are those who accept Allah as omnipotent and only Lord of the universe with utmost faith. Despite this strong declaration, the book of people has rendered the concept by worshipping their own Pundits and monks as Quran quotes:
“They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.” [Quran 9:31]
Similarities Between the People of Book
All divine religions except Islam are grotesquely distorted and innovations have included in the so-called Holy Scriptures yet the fundamental beliefs have remained the same making the artificially stirred up conflicts fluke and void. Apart from the innovations, these people have always been treated with intimate compassion. The people of the book rely solely on God’s revelation hence bear moral perspectives and respect towards the sacred scriptures which makes it legitimate to eat along them or from their food and marrying to their daughters. The lawful boundaries drawn by the Glorious Lord for the book of people entails:
“This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith – his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [Quran 5:5]
Treatment with the Book of people
From the Holy Quran teaching it is evident that avoid judging people and treat the people of Scriptures like one’s own by refraining from useless argumentation with them on beliefs until necessary. Quran narrates:
“And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, “We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.” [Quran 29:46]
Out of the book of people, Christians are more close to Muslims than Jews are, as they are the vehement hostile people while Quran termed Jews as the idolaters and stated by the Exalted Lord:
“You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah ; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.” [Quran 5:82]
Now a day the Jews are deemed the wickedest and among nasty people, yet in compliance to the Holy Scriptures the aesthetic Zionism should not lapse into antagonism towards Jewish people as the Book of Miracles stated:
“They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer].”
Peace and Harmony: Say No to Racism
Allah has called the book of people towards utmost peace and harmony over common terms as anti-semanticism is foreign to religion Islam. The people of book are blessed with the same divinity as Muslims because the Prophets (Jesus and Moses) were sent down on same Mission as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) i.e. to guide people towards the righteous path. Killing any innocent people who belongs to the religion of book on faith differences has declared causing corruption on earth that is why the religion of peace Islam has advised and commenced to respect all the religion despite being differences as stated:
“…We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” [Quran 5:32]
Quran is a complete package to understand the concept regarding People of Book hence treating them kindly and respecting their views is all that matters because they do have people of faith among them who deny all atrocities and witness the supremacy of Allah Almighty.
“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.” [Quran 3:110]
