Final

Assignment
Interfaith Opportunity
A basic interpretation of translations of the Noble
Quran on
relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims

Introduction
When religious people seem to be stuck in a situation they tend to go back to the source of
their reliance. At these moments we turn as well to our most solid, tangible source of faith,
our Book or Scripture. In my experience we seem to be stuck in our progress in the
inter/intra religious dialogue, let alone inter/intra religious cooperation. Things arent going
as smoothly as I would have expected, (I am young and somewhat nave). When I look at
interfaith dialogue as sailing on river, I cannot help but conclude that most people are
completely in the dark regarding the capacity of Muslims. Its like sailing in the dark, on a
meandering river without a complete map, with a tiny flashlight that seems to go off
randomly as well. So I was wondering if my most solid, tangible source of faith, the Noble
Quran, could offer me some advice or insight in this matter. The debate of - context is
important when quoting from the Honourable Quran is essential - I want to leave in the
middle, because of the simple fact that probably a very few have access to 100% accurate
data of historic events, while the vast majority has no such access at all. But we all have
fairly easy access to a 100% preserved Noble Quran, dating back roughly 1400 years ago.
So all we need are a few translations/translator, that will determine the trustworthiness of
the sources and of the translation of the Noble Quran as well.
My knowledge on the Noble Quran is quite limited but, I already had some minor insights
that the Noble Quran could give some advice and insight, through various verses but as
well through chapter 109. I thought this moment in time, was the most ideal to take a more
systematic look to see what the Noble Quran really has to offer. And as I progressed,
reading verse after verse, I became once again amazed by its depth. Needless to say, in my
perception it is a true guidance with warnings and advice from Allah, the Lord of all worlds,
the Creator of all things, that was send upon his servant and Prophet Muhammad, Peace
and Blessings upon him, even in its translated form.
Sources
This paper is based on three translations of different sources of the Noble Quran, and an
outside translator -completely neutral was not available -because of the following reasons:
1. To avoid some bias an outside translator was necessary
1. Practical reason, I cannot read, write or speak Arabic
2. To assess that nowadays you dont need Arabic to create a basic an understanding of a
part of the Noble Quran
Source 1: De Heilige Koran: Arabisch Nederlands (The Holy Quran: Arabic - Dutch), G. R,
Alladien, 1st print 1990, used 3e print 2006
Source 2: www.quran.com , a voluntary website and maintained by an open source Muslim
Community since 2008
Source 3: The Study Quran; A new translation and commentary, Seyyed Hossein Nasr
(editor in chief), 2015
Out of my own curiosity and confirmation if the translation was valid, I asked one of our
companions, to see if source 2 was reliable. That seemed to be the case.
The 3 sources have been compared and through that can be concluded that the translation
of a verse was broadly supported or not. Because the English of source 2 is more agreeable,
that source will be quoted for all the verses. If a keyword was not translated in all three
sources, it was generally chosen not to use the verse in the conclusion. All the used verses
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of source 2 and 3 are in the annexed files.

Method
Step 1: accumulating data source 1
Source 1 was read completely to look for any keywords or subjects I would feel odd or
specific. These were catogorized in an index wordfile, verse number and the keywords
and subjects. For this assignment I was looking specifically for the words (Dutch/English):
1. Joden/Jews
2. Christenen/Christians
3. Evangelie/Gospel
4. Thora
4. Muslim verses about positive/neutral positioning towards other faiths
5. How Muslims should deal with knowledge
6. Muslim verses negative/avoiding positioning towards other faiths
Step 2: identifying right verses
Through the index world file, I then would look for the keywords or subject in step 1 and
the verse it is associated with. All the verse numbers were compiled and listed
Step 3: comparison 1
Checking verses with source 2
Step 4: comparison 2
Checking verses with translator
Step 5: comparison 3
Checking verses with source 3
Step 6: verse analysis
The verses have been analysed on its meaning and categorized into the following chapters.
Not all verses have ben used. But all verses found, will be annexed.
1. The interpretation of the Noble Quran
2. How Muslims should behave in respect to other people from the other faith
3. How Muslims should approach knowledge
4. The negative towards Jews and Christians
5. The positive towards Jews and Christians
6. The reserved position of the Muslims
Step 7: Conclusion
Completing the final paper and formulating a conclusion and critical side notes

1. Interpreting the Noble Quran

Interpreting the Noble Quran, is something that should be done carefully. Mankind is known
to produce various interpretations on anything that can lead people astray, but in this
matter Allah, the All Aware, has claimed ownership and sent the next verse with the
following meaning:
Chapter 3: verse 7
It is He who has sent down to you [o Muhammad], the Book. In it are verses [that are]
precise they are the foundation of the Book and others unspecific. As for those in whose
hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking
discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them] And no one knows its [true]
interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, We believe in it. All [of it] is
from our Lord. And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.
So in that sense I want to point out that all of this is a basic interpretation based on various
translations, for a basic understanding on the theme of relations between Jews, Christians
and Jews. By no means must this be taken as the interpretation of the various verses. The
exact knowledge, lies solely with Allah, the Knower of all things.

2. How Muslims should behave in respect to other people from the other faith.
The translations of the verses of the Noble Quran also gives some insight how Muslims are
preferred to react towards people of another faith, when we look at the translation of these
verses given to the Prophet, Peace and Blessings upon him.
Chapter 6 : verse 108
And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without
knowledge. Thus we have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their
Lord is their return. And he Will inform them about what they used to do.
Chapter 7:196 -199
Indeed, my protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book, and He is an ally to the
righteous @ And those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, nor can they help
themselves @ And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear, and you see them
looking at you while they do not see @ Take what is give freely, enjoin what is good, and
turn away from the ignorant.
Chapter 8: 61
And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who
is Hearing, the Knowing.
Chapter 16:125
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a
way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and
He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided
Chapter 18:29
And say, The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills let him believe, and whosoever
wills let him disbelief Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls
will surround them. And if they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil,
which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is the drink and evil is the resting place.
Chapter 29:46
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
Chapter 49:6
O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information,
investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done
regretful
Chapter 49:11-13
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be
better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than
them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.
Wretched is the name of disobedience after [ones] faith. And whoever does not repentthen it is those who are the wrong doers. @ O you who have believed, avoid much
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[negative] assumption. Indeed some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each
other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.
And fear Allah, indeed Allah is Accepting of repentance and Mercifull. @ O mankind, indeed
We have created you from male and female and made you people 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.
In one of the last chapters of the Noble Quran, there is a verse describing what to say
against the disbeliever.
Chapter 109
Say, O disbelievers,
I do not worship what you worship
Nor are you worshippers of what I worship
Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship
Nor will you be a worshipper of what I worship
For you is your religion, and for me is mine
According to these translations of the verses, in regards towards non-Muslims,
Muslims are inspired :
1. to be inclining towards peace, when it is offered,
2. to speak in the best way possible,
3. to let other people choose whether to be a believer or disbeliever
4. trying not to ridicule, or be insulting
5. to not jump to conclusions
6. inquisitive in matters coming from non-Muslims, before acting,
7. and perhaps be curious to the other
8. convincing the other to one or the other religion is perhaps not a thing to
strive for

3. How Muslims should approach knowledge

Knowledge is an important element in religion. There are a few verses that say something
about how people are regarded who are discussing about things without knowledge.
Chapter 17:36
And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and
the heart about all those [one] will be questioned
Chapter 22:3
And of the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and follows every
rebellious devil
Chapter 22:8 -9
And of the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or an
enlightning book [from Him] @ Twisting his neck [in arrogance]to mislead [ people] from
the way of Allah. For him in the world is disgrace, and We will make him taste on the Day of
Ressurection the punishment of the burning fire [while it is said]
Chapter 24:15
When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths that of which you had
no knowledge and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah,
tremendous.
Chapter 31:20
Do you not see that Allah has made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and
whatever is in the earth and amply bestowed upon you His favours [both] apparent and
unapparent? But of the people is he who dispute about Allah without knowledge or
guidance or an enlightening Book [from Him]
Discussing without any base of knowledge seems to be a questionable act for a Muslim.

4. Completing the map: the negative towards Jews and Christians

It cannot be denied that Jews and Christians are mentioned in the Noble Quran. In this
modest research it was found that Jews were mentioned separately 17 times and Christians
2 times. However there is also mentioning of Children of Israel and people of the Book or
Scripture. For this paper it was chosen to focus on instances where the term Jews and
Christians were specifically mentioned. In 12 occasions both the Jews and the Christians
were mentioned in the same verse.
There are mentionings about disagreements between the Jews and the Christians about
who can claim Paradise and approval of men:
Chapter 2: verse 111
And they say, None will enter Paradise except one who is a Jew or a Christian. That is
[merely] their wishful thinking. Say Produce your proof, if you should be truthfull
Chapter 2: verse 120
And never will the Jews or Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say
Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the only guidance If you were to follow their desires after
what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper
Jews are being accused of several things of which distorting the word and collecting usury:
Chapter 4: verse 46
Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, We hear
and disobey and Hear but be not heard and Raina, twisting their tongues and
defaming the religion. And if they had said [instead], We hear and obey and Wait for us
[to understand] it would have been better for them and more suitable. But Allah cursed
them for their disbelief so they believe not except for a few.
Chapter 4: verses 160 161
For wrongdoing on the part of the Jews, We made unlawful for them [certain] good foods
which had been lawful to them, and for their averting from the way of many [people] @ And
[for ] their taking of usury while they had been forbidden from it, and their consuming of
the peoples wealth unjustly. And we have prepared for the disbelievers among them a
painful punishment.
Hiding knowledge that was send to them:
Chapter 6: verse 91
And they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, Allah did not reveal to
a human anything Say, Who revealed the scripture that Moses brought as light and
guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and
concealing much. And you were thaught that which you knew not neither you nor your
father. Say Allah [revealed it]. Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing
themselves.
There is also something said about monasticism of the followers of Jesus, peace upon him.
Chapter 57:27
Then We sent following their footsteps Our messengers and followed [them] with Jesus, the
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son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel. And we placed in the hearts of those who followed
him compassion and mercy and monasticism, which they innovated. We did not prescribe it
for them except [that they did so] seeking the the approval of Allah. But they did not
observe it with due observance. So We gave the ones who believed among them their
reward, but many of them are defiantly disobedient
Jews and Christians both claiming that Allah has a son:
Chapter 9: verse 30
The Jews say, Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say The Messiah is the son of
Allah. That is their statement from their mouths, they imitate the saying of those who
disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them, how are they deluded?
According to these translations of the verses, for various reasons Jews and
Christians do not have the best reputation with Allah the most Merciful, the
Forgiving.
1. claiming paradise for their own people
2. making their religion the only option for approval
3. distorting the word
4. collecting usury
5. Concealing the word
6. Observing their own invention of monasticism
7. claiming Allah has a son
In the next chapter we will see that there are positive things as well.

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5. The positive towards Jews and Christians

It almost seems that Jews and Christians are completely in the negative. But that is
certainly not the case for all of them. In most of the verses it is clear that it does not go for
all the Jews or Christians but from amongst them or a few. Previous Jews and
Christians are praised as well. On two instances one can find a similar verse:
Chapter 2: verse 62 (the other one 5:69)
Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before
Prophet Muhammad] those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last day and did
righteousness will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning
them nor will they grieve.
It seems that the favour is leaning more towards the Christians according to the next verse:
Chapter 5: verse 82
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.
However the same was said for the Jews after the verse about usury:
Chapter 4: verse 162
But those firm in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been
revealed to you, [o Muhammad], and what was revealed before you. And the establishers
of prayer [especially] and the givers of zakat and the believers in Allah and the Last Day
those We will give a great reward.
According to these translations of the verses, not all the Jews and Christians are
transgressors. Back then there seemingly were also believing Jews and
Christians, who are being recognized by Allah, the most Merciful. To not be
arrogant and to be knowledgeable, were apparently reasons why Allah, was
pleased.

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6. The reserved position of the Muslim

Based on the translated verses that have been presented so far, it would be quite easy to
forge some kind of understanding relationship with Muslims. But the following verses might
indicate why Muslims are some what reserved in approaching the other in establishing
contact.
Chapter 3: verse 28
Let not the believers take disbelievers as allies rather than believers. And whoever [of you]
does that has nothing with Allah, except when taking precaution against them in prudence.
And Allah warns you of Himself, and to Allah is the [Final] destination
Chapter 4: verse139
Those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they seek with them
honor[through power]? But indeed, honor belongs to Allah entirely.
Chapter 4: verse 140
And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah
[recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter
into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather
the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all togheter
Chapter 5: verses 55-58
Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenter and those who have believed
those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship]@And whosoever is
an ally of Allah and his messenger and those who have believe indeed, the party of Allah
they will be the predominat @ O you who have believed take not those who have taken
your religion in ridicule and amusement among the ones who were give the scripture
before you nor the disbeliever as allies. And fear Allah, if you should [truly] be believers @
And when you call to praer, they take it in ridicule and amusement. That is because they
are a people who do not use reason.
Chapter 58: verse 14
Have you not considered those who make allies of a people with whom Allah has become
angry? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to untruth while they know
[they are lying]
Chapter 60: verse 1
O you who have believed, do not take my enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to
them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth, having driven
out the Prophet and yourselves [only] because you believe in Allah, your lord. If you have
come out for jihad in my cause and seeking means to my approval [take them not as
friends]. You confide to them affection, but I am most knowing of what you have concealed
and what you have declared. And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from
the soundness of the way.
Chapter 60: verse13
O you who have believed, do not make allies of a people with whom Allah has become
angry. They have despaired of [reward in] the Hereafter just as the disbelievers have
despaired of [meeting] the inhabitants of the graves.
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These seem to be clear warnings and could be interpreted that it would be more
safe for the believers, to stay within a Muslim community, and that Allah, the
Merciful, the Lord of Majesty and Bounty is sufficient for the believing Muslims.
8. Conclusion
Putting al the conclusions together we get:
In regards towards non-Muslims, Muslims are inspired:
1. to be inclining towards peace, when it is offered,
2. to speak in the best way possible,
3. to let other people choose whether to be a believer or disbeliever
4. trying not to ridicule, or be insulting
5. to not jump to conclusions
6. inquisitive in matters coming from non-Muslims, before acting,
7. and perhaps be curious towards the other community
Discussing without any base for once knowledge seems to be a questionable act for a
Muslim.
For various reasons Jews and Christians do not have the best reputation with Allah the most
Merciful:
1. claiming paradise for their own people
2. making their religion the only option for approval
3. distorting the word
4. collecting usury
5. concealing the word
6. observing their own invention of monasticism
7. claiming Allah has a son
But not all the Jews and Christians are transgressors. Back then there were seemingly also
believing Jews and Christians, who are being recognized by Allah, the Most Merciful.
In contrast to the little verses to invite in making contact with non-believers or non-muslims
there seem to be clear warnings that could be interpreted that it would be more safe for
Muslims to stay in a Muslim community, and that Allah, the Merciful, the Lord of Majesty
and Bounty is sufficient for the believing Muslims. It could be as well interpreted that it is
not in the favour for Muslims to make the first steps, because of the risk of losing Paradise.
Maybe the translations of the next few verses can budge Muslims in coming towards each
other from various religions.
Chapter 49 : verse 10
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between you brothers and fear Allah
that you may receive mercy
Chapter 9: verse 111
Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in
exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and
are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the
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Quran. And who is truer to his covenant that Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which
you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

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9. Critical side notes

All the verses that have been shown so far, are without context. It is perhaps a personal
matter if it is absolutely necessary, but it is only fair if you read one verse out of context,
you should do it with all to avoid measuring with two measures.
It is important to keep in the back of our minds that the Honourable Quran consists out of
approximitly 6000 verses, so by no means should this basic work, of less than 100 verses,
can be interpreted as an accurate representation of what Islam is and what the Muslim is
about. All it was meant to do is to give some insight through the translated verses of the
Noble Quran, struggles and opportunities in relations between Jews, Christians, and
Muslims from translation of verses of the Noble Quran.
The matter of translation is also important. The first source was a Dutch Arabic version,
and has various differences with the English sources. Therefor the use of multiple sources is
recommended to give a more balanced view. However one must as well consider that not
everybody has the time or the critical eye in their daily life to do that.
There are specific terms used for Jews, Christians, Torah, and Gospel. Sometimes another
word is used and it implies or is translated, more than on one occasion, as Jews and/or
Christians as well. This is not always correct and one should be aware of that, as a muslim
and non-muslim. Context and background is important to understand in these cases what
the verses mean.
For me it was quite interesting to do, and I am eager to fetch a few other translations and
compare verses. It gives the non-Arabic speaking/reading person like me, a chance to
understand more about the Noble Quran and to draw more knowledge from it, to integrate
and express in my daily life as a Muslim.

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