Q: Keeping in mind the fundamental difference between Din and Religion.

Explain the main

points of mutual-coexistence between Islam and main religions of the world
Ans: The worlds religions can be bifurcated into two broad categories: Sematic religions and
Non-Sematic religions. Sematic religions are also called Abrahamic faiths which include Islam,
Judaism and Christianity. Whereas Non-Sematic religions can be further divided into two
categories: Aryan Religions and Mongol Religions. Aryan religions comprise of Hinduism,
Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Mongol religions consist of Shintoism, Taoism
and Confucianism.

The three Abrahamic faiths believe in the Supreme being and acknowledge the existence of
Allah. Although there is greater ambiguity in the Oneness of Allah in non-Sematic religions,
the acceptance of One Supreme being more powerful than others is there
Quaran states, (O beloved Prophet) Say, O People of the Scripture, come to the word that is
equitable between us and you that we will not worship none but Allah and not associate
anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah (Surah Al-Imran: 64)

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) is the prophet that is being revered and held in high esteem by the
followers of Sematic religions. Therefore, the mutual-coexistence can be fostered by
following the teachings of Hazrat Ibrahim in true spirit.
Moral principles such as truthfulness, honesty, the concept of good and bad, and modesty
etc. is common in all religions. Therefore, the principles of morality are largely common
among major religions of the world.
Animals slaughtered by the people of Sematic religions are lawful for Muslim, but the
condition is that they must proclaim Takbir (announce the greatness of Allah) while
slaughtering them. The Quran says: And the food of those who were given the Scripture is
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. (Al-Maedah, 5)
Marriage with the women of the people of Abrahamic faiths is lawful for the Muslim men.
The Quran says, And (Lawful in marriage are) chaste women from among the believers and
chaste women from among those who were given Scripture before you.
The concept of hereafter is almost similar in the teachings of all Sematic religions. On the
other hand, non-Sematic religions this believe can be found, but the concept is somewhat
different. However, there is a consensus in all major religions that the deeds undertaken in
this life do have repercussions. Thus, the concept of reward and punishment is present,
although in different forms.
Muslims conform to all scientific inventions or laws. As the laws of nature are made by
Allah, therefore, Quran being the only authentic divine scripture does not contradict any
scientific theory. Further, rational reasoning based on common sense is adopted by the
people of religion.
 Islamic banking has made its inroads into all the financial capitals of the world such as New
York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. The explosive growth of Islamic banking is due to
its non-speculative nature and asset based investments. It is practiced by professionals
regardless of their faiths