Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 293
293 guidance (35:25 ⎯ 26). Many of the prophets of the Old Testament are mentioned by name in the Quran, and so also is Jesus, who with the other prophets is honoured and revered by the Muslims (2:137). Indeed, the Quran requires belief in the truth and righteousness of all the prophets and in the revelations that were vouchsafed to them by God. The Torah and the revelation that came to Jesus are repeatedly mentioned as sources of guidance and light (5:45, 47). Thus Islam seeks to bring about reconciliation between the followers of different faiths and to establish a basis of respect and honour among them. It holds out to them the hand of co-operation and friendship on a basis of righteousness. “Surely, those who have believed, and the Jews, and the Sabaeans, and the Christians, whoso believes in God and the Last Day, and acts righteously, on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve” (5:70). They are all invited to unite on the basic principle which all of them profess to believe in. “Say, O people of the Book, come to an agreement on a principle common between us and you, in that we worship none but Allah and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for lords beside God” (3:65). Islam stands emphatically for freedom of conscience. Everyone must make his choice, and accept or reject in absolute freedom whatever he