Common Historical Base / Cultural Unity

As between Islam and polytheism there was no common point on any axis that had value Islam avoided making contact with the latter. For, as has already been expressed, the old polytheistic viewpoint had been developed on a foundation of opposition that was conditioned to maintain the status quo of the period.

The dominant culture and class in the Age of Ignorance, polytheism and the idolaters, were at the same time in the midst of a lynch or exile-hysteria and a paranoia that did not see others as having the right to live. Opposition to an understanding that did not allow for "the other" or its imposition is often counted by struggle until it becomes clear that you are the "other". Islam's experience with its first interlocutor occurred in this way.

From the beginning, Islam had a dialogue with Christians and Jews, and used the neutral name "People of the Book" for them, as they had a distinct system of values and a past tradition. However, because the reactions of the idolaters and hypocrites were determined by their behavior, with time, as these matters  were debated, their values became clearer, and as the differences emerged they too began to be called by neutral names; yet there was no common culture or shared values.

Freedom of belief is one of the fundamental aspects of Islamic teaching. Along with reserving all rights that are connected to this belief, it is a person's right to express their belief and thought.

While conveying the truth to his interlocutors, the Prophet explained Islam's clear approach according to the alternatives. Throughout history it is important that the consecutive arrival of prophets who were all followers of the same teaching, that is, they defended universal moral values, is something that is shared by all of humanity. This is an important shared value and an important cultural common denominator for all who find themselves with such a historical background or whoever defines themselves in this way. The Quran frequently refers to this subject and calls to people to think again. In particular, the Abrahamic tradition is shown as an era of purification, cleansing and is a time that serves as a reference. The prayers made for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Abraham, and their family, relatives and followers during the daily Muslim prayer both reinforces common cultural denominators and develops a feeling of loyalty. The prayer and refrain that are repeated during the five daily prayers is a serious form of worship that renews agreement and instills respect, love and loyalty for the past.

Islam's most distinguishing aspect is its attitude towards other sacred books and prophets and the very clear expression of respect and love for them. In this respect, there is nothing that members of other religions can teach Muslims and there are no extra values that they can want them to believe in. For after believing in the Quran and the last prophet, Muhammad, as a natural requirement of being Muslim, they believe in and respect the Old Testament and the Gospels, the Psalms of David, Moses, Jesus and other books and prophets. Without these, Islam and being Muslim does not mean anything. Well then, who can convey to whom what and which values do not exist?

Anyone who says that they are a Muslim cannot reject any of the books or prophets mentioned in the Quran or hadith (sayings of the Prophet), nor can they be disrespectful to them.

This knowledge and these commands regarding common values and cultural unity were given to Prophet Muhammad, the model of humanity, in the Quran in the following way:

• Protect the values that are common to you and the People of the Book. These values are not worshipping anything but God, not giving partners to Him, and not abandoning Allah or ascribing divinity to someone else. If they do not agree with these values, let them know that you are Muslim and will protect these values.
• They talk back and forth about Abraham; some saying that he was Christian and others saying that he was Jewish; they try and have him belong to themselves and they constantly debate this among themselves. They talk on every subject, whether they are knowledgeable about it or not; whereas, the Old Testament and the Gospels were revealed after Abraham. He was neither a Jew nor a Christian nor an idolater. He was a true and complete Muslim.
• In addition, those closest to him and those who have gained his friendship are Prophet Muhammad and those who follow him.
• Regardless of what the People of the Book do, they want to deter you from your path and make you stray. However, they are not aware that it is they who are on the wrong path.
• O, People of the Book! Although you see and know the truth, why do you deny Allah's verses?
• O, People of the Book! Why are you mixing the truth and falsehood and knowingly hiding the truth?
• Return to the true path, conform to the religion of Abraham, who was never an idolater.
• O, Prophet! Tell them: Allah conveyed to me a straight path, that is, the religion of Abraham; he believed in Allah and was never an idolater.
• Jews and Christians say, "Become Jewish/Christian and you will attain the true path." Tell them you are a member of the religion of Abraham, who was a haneef who never touched idolatry, and that you are following in his footsteps. You are truly on the straight path. Do not pay attention to the Jews and Christians who debate with you on this subject.
• Explain in clear language your viewpoint and thoughts regarding the common value and common denominators of humanity and the prophetical heritage, and say: We declare our faith in Allah and what was revealed to us, which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the sons of Jacob, and what was given by their Lord to Moses, Jesus and the other prophets. We do not distinguish among them. We surrender only to Him.
• Leave aside the claims and consolations of the Jews and Christians that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and their progeny are all Jews or Christians. Does Allah know better or do they?
• Which of the prophets that came before did We command to take gods other than Allah? What a question; could such a thing be?
• O, Prophet! Tell the Jews: If your speech is true and you are truthful people, bring a more truthful book than that which came to me or to Moses from Allah's presence, and I will conform to that.
• Let those who say that Muhammad made up the Quran call upon all those who think like them if they trust themselves and let them come up with something similar!
• Let those who slander the Prophet and pursue tricks know that the Prophet was only commanded to serve Allah, not to take partners to Him, and to call humans only to his path.
• Changing the qibla which you earlier turned to from Jerusalem and directing you towards the Kaaba was made as a measure of the sincerity of the People of the Book and to distinguish between those who conform and do not conform to you.
• Except for the things that Jacob forbade, all kinds of food was permissible to you before the Old Testament was revealed. If you are truly honest, say that it is true.
• O, ignorant ones! Are you recommending to me, a prophet, servanthood to something other than Allah? The common command made to all prophets in the past was: Serve only Allah and be thankful to Him alone. If you assign partners to Him, all your work will be in vain and you will regret this. You will be miserable.

Regarding the minimum common points and cultural unity indicated by the framework of the Islamic message, the verses which introduce general responsibility regarding behavior and expression to all, in particular to Prophet Muhammad, show more clearly the view of the Quran on this subject.