What does Islam teach about interfaith dialogue and cooperation?

The Quran explicitly models respectful dialogue with people of other faiths rather than avoidance or hostility. Addressing the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), it says, 'Say, O People of the Scripture, come to a common word between us and you: that we worship none but Allah...' (3:64), framing engagement around shared theological ground rather than only difference. Elsewhere Muslims are instructed, 'do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner... and say, we believe in what has been revealed to us and to you; our God and your God is one' (29:46), establishing a tone of engagement rather than antagonism. The Prophet Muhammad hosted Christian delegations, including one from Najran, in his own mosque and allowed them to pray there according to their own tradition, an early precedent for interfaith hospitality. Islamic history includes extended periods of scholarly exchange and cooperation between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities, notably in Muslim Spain and Baghdad, alongside periods of tension, reflecting the reality that ideals and practice do not always align perfectly. These texts continue to inform Muslim participation in interfaith dialogue and cooperative civic projects today.

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