Review of “The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World”

By Anees (from Goodreads.com)

This timely book is invaluable at the present time. I think it’s important for both Muslims and Christians to read this work, both given the rising Islamophobia, as well as ugly, heart-breaking events occurring in Iraq and Syria as we speak. This book will re-enforce or in many, reveal the strong ties between Muslims and Christians that needs to be rekindled for the betterment of society in this country, which is suffering.

Even with the natural doubts that come into play with studying old documents and their authenticity, the basic teachings of Islam that are talked about at length in this book will itself go a long way in education the masses and maybe those who were not aware of this aspect of Islam.

While this is a laborious read, I think for those who are truly interested in improving relations between these two faiths and using it as a tool to do their own work within their communities, it is well-worth the read.

I myself, have made a small effort to participate in interfaith events in my community and have found it rewarding. Also, I’ve been able to make a connection with a Christian and change her opinion for the better regarding our beliefs in the light of both overall issues as well as current events regarding persecution of Christians in Iraq, for example, which is addressed in detail in this book.

As a Muslim, it was especially sad to read this book and watch the news in the last few weeks with the ugliness of ISIS rearing it’s head in Iraq and Syria, I realized even further how far from the message of Islam and it’s treatment of minorities was the complete anti-thesis to what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) professed during his life and the legacy he left with these covenants.

This book and others in the field that will hopefully follow it, are a great initial steps in strengthening the common ground between Christians and Muslims and as well as helping Muslims to recall that their faith calls them hold Christians and their faith in high value, which should prevail over the lost souls that are seemingly driving the narrative and thus misguiding Muslim youth who think such acts are permissible, when in fact they are not, as clearly outlined in the covenants, not to mention the Qur’an and Sunnah.