Reading collection
Where the scriptures meet.
Fourteen studies of shared figures, related passages and disputed connections. Read the texts before deciding what the similarities and differences mean.
Adam, the angels and the fall
The shared garden story leads to different emphases on human responsibility, temptation and forgiveness.
02 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsNoah and the flood
An ark and a rescue are shared; the Qur’an gives particular weight to warning, rejection and the limits of family ties.
03 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsAbraham, the idols and the sacrifice
Genesis names Isaac. The Qur’anic sacrifice scene leaves the son unnamed, and Muslim interpreters have discussed the identification.
04 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsJoseph: betrayal, providence and forgiveness
Genesis and surah Yusuf share a family drama, while arranging its speeches and theological lessons differently.
05 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsMoses and Pharaoh
A shared story of deliverance becomes a repeated Qur’anic challenge to political arrogance and the refusal of divine signs.
06 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsDavid and Solomon: kingship under judgment
The Bible’s accounts of royal failure and the Qur’an’s accounts of prophetic kingship should first be heard in their own terms.
07 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsJonah: prayer, repentance and mercy
The Qur’an recalls a messenger rescued from distress; the biblical book also asks whether he can welcome mercy for others.
08 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsMary and the birth of Jesus
Both traditions honour Mary and affirm an extraordinary birth, while drawing different conclusions about Jesus.
09 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsThe crucifixion: text, interpretation and history
The mainstream Muslim reading of Qur’an 4:157 differs from the Gospel narratives and from the usual historical judgment.
10 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsA prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18
Muslim, Jewish and Christian readings ask different questions of a promise made within Israel’s covenantal setting.
11 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsAhmad and the Paraclete
Qur’an 61:6 and John’s farewell discourse make claims about a promised successor, but their wording and setting require close attention.
12 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsThe servant and Isaiah 42
A passage about justice for the nations has Jewish, Christian and Muslim histories of interpretation.
13 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsSong of Songs 5:16 and “Muhammadim”
A resemblance in sound needs to be tested against Hebrew grammar, the surrounding poem and the nature of a prediction.
14 / Textual comparison; Muslim understanding distinguished from Jewish, Christian and historical readingsThe People of the Book and tahrif
The Qur’an affirms earlier revelation and criticises distortion. The scope of that criticism needs careful definition.