O People of the Scripture!

3:64. Say, ‘O people of the Scripture! Let us agree to a proposition common to us both that we worship none but Allah and that we associate no partner with Him and that some of us shall not hold others as lords besides Allah.’ But if they turn away (refusing) say, ‘Bear witness that we are the only submitting ones (to one God).’

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ

3:64 This verse lays down the basis for creating peace among the religions of the world and promoting religious dialogue. There cannot be peace in the world without peace and understanding between the religions of the world. The followers of different religions and peace-seeking sects are invited to come forward and agree to a premise that is common to them. All major religions assume the basis of Divine Unity, which is therefore common to all; but each religious system then diverges because of its specifics on which the others do not agree. To promote peace and understanding among the world religions the verse tells us we should proceed by looking for a premise that is common among religions. It calls us to a belief free from all additions to Allah’s Unity—a common and simple belief. The verse is intended to suggest an easy and simple method by which one can arrive at a consensus with no claim of any exclusivity of any religion. The Holy Prophet (PBUH), while writing to Heraclius in the year 6 A.H., used this very verse in his letter (Bukhari). The common premise then serves as a meeting ground for further religious dialogue.