ABSTRACT
A Common Word between us and you (ACW) is an open letter signed by one hundred thirty eight Muslim scholars. It was published on the occasion of 'Id al-fitr in 2007 and addressed to Pope Benedict XVI and twenty six other senior church leaders from most major Christian denominations. A Common Word's central contention that monotheistic faith and the twin love commandments provide the common ground for mutual understanding between Christians, Muslims and Jews is also found in Feisal Abdul Rauf's book What is right with Islam. Close to thirty per cent of A Common Word consists of quotes from the Qur'an, and another ten per cent are quotes from the Bible. A Common Word's use of biblical concepts as a prism to interpret Islamic tradition represents a novel approach in Islamic scholars' interpretation of the Christian tradition. A Common Word is open to differing interpretations regarding its understanding of Christian teaching and tawhid.
