Jewish · From the Shema to the final messenger

“We already have the covenant and the Torah.”

A real conversation about the Shema, Abraham's two sons, the prophet promised to Moses, and why Islam continues rather than replaces.

Back to all paths

Verses for this conversation

“And your God is one God. There is no deity except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”

Quran 2:163

How the conversation unfolds

01The Shema is exactly where we agree
02Abraham's household also included Ishmael
03A prophet like Moses, from among their brothers
04God keeps on sending prophets
05Test both the man and the message

Let's talk

A conversation between Jewish and Muslim

Muslim

Hiya, you alright? I'm Dawud. What's your name?

You

Rachel. Nice to meet you.

Muslim

Lovely to meet you, Rachel. What's your background, faith-wise, if you don't mind me asking?

You

I'm Jewish. We've got the Torah and the covenant. Why would we need Islam?

Muslim

Fair question. Can I start with what we share? We both believe in one God, the Creator. No partners, no statues, nothing like Him.

You

Yeah, that's the Shema. 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord is one.'

Muslim

Exactly, and the Qur'an says the same thing. Like it says in 2:163, 'Your God is one God, there is no god but Him.'

You

True. That's always been our issue with Christianity, not with you.

Muslim

Honestly, we're so close. We fast, we keep food laws, we wash before prayer. Even 'salaam' and 'shalom' are basically the same word.

You

But the covenant came through Isaac.

Muslim

We love Isaac, he's a prophet to us too. But God blessed Ishmael as well. Like it says in Genesis 17:20, 'I will bless him and make him into a great nation.'

You

A great nation isn't a prophet though.

Muslim

Fair. But God also promised Moses another prophet like him, from their brothers. Like it says in Deuteronomy 18:18, 'I will put my words in his mouth.'

You

We read that as one of Israel's own prophets.

Muslim

I get that. But think about it. Muhammad came from Ishmael, the brothers. He brought a law and led a people, like Moses. And he didn't write the Qur'an, he just repeated what he was given.

You

Why would God send anyone after Moses though?

Muslim

He kept sending them, didn't He? Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah. We just believe it carried on, and ended with Muhammad.

You

How would I know if he's genuine?

Muslim

Use your own Torah's test. Does what he says come true, and does he call people to the one God? Hold him to that.

You

That's fair, actually.

Muslim

And you wouldn't lose Moses. He's mentioned in the Qur'an more than anyone, over a hundred times.

You

Really? I didn't know that.

Muslim

Have a read of his story in the Qur'an. See if it sounds familiar.

You

And if it does?

Muslim

Then you'd say the Shahada: 'There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His messenger.' Same God you already pray to. No pressure, Rachel. Take your time.

Take the next step at your own pace

Nothing here needs a decision today. Read the evidence, ask your own questions, and take as long as you need.

One God across the scriptures Ask us directly