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Abstract

Interfaith encounters among the Abrahamic religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam have shaped theological, cultural and political discourse throughout history. This study offers a comparative analysis of these interactions, exploring their theological commonalities, historical exchanges and the challenges and opportunities of contemporary interfaith dialogue. While the three religions share foundational beliefs, such as monotheism and a common reverence for figures like Abraham and Moses, significant theological divergences exist, particularly regarding the nature of God, scripture and key figures like Jesus and Muhammad. Historically, periods of intellectual cooperation, such as in medieval al-Andalus, have shown the potential for harmonious interfaith relations, yet this coexistence has often been marred by conflict, as seen during the Crusades, Inquisitions and other religious wars. In the modern era, interfaith dialogue initiatives have gained prominence, driven by the need to promote mutual understanding and peace. However, political tensions, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the rise of religious extremism continue to pose obstacles to these efforts. Despite these challenges, opportunities for harmony exist, particularly through shared ethical values of justice, peace and compassion. By fostering dialogue and education, these religions can build bridges of understanding, encouraging a more harmonious coexistence. This study highlights the importance of acknowledging both historical grievances and common values to create lasting interfaith cooperation among Judaism, Christianity and Islam.