Al-Ankabut
العنكبوت
وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ ۖ وَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَـٰهُنَا وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ وَٰحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ
Translation
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, 'We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims in submission to Him.'
Tafsir (Commentary)
This verse establishes the etiquette of interfaith dialogue in Islam. The phrase 'except in a way that is best' (illa billati hiya ahsan) mandates that engagement with Jews and Christians must be conducted with respect and intellectual courtesy — not hostility or ridicule. The theological foundation for this civility is remarkable: 'Our God and your God is one.' This shared monotheistic identity is presented as common ground from which meaningful dialogue can occur.
Context of Revelation
Revealed in Mecca during a period when early Muslims interacted with Christian and Jewish communities. The verse provides a permanent framework for Muslim engagement with other Abrahamic faiths.