From Medina to Modernity Prophet Mohammed’s Letter to Saint Catherine Monastery the Evolution of Islamic Pluralism from Early Islam to Contemporary Interfaith Relations

Sarhad Hadi Taha

Abstract

At a time when the world is in unprecedented connectivity through globalization, religious tensions are growing instead of decreasing. This article examines a key document of the Prophet Mohammed: Letters to the Monks of St. Catherine's Monastery. Using the Qur'an's famous concept of "people of the Book", the article highlights the true coexistence between different believers. Through a detailed analysis of this document, the article argues that the Prophet Mohammed functioned not only as a political leader but primarily as a prophet. He has laid solid foundations for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and civil protections for religious minorities. These early models of Mohammed's time offer important guidelines for building a peaceful and pluralistic society in the modern world.

Keywords

Islamic Pluralism, Prophet Mohammed’s Letter, Interfaith Relations, Ashtiname of Mohammed, Religious Tolerance in Early Islam

Corresponding Author

Sarhad Hadi Taha, Zahra Institute, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Citation

Taha, S, H. (2025). From Medina to Modernity Prophet Mohammed’s Letter to Saint Catherine Monastery the Evolution of Islamic Pluralism from Early Islam to Contemporary Interfaith Relations. Journal of Arts and Humanities, 1(1), 01-12.