As discussed in Chapter 18, there has perhaps been no time in history when the bridge between Christianity and Islam has been more important, especially in light of ongoing conflict between historically Christian and Muslim nations. As the memories of the Cold War dissipate, many political commentators have warned about a “clash of civilizations” which could turn into the greatest conflict the world has ever known.

Added to these concerns is the frightening lack of knowledge the Western world has about Islam, a religion that many believe to be the fastest growing in the world, claiming nearly one billion members. Just as Islam was able to gain dominion over the great Christian city of Constantinople, Islam is also growing in popularity and prominence in the historically Christian countries in Western Europe. Over the last century, Islam has also gained many new members in the United States, particularly within some African American communities.

In light of these developments, it is increasingly important that Christians and Muslims seek out ways to better understand each other. The Virgin Mary provides one such helpful bridge between the two religions.

There is a beautiful Muslim saying by Abu al-Qasim ibn ‘Asakir which captures Islamic love for Mary:

Many of the Marian apparitions and miracles have been experienced by Muslims, who already have within their holy book, the Koran, as well as within the lived practice of their religion, a deep and abiding love for the Virgin Mary. According to some reports from the apparitions at Medjugorje, a few of the visionaries were shocked when they asked Mary who the holiest local person was and she named a local Muslim woman.

Religious Dialogue

For religious dialogue to be fruitful, it must be based on knowledge as well as upon a desire to see and affirm all that is good beyond one's own particular context. This is an increasingly manageable task when one recognizes similar elements between different religions, without minimizing genuine differences.

In the Bible, Mary says, “Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” The Koran opens a section with the words, “Commemorate Mary in the Book.” This statement speaks to Mary's very distinct position within Islam.

Within Islam, Mary has been viewed for centuries as one of the most perfect women. Like Christianity, Islam heartily affirms the value of submission and surrender to God. This is part of why the Virgin Mary is viewed as a model of faith.

The role of the Virgin Mary in Islam is quite notable for its practical implications as well. Because both Christianity and Islam deeply revere the Virgin Mary, members of both religions flock to Marian shrines to pray. It is quite remarkable against the current backdrop of hostility between these two religions that at certain holy sites such as the House of Mary in Ephesus and the healing pond in India, Muslims and Christians flock to both sites and pray peacefully beside each other (although not with each other). This model of peaceful surrender to God, despite significant religious, historical, and cultural divisions, remains a way out of the danger of increasing conflict and war under the guise of religion.