Interpreting the scriptures of Islam and implications for the West

The paper will explore scriptural evidence in the Islamic tradition which has capacity to fortify dialogue with the West on the basis of the notion of a common tradition existing between Islam and the major religious traditions of the West. This common tradition will focus not only on the central Abraham legends and lineage but on recently revived evidence of the strong role played by the 'Muslim Jesus' in the early inspiration of Islam. At the same time, this evidence will be unveiled as the cause of much of the misunderstanding and tension that exists between Islam and Judaism and Christianity in particular. The role of the work of the Tunisian scholar, Mohamed Talbi, will be central to the thesis being put in the paper that the common tradition has greater potential for unity than disunity.