'Hikmah' is an Arabic word for wisdom. Our Hikmah study guides are an accessible way to develop an understanding of complex and potentially controversial issues which Muslims and Christian encounter together.
The guides are free to download as we want to make our scholarship and research as widely available as possible. However, please consider making a donation of at least £3 per guide if you find them useful. This would be a great encouragement and support to our work. Thank you. Hard copies of the guides can also be ordered from the CMCS office for £3/copy + p&p.
Christians, Muslims and … Jesus
Both Christians and Muslims honour and revere Jesus as the Messiah. However, whilst to Muslims he is an important prophet, to Christians he is much more. This Hikmah Guide respectfully explores these different views.
Christians, Muslims and… Muhammad
Muhammad is greatly revered and honoured by all Muslims around the world and yet Christians hold widely differing views concerning the Prophet of Islam. This guide explores his life and the differing views held by Muslims and Christians.
Christians, Muslims and … the Qur’an
The Qur’an is the central text of Islam and is key in the conversation between Muslims and Christians. This Hikmah Guide explores different Muslim and Christian views of the Qur’an and how it should be interpreted, understood and applied today.
Christians, Muslims and … Women in the Scriptures
This Hikmah Guide selects a number or female figures in the scriptures, telling their stories as they appear in the texts of the Bible and Qur`an to aid reflection on the extent to which these characters have been changed by commentaries and traditions.
Christians, Muslims and… Law
This Hikmah Guide maps out the history of religion and law in both traditions and explores the important questions facing both Christians and Muslims in thinking about the law today.
Christians, Muslims and … the Bible
No other book in history has been so widely published, printed and distributed as the Bible. However, it has been used and interpreted in vastly different ways by Christians - let alone by Muslims and others. This Hikmah Guide explores how both Christians and Muslims read and understand the Bible.
Christians, Muslims … Sects & Diversity
Christianity and Islam aspire to be unified religions, yet over the years they have fractured into an array of diverse, competing traditions and denominations. This Hikmah Guide helps you to understand how this diversity has come about.
Christians, Muslims and… War
War is a constant, tragic reality in our world. But what do the Christian and Muslim faith traditions have to say about it? This Hikmah guide explores the best and worst of war in both traditions.
Under revision
In preparation
Christians, Muslims and … Persecution
A look at the persecution of Christians and Muslims in the context of Christian-Muslim relations. This often controversial topic needs careful and sensitive handling on both sides whilst not downplaying the serious issues which have life-threatening impact on many people around the world.
Christians, Muslims and … Water
Coming soon: What do the Christian and Muslim scriptures have to say about the importance of water? How are Christians and Muslims encouraging their communities to conserve this precious commodity? Are there any signs of cooperation in regions of water scarcity?
Check out the CMCS Water Project
Christians, Muslims and … Martyrdom
Coming Soon: This Hikmah Guide will look at the controversial topic of martyrdom in the Muslim and Christian traditions.
Future topics
Christians, Muslims and… God
Coming Soon: The question of whether Christians and Muslims are worshipping the same deity is central to the encounter between the two faith communities. This Hikmah Guide will explore this important question and help readers to think through the emotive issues.
In the meantime, check out our starter bibliography on God in Islam and Christianity.
Christians, Muslims and … Islamophobia
Coming soon: Anti-Muslim hatred in the west is on the increase and Muslims must be protected from prejudice and discrimination. But what is the definition of Islamophobia? Not everyone agrees on the line between protecting Muslims from abuse and ensuring freedom of speech for those who might wish to criticise Islam.
In the meantime, check out the CMPL resources on Islamophobia.
Report of the launch event on 3rd February 2020 at Oxford Town Hall
Wisdom for Christian-Muslim Relations: A symposium to launch the CMCS Hikmah Guides with guest speakers, expert panel and special guests.