Thinking about how we read holy texts

Salam everyone. I've been reflecting a lot lately on the different ways people understand religious scriptures. It seems like so many disagreements between faiths might not actually come from the texts themselves, but from how we approach them-what assumptions we bring and how our traditions teach us to read. We all know that in Islam, the Qur'an is seen as the final message that confirms what came before. Other faiths have similar views about their own scriptures. But beyond the specific beliefs, I notice that Muslims, Christians, and Jews share so much: important figures, stories, and core values like justice, mercy, and loving Allah and our neighbors. A lot of the differences seem to come down to interpretation. Sometimes each community trusts its own transmission of texts while questioning others'. That's natural-every tradition has its own ways of preserving what it holds sacred. Maybe the tension isn't always about outright contradictions, but about different approaches to understanding revelation: Is it cumulative? Corrective? Final? One sensitive topic is the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him. Islamic belief holds that he was not actually crucified, while Christians believe it happened historically. I respect both views deeply. From my perspective, this might not mean one text is wrong, but that they're highlighting different dimensions-maybe one focuses on the spiritual meaning, like how those who opposed Allah's plan were deceived. In Islam, we believe in the absolute oneness of Allah-Tawhid. Sometimes others misunderstand this, just as some might misunderstand concepts in other faiths. At the heart, though, all these traditions call us to similar morals: devotion, compassion, and responsibility. Maybe instead of trying to prove one text over another, we can focus on dialogue with good intentions and humility. We all have internal differences-even within families, people understand faith differently. That's why we all rely on Allah's mercy. Take eschatology, for example. Descriptions of the end times in Islamic narrations and in other scriptures might seem different on the surface, but could they be different perspectives on the same divine reality? Sometimes prophecies are understood fully only when they come to pass. I'm not saying any faith is superior or trying to challenge anyone's beliefs. I just think that if we approach each other with respect, focus on shared values, and leave our egos aside, we might understand each other better. Insha'Allah, may Allah guide us all to truth, grant us wisdom, and bless us with peace. Ameen.