They may have their differences, but Christianity and Islam share common bonds that can strengthen the ties between their followers, says Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi.

At the end of Ramadan, traditionally a time for reconciliation, a group of international Islamic scholars sent a letter to Christian leaders around the world inviting them to a greater understanding of each other, and a united front against injustice.

The communication, entitled A Common Word Between Us and You, also warned that any tensions between the two faiths could lead to perilous unrest of global proportions.

If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, it read, the world cannot be at peace.

It comes a year after the Pope's controversial comments in Germany where he suggested that Islam was spread by the sword.

An ITV documentary aired last month, The Muslim Jesus, explored similarities and differences between gospel and accounts in the Koran about the life and death of Christ.

More recently, Channel 4's Dispatches reported on Muslim apostates and active attempts by some groups to convert Muslims to Christianity.

There does seem, then, on the backdrop of today's volatile political climate, renewed interest in current relations between the two great religions.

The question arises, though, whether this age-old battle for hearts and minds is being blown out of proportion, or really is on the road to something quite catastrophic.

For centuries Christianity and Islam have been the most influential and inspirational belief systems on the planet. There do remain some major theological sticking points, in particular the idea of the Trinity, Jesus' Divinity and his Resurrection and Ascension.

There are also opposing positions with regard to Muhammad being the Spirit of Truth, Comforter and Counsellor which Muslims hold as having been foretold in the Bible.

Disagreements, however, have not just been doctrinal - the Crusades serve as a stark reminder how scriptural disparity (and claims to sacred land) can spill over into mass bloodshed in the name of God.

Equally unpleasant was the mischievous campaign led by Western Orientalists to attack and undermine the character of the Prophet.

They even went to the extent of calling him the anti-Christ.

However, it is important to remember that notwithstanding such ugly episodes in history, Christian and Muslim relations have been very harmonious.

There should be no reason why not, for both the Bible and Koran share common ground on numerous fronts - belief in a Supreme God, reverence for His Prophets, the sanctity of life, love for one's neighbours, service to the community and the importance of family.

The Koran testifies to this special relationship: "And thou shall surely find those who say, 'We are Christians,' to be the nearest of them in friendship to the believers. That is because among them are savants and monks and because they are not arrogant." (5:83)

"Surely those who believed, and the Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians - whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve." (5:70)

"Christians, like Jews, are counted among the Ahl al-Kitaab (People of the Book) with whom Muslims can marry. Protecting churches as well as synagogues also forms part of a Muslim's duty." (22:41)

So honoured are Jesus (Eisa) and Mary (Maryam) in Islam, that Mary herself is presented as a model for all believers, male and female (66:13).

The two are mentioned more times in the Koran than even the Prophet Muhammad, and countless Muslim parents continue to name their children after them.

Whenever Jesus and Mary are remembered, Muslims are required to say 'peace be upon him' and 'may Allah be pleased with her' respectively.

The same applies to several other prophets and noble personalities mentioned in the Bible.

This is the rich heritage and core values that Christianity and Islam especially enjoy.

And it is encouraging to see continuing dialogue between the two, inspired by the teachings of the Koran to 'come to an equal word between us and you' (3:65).

Particularly when only fanatical evangelists and militant Islamists appear to make the headlines, it is important for the vast majority of genuine, peace-loving and tolerant Christians and Muslims to not simply celebrate, but indeed strengthen their ties.

The spirit that needs to be recaptured is the one exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad himself.

After hearing of his claim a delegation of 60 Christians visited him in Madinah.

A detailed discussion was held, but the Christians remained unconvinced. When the time for prayer arrived, the Christians desired to leave in order to worship elsewhere.

The Prophet invited them to pray in his own mosque in whatever manner they wished, which they gladly accepted and did.

It is only this kind of mutual respect and open-heartedness that will ensure peace. There can then be no question of any so-called clash of civilisations.

It can also help prove that Heaven isn't just something that we hope for after our passing - it can be achieved in this life too.

* Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi is chairman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in the Midlands. He can be contacted at midlands@khuddam.org.uk