The Islamic-Christian Alliance is established as a means of sharing the mutual faith that exists between Islam and Christianity. There are many examples of this mutual faith, and in the paragraphs that follow, we will examine one of those examples.

Imam Al Ghazali says in his work, "The Foundations of Islamic Belief," that "belief is a means of grace for the Hereafter." This statement is remarkably similar to the passage in the Bible which says, "It is by grace that He has saved you through faith." Both of these passages indicate that men need God's grace and that grace is given to those who believe.

These passages teach us that God gives His grace to people who believe (have faith). Our good works do not "earn" His grace. Although there are rewards for good works, it is His grace that gives us the ability and the privilege to do good works. This grace comes to those who believe.

Grace is defined as "unmerited favor." In other words, God does good things for people without them earning it. It is by grace that we receive forgiveness of sins we have done. It is by grace that we have strength to overcome sin when we are tempted. It is by grace that we have the opportunity to enter Paradise/Heaven. It is by grace that we receive God's mercy.

In order to receive God's grace we must believe (have faith). Belief is defined as trusting in and relying upon God. When we place our faith in Him, He honors our trust and reliance by giving us grace.

We can trust in Him because the scriptures say that we can. We rely on Him because there is no one else who can give us grace which has rewards in this life and in the life to come. The basis for our faith is His Word: the Torah, the Gospel, and the Koran.

We know that God gives grace to those who believe because the scriptures tell us that He does.

"God showers the believers with His grace (favor)." {Koran 3.152}

"As for those who believe and do good, He will pay them fully their rewards and give them more out of His grace." {Koran 4.173}

"As for those who believe in Allah and hold fast by Him, He will cause them to enter into His mercy and grace and guide them to Himself on a right path." {Koran 4.175}

"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." {Romans 4.4-5}

"Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all." {Romans 4.16}

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." {Ephesians 2.8-9}

Let us continue to live by faith so that God may give us grace!