People of the book

People of the book--the Jews, the Christians, the Muslims do have a common denominator, as stands noted in Al-Quran (3:64) :

Say: ‘’O People of the book! Come to common terms, as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah. If they turn back, say ye: Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s will)

In word Jews, Christians and Muslims agree on common denominators--that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah,  but there are doctrinal lapses, which evolved with passage of time, though they were not associated with either Jewry or Christianity at inception.

Jewry institutionalized priesthood, it evolved to be consecrated, hereditary as well. Such an institutionalization, as seen in the ‘Temple of Solomon’ was challenged by Jesus Christ in measured tones, as practising religion needed neither lords nor patrons, it has to be a covenant between Allah (SwT) and the faithful. As Christianity evolved, Pauline doctrine of ‘Trinity’ and Redemption’ introduced elements, Muslims could not associate with. ‘Trinity’ meant association and ‘Redemption’ provided space for interventionist priesthood. Nor could Muslims associate with worshipping saints.

The quoted holy verse is clear--bowing to Allah’s will is inherent in being a Muslim and  subscribing holistically to Allah (SwT)’s will could entitle Muslims to say-- Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims, in case the people of the book turn back on what is enshrined in common terms. Transgression of norms enshrined in common terms is ruled out for people of the book--priest cannot be an intermediary, and respect for saints may not be translated into worship.