This study aims at understanding the perception of Nah­dlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah and Hizb al-Tahrir leaders in Malang, East Jawa, about the relation of Islam with Ahl al-Kitāb, includes their implications toward social life. The result shows that there are varied concepts on the meaning of Ahl al-Kitāb. According to NU and Muhammadiyah, Ahl al-Kitāb are Jewish and Christian community who still or not recognize the oneness of Allah. Con­versely, Hizbut Tahrir state that the term refers merely to Jewish and Christian who embrace the “genuine” theological system. In under­standing the hadis, the three organizations are polarized into three models; combining pure Islamic sciences with modern sciences as performed by the NU’s followers (Nahdhiyin); applying contextual approach and modern sciences as used by Muhammadiyah; and fo­cusing on text as Hizbut Tharir choose. However, although the three organizations have different understanding on the concept of Ahl­al-Kitab, they they have no objection to establish social relationship with them.