In a Nutshell: Muslims believe in the Bible and the Torah, considering them as divinely revealed scriptures, having undergone alterations over time, whilst the Quran is considered the final, unaltered revelation from Allah.
Introduction
Understanding the Muslim perspective on the Bible and Torah requires delving into Islamic theology and the relationship between these scriptures and the Quran. Islam recognizes the divine origins of the Bible and Torah but emphasizes the finality and preservation of the Quran.
Evidences
Quranic Verses
Confirmation of Previous Scriptures: Allah affirms the authenticity of previous scriptures in the Quran, stating, "Say, 'We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.'" (Quran 2:136)
Guidance in the Bible: The Quran acknowledges the guidance present in the Bible, "And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous." (Quran 5:46)
Preservation of the Quran: While recognizing the previous scriptures, the Quran also asserts its own preservation, "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Quran 15:9)
Hadith
Respect for Previous Prophets: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized respect for previous prophets, stating, "Do not revile my companions, for by the One in Whose Hand my soul is, if any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (mountain) in Allah's Cause, it would not be equal to a Mud or even a half Mud spent by one of them." (Sahih Bukhari)
Unity of Message: The Prophet highlighted the unity of the message, "The example of the person who knows the Qur'an by heart is like the owner of tied camels. If he keeps them tied, he will control them, but if he releases them, they will run away." (Sahih Bukhari)
Warning Against Alterations: The Prophet warned about alterations, "Do not believe the people of the Book, nor disbelieve them, but say, 'We believe in Allah, and whatever is revealed to us, and whatever was revealed to you.'" (Sahih Muslim)
Scholarly Quotes
Ibn Taymiyyah: "The Quran is the final revelation, but the previous scriptures contain elements of truth. However, due to alterations, they cannot be wholly relied upon for guidance." (Ibn Taymiyyah)
Al-Qurtubi: "Muslims are required to believe in the original scriptures, but the Quran is considered the ultimate criterion, confirming what remains unchanged and correcting what has been distorted in previous revelations." (Al-Qurtubi)
Ibn Kathir: "Muslims accept the truth found in the Bible and Torah, but the Quran is the ultimate source of guidance, preserved from any corruption over time." (Ibn Kathir)
Analysis
Muslims believe in the five books or scriptures mentioned in the Qur'an as original revelations:
- the Scrolls as revealed to Abraham;
- the Torah as revealed to Moses;
- the Psalms as revealed to David;
- the Gospel as revealed to Jesus;
- and the Qur'an as revealed to the Prophet Muhammed.
While Muslims accept that these holy scriptures were revealed by God, they do not believe that they have been preserved in the original form or language as when they were first revealed. Muslims believe that those aspects of the previous scriptures which were important to preserve are reiterated in the Qur'an, which is viewed by Muslims as the last and final revelation.
Muslims believe in the divine origins of the Bible and Torah, recognizing them as scriptures revealed to earlier prophets. However, the Quran is considered the final and unaltered revelation, providing the ultimate guidance. The belief is rooted in the acknowledgment of a gradual progression of revelations.
Some misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding that while Muslims respect the Bible and Torah, they believe these scriptures have undergone alterations. The Quran is seen as the culmination and preservation of divine guidance.
Critics may argue that the Quran contradicts the contents of the Bible and Torah. However, Islamic scholars contend that any apparent contradictions stem from alterations in the previous scriptures.
Conclusion
Muslims do believe in the Bible and Torah but consider the Quran as the final and unaltered revelation. The respect for previous scriptures is rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing a continuum of divine guidance through various prophets.
FAQs
Do Muslims consider the Bible and Torah as completely false? No, Muslims acknowledge the truth present in the Bible and Torah but assert that alterations over time make them unreliable for complete guidance.
Why do Muslims believe the Quran is preserved while other scriptures are not? Muslims believe that Allah has taken the responsibility of preserving the Quran, ensuring it remains unchanged for all times.
Can Muslims derive guidance from the Bible or Torah? While recognizing the guidance in previous scriptures, Muslims prioritize the Quran as the ultimate source for guidance in their lives.
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A student. Took Islamiat and History as subjects, and greatly interested in Islamic and Indo-Pak history.
"Belief in Books" which is the 3rd article of faith in Islam. Muslims believe that holy books are revealed by God to various Prophets throughout the humanity's history. All these books taught the code and laws that God ordained for those people. Muslims believe the Quran to be the final revelation of God's Word to Humankind, and a completion and confirmation of previous books. Despite the supremacy that the Qur'an has as God's final word, Islam speaks of respecting all the previous books, and belief in all the revealed books is an article of faith in Islam. The four revealed books mentioned by name in the Qur'an are the Torah (revealed to Moses), the Psalms (revealed to David), the Gospel (revealed to Jesus), and the Qur'an itself.
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