Introduction
Belief in the Books of Allah means believing that these scriptures were revealed by Allah as guidance to lead mankind to live a righteous life, pleasing to Him.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2
Books to Believe In
The four main books that Muslims must believe in are:
- The Quran
Revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quran perfects the teachings of previous scriptures that were altered by human hands. As the final scripture, it was revealed as guidance for all of humanity, regardless of race, ethnicity, or era, and remains relevant until the Day of Judgment as a complete and perfect source of guidance. - The Torah
Revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) to guide the Children of Israel. Today, it is referred to as the Torah and is part of the Bible for Christians. While Muslims must believe in the Torah, they also understand that the current version has been heavily corrupted and altered by their priests. - The Zabur
Revealed to Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him) for the guidance of the Children of Israel. Today, it is referred to as the Psalms in the Bible. Like the Torah, it has not been preserved in its original form. - The Gospel
Revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) for the guidance of the Children of Israel. Some believe the Gospel refers to the modern Gospels, while others argue that the Gospels are not divine revelation but resemble hadith in the Islamic tradition. Allah knows best.
As outlined above, these books served as guidance for humanity, delivered through Allah’s messengers. They contained laws appropriate for the communities they were sent to. The Quran, however, abrogates the previous laws found in these scriptures.
Evidence for Belief in the Scriptures
“O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before.”
Surah An-Nisa 4:136
This verse emphasizes the obligation to believe in the Books of Allah, including the Quran and the earlier scriptures. However, belief in earlier scriptures means acknowledging their existence and that they were revealed by Allah. Allah also mentions that these scriptures were altered by their priests:
“Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages.”
Surah An-Nisa 4:46
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also taught us how to respond to the People of the Book:
“Do not believe the People of the Book, nor disbelieve them, but say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, No. 4485)
The Quran as the Final Revelation
The Quran is the final scripture, completing and perfecting previous revelations. As the ultimate guidance for humanity worldwide, it has unique characteristics:
Complete and Perfect:
The Quran provides comprehensive guidance covering all aspects of life, including faith, worship, social dealings, and character. It is an all-encompassing manual for every era.
Universal:
Unlike previous scriptures sent to specific communities, the Quran was revealed for all humanity, transcending race, ethnicity, and time, remaining relevant until the end of the world.
Preserved:
Allah has guaranteed the Quran’s preservation:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:9, Saheeh International)
Unlike earlier scriptures, the Quran has remained untouched by human alterations, ensuring its authenticity as the ultimate guide.
Miraculous:
The Quran is a miracle in its content and linguistic beauty, full of wisdom and signs of Allah’s power. Its verses remain unmatched, serving as proof against the detractors of Islam.
Benefits of Belief in the Scriptures
Guidance for Life:
The Books of Allah provide clear guidelines for living a life that pleases Allah. The Quran, as the final revelation, covers all aspects of human existence, from daily manners to legal rulings.
Strengthened Faith:
Believing in the divine origin of these scriptures deepens one’s conviction in Allah’s greatness and care for humanity, affirming that He never left mankind without guidance.
Understanding History:
The earlier scriptures help Muslims understand the laws given to past communities, highlighting the continuity of monotheism and the necessity of the Quran as the ultimate truth.
Increased Taqwa (Piety):
Following the Quran nurtures a stronger relationship with Allah. It provides both physical and spiritual guidance, leading to balanced lives in this world and eternal happiness in the Hereafter.
Conclusion
Belief in the Books of Allah is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, forming an essential part of a Muslim’s creed. This belief acknowledges that the earlier scriptures, such as the Torah, Zabur, and Gospel, were divine revelations sent to Allah’s prophets. However, these scriptures were altered, rendering their content unreliable. The Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serves as the final and complete guidance for humanity, correcting distortions and preserving Allah’s message in its purest form.
Muslims are obligated to adhere firmly to the Quran, which addresses every aspect of life, including faith, worship, social dealings, and ethics. While acknowledging the earlier scriptures, Muslims understand that they are no longer reliable due to human alterations. The Quran remains the ultimate guide, leading believers to a righteous path and ensuring success in this world and the Hereafter.
Fundamentals of Believe | Pillars of Faith | Pillars of Islam | Al-Quran | History
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