The holy books (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The holy books in Islam
Introduction to Islamic holy books
Muslims recognise five holy books in total, though the Qur'an holds the most significant position in Islamic faith. These books are collectively known as the Kutub, meaning "books of revelation." Muslims believe that Allah revealed these texts to guide humanity, though they hold that only the Qur'an remains unchanged from its original form.
The concept of revelation (Wahyu) is central to Islamic belief, representing direct communication from Allah to chosen prophets throughout history. This divine guidance was intended to provide humanity with moral, spiritual, and practical direction for living according to Allah's will.
The Qur'an
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an stands as the most important sacred text for Muslims worldwide. The word "Qur'an" translates to "recitation", reflecting how Allah spoke these words directly to the Prophet Muhammad. This is particularly significant because Muhammad was unable to read or write, making the revelation even more remarkable for believers.
The Qur'an is structured into 114 chapters called surahs, which contain individual verses known as ayats. Every word is written in Arabic, and Muslims believe this original language must be preserved to maintain the text's true meaning and spiritual power.
Critical Understanding: Muslims believe the Qur'an contains the exact words of Allah, revealed in Arabic through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) to Prophet Muhammad. This belief in the text's divine origin and linguistic preservation forms the foundation of Islamic faith and practice.
Authority of the Qur'an
Muslims regard the Qur'an as containing the exact words of Allah, making it the ultimate source of religious authority. This belief shapes several key aspects of Islamic faith:
- Direct revelation: Muslims believe the Qur'an represents Allah's direct communication to humanity, unchanged and unchangeable
- Preservation: Unlike other holy books, Muslims maintain that the Qur'an cannot be criticised or altered, as this would show disrespect to Allah
- Arabic authenticity: The Qur'an must always be read in Arabic during worship, as its true spiritual meaning can only be found in the original language
- Final revelation: The Prophet Muhammad declared: "No prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will emerge." This establishes the Qur'an as God's final message
The Qur'an itself confirms its divine origin, stating: "It is not but a revelation revealed, taught to him by one intense in strength" [Surah 53:4-5]. This self-reference reinforces the Islamic belief in the text's authenticity and divine source.
How Muslims use the Qur'an
The Qur'an plays a central role in Muslim daily life and worship practices:
Daily worship: Muslims recite verses from the Qur'an during their five daily prayers, making it an integral part of their spiritual routine.
Jummah prayers: Special verses are read during Friday congregational prayers, bringing the community together around shared sacred text.
Celebrations and festivals: During religious celebrations, Muslims recite specific passages that relate to the occasion being observed.
Legal guidance: The Qur'an serves as a primary source of Islamic law, providing guidance on moral and ethical matters.
Personal guidance: Muslims turn to the Qur'an for support and direction when facing life's challenges.
Respectful treatment: Muslims show deep reverence for the physical Qur'an - they avoid eating, drinking, or engaging in casual activities while reading it, and many keep it at the highest point in their homes as a mark of respect.
Practical Example: Daily Qur'anic Recitation
During the five daily prayers (Salah), Muslims incorporate Qur'anic verses:
- Fajr (Dawn Prayer): Typically includes longer recitations from various surahs
- Dhuhr (Midday Prayer): Medium-length verses are recited
- Asr (Afternoon Prayer): Shorter passages are commonly chosen
- Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): Often includes verses about gratitude and reflexion
- Isha (Night Prayer): May include longer surahs for deeper contemplation
This daily practice ensures Muslims engage with the Qur'an's teachings regularly throughout their lives.
Revelation of the Qur'an
The process of revealing the Qur'an took place over approximately 23 years during the Prophet Muhammad's lifetime. Muslims believe this gradual revelation allowed the early Muslim community to properly understand and implement Allah's guidance. The revelations began when Muhammad was meditating in a cave, where the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) first appeared to him with Allah's message.
The four holy books (Kutub)
While the Qur'an holds supreme authority, Muslims also recognise four other holy books that Allah revealed to earlier prophets. However, they believe these texts have been altered over time, making the Qur'an the only unchanged divine message.
Key Belief: Muslims respect these earlier scriptures as originally divine revelations but believe human intervention has altered their content over the centuries. This belief emphasises why the Qur'an is considered the final, preserved revelation that supersedes all previous texts.
The Torah (Tawrat)
Muslims believe Allah gave this holy book to Prophet Musa (Moses). The Torah provided instruction and guidance for the Jewish people, and Muslims recognise that it contained important divine teachings, though they believe the original text has been modified over the centuries.
The Psalms (Zabur)
This holy book was revealed to Prophet Dawud (David). Muslims today believe it contains religious teachings that were originally from Allah, but like other earlier scriptures, they maintain that changes have occurred to the original text over time.
The Scrolls of Abraham (Sahifah)
Muslims believe these early scriptures were revealed to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and contained important religious guidance. These scrolls are thought to have been lost to history, with their original teachings no longer available.
The Gospel (Injil)
According to Islamic belief, Allah revealed the Gospel to Prophet Isa (Jesus). This text contained divine guidance for Christians, but Muslims believe the original message has been altered through human interpretation and translation over the centuries.
The Islamic concept of these books differs from how they are understood in Judaism and Christianity. Muslims distinguish between the original divine revelations and the texts available today, believing that while the core messages remain valuable, the exact words have been changed through human transmission.
Common messages and authority
Despite believing that these earlier books have been changed, Muslims recognise that all these scriptures originally carried similar messages about worshipping Allah, living righteously, and following divine guidance. The Qur'an confirms and reinforces the authentic teachings found in these earlier revelations, while Muslims believe it provides the only unchanged source of Allah's authority available today.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Qur'an is the most important holy book for Muslims and is believed to contain the exact, unchanged words of Allah
- Muslims recognise five holy books in total (Kutub), but believe only the Qur'an remains in its original form
- The Qur'an must be read in Arabic during worship to preserve its true spiritual meaning
- Muslims use the Qur'an for daily prayers, legal guidance, and personal support throughout their lives
- The four earlier holy books (Torah, Psalms, Scrolls of Abraham, and Gospel) are respected but believed to have been altered over time, making the Qur'an the final and most reliable source of divine authority