Muslim holy books (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes
Muslim holy books
What are the Muslim holy books?
Muslims recognise five sacred texts known as kutub (meaning holy books), though they consider the Qur'an to be the most significant amongst them. These books form an important part of Islamic belief, as Muslims are instructed by the Qur'an to have faith in the scriptures that were also given to Christians and Jewish people.
This shared reverence for earlier scriptures is why Muslims often refer to Christians and Jews as "People of the Book". This demonstrates Islam's connection to other Abrahamic faiths while maintaining its own distinct beliefs about divine revelation.
The Qur'an
The Qur'an holds the highest position amongst all Islamic scriptures and serves as the central religious text for Muslims worldwide. Understanding its characteristics and significance is essential for grasping Muslim beliefs about holy books.
Key features of the Qur'an
Muslims maintain that the Qur'an was divinely revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a span of 23 years. The text is written entirely in Arabic, which Muslims believe preserves its original divine form. Interestingly, the word "Qur'an" itself means "recitation", reflecting how the revelations were initially spoken to Muhammad, who was unable to read or write.
The structure of the Qur'an consists of divisions called Surah (chapters) and Ayats (verses), making it organised and accessible for study and memorisation.
Muslims believe with absolute certainty that the Qur'an originated directly from Allah, making it the unaltered word of God. This belief in the Qur'an's perfect preservation is fundamental to Islamic faith.
How Muslims use the Qur'an
The Qur'an serves multiple purposes in Muslim life beyond being a holy text. Muslims incorporate verses from the Qur'an into their daily prayers (salah) and turn to its teachings when seeking guidance for life's challenges and decisions. The text provides spiritual comfort, moral direction, and practical wisdom for navigating both personal and community matters.
As the Qur'an states about its own revelation: "It is not but a revelation revealed, Taught to him by one intense in strength." (Surah 53:4-5)
Other holy books recognised by Muslims
While the Qur'an remains supreme, Muslims acknowledge four other sacred texts that they believe were originally revealed by Allah to earlier prophets.
However, they maintain that these earlier scriptures have been altered or corrupted over time, unlike the Qur'an which remains unchanged. This is a crucial distinction in Islamic belief.
Tawrat (Torah)
Muslims believe the Tawrat was the holy book given by Allah to Prophet Musa (Moses). The word "Tawrat" translates to "instruction", reflecting its purpose as divine guidance for the Jewish people. Muslims recognise that this text contained important spiritual laws and moral teachings.
The Qur'an acknowledges the Torah's original divine nature: "We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light." (Surah 5:44)
Sahifah (Scrolls)
The Sahifah refers to early scriptures that Muslims believe were revealed to Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ishaq (Isaac). These texts are thought to have been lost over the centuries, with no surviving copies remaining today. Muslims accept that these scrolls once contained divine guidance but acknowledge their disappearance from human records.
The Qur'an makes reference to these lost scriptures: "Or has he not been informed of what was in the scriptures of Moses." (Surah 53:36)
Injil (Gospel)
Muslims believe the Injil represents the original gospel revealed by Allah to Prophet Isa (Jesus). They maintain that elements of this divine revelation can be found within the Christian gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, though they believe the original message has been modified over time.
The Qur'an acknowledges Jesus receiving the Gospel: "We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary....; and We gave him the Gospel....."
Zabur (Psalms)
The Zabur refers to the holy book given to Prophet Dawud (David), which corresponds to the Biblical book of Psalms. Some Muslims today still consider portions of the Psalms to contain relevant spiritual wisdom and poetic expressions of faith.
The Qur'an confirms this revelation to David: "...and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]." (Surah 4:163)
Why Muslims recognise multiple holy books
Muslims believe in these various scriptures because the Qur'an itself commands them to have faith in the books revealed to previous communities. This belief demonstrates Islam's connection to earlier Abrahamic faiths whilst maintaining that the Qur'an represents the final and complete revelation.
A Crucial Distinction
Muslims hold that whilst the other holy books were originally from Allah, they maintain that these texts have experienced changes, additions, or corruptions throughout history. Only the Qur'an, in their view, remains in its pure, original form as revealed to Muhammad.
This understanding explains why Muslims can respect the religious traditions of Christians and Jews (as People of the Book) whilst simultaneously believing that the Qur'an provides the most accurate and complete guidance from Allah.
Key Points to Remember:
- Muslims recognise five holy books (kutub), with the Qur'an being the most important and believed to be unchanged
- The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad over 23 years in Arabic and means "recitation"
- The four other holy books are: Tawrat (Torah to Moses), Sahifah (Scrolls to Abraham and Isaac), Injil (Gospel to Jesus), and Zabur (Psalms to David)
- Muslims believe these earlier books originally came from Allah but have been altered over time, unlike the Qur'an
- This belief system explains why Muslims call Christians and Jews "People of the Book" whilst maintaining the Qur'an's supreme authority