Holy Books in Islam (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes
2.3.3 Holy Books in Islam
The Torah (Tawrat)
Definition: The Torah, known as the Tawrat in Islam, is the holy scripture revealed by Allah to the Prophet Musa (Moses). It is also a central text in Judaism, where it forms the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
- Content: The Torah contains laws, commandments, and teachings given to the Israelites. It includes stories of creation, the history of the early Israelites, and detailed laws that were meant to guide the moral and religious lives of the Jewish people.
- Authority in Islam: Muslims believe that the original Torah was a true revelation from Allah, but they also believe that over time, the text has been altered or corrupted. Therefore, while the Torah is respected, it is considered incomplete or modified compared to the final revelation, the Qur'an.
The Psalms (Zabur)
Definition: The Psalms, known as the Zabur in Islam, are a collection of hymns, prayers, and songs of praise revealed to the Prophet Dawud (David). In the Bible, the Psalms are part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.
- Content: The Psalms consist of poetic verses that express devotion, gratitude, and requests for guidance and protection from Allah. They are often used in worship and personal prayer.
- Authority in Islam: Similar to the Torah, Muslims believe that the Psalms were a true revelation from Allah. However, they also believe that the original text has been altered over time. While the Psalms are respected, they are seen as part of the earlier revelations that were completed and perfected by the Qur'an.
- Role in Islamic Tradition: In Islam, the Psalms are valued for their spiritual teachings and are often cited in discussions about prayer and devotion.
The Gospel (Injil)
Definition: The Gospel, known as the Injil in Islam, refers to the original message revealed to the Prophet Isa (Jesus). Muslims believe that this Gospel was a true revelation from Allah, but they distinguish it from the four Gospels found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
- Content: The original Gospel is believed to have contained the teachings of Jesus, including guidance on morality, spirituality, and the relationship with Allah. Prophet Isa is not seen as the son of God in Islam, Prophet Isa is believed to have announced the coming of Prophet Muhammad.
- Authority in Islam: Muslims believe that the original Gospel was a revelation from Allah but that its message has been altered over time by human hands. The Qur'an is seen as correcting and completing the teachings found in the Gospel, making it the final and most authoritative scripture.
The Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim)
Definition: The Scrolls of Abraham, known as the Suhuf Ibrahim in Islam, are believed to be the scriptures revealed to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). These scrolls are mentioned in the Qur'an but are not preserved in their original form today.
- Content: The content of the Scrolls is largely unknown, but they are believed to have contained teachings on monotheism, morality, and guidance on living a righteous life. They were among the earliest revelations given to humanity.
- Authority in Islam: The Scrolls of Abraham are respected as one of the earliest revelations from Allah. However, since they are no longer extant, their authority is acknowledged but is seen as part of the foundational teachings that were later completed by the Qur'an.
- Legacy: Although the Scrolls themselves are not available, the figure of Ibrahim is central in Islam, and his teachings, as mentioned in the Qur'an, continue to influence Islamic thought and practice.