In Islam, the Bible, as known in Christianity and Judaism, is not referred to by a single name but is understood as a collection of books revealed to different prophets. Muslims believe that these books were originally divine but have since been altered over time. In Islamic teachings, the Bible is generally referred to in terms of its components:
1. Tawrat (تورات) – The Torah
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The Tawrat is the name for the Torah, which was revealed to the Prophet Moses (known as Musa in Islam). Muslims believe that the Tawrat was a divine scripture containing God’s laws and guidance for the people of Israel. However, they also believe that the text has been altered over time.
2. Injil (إنجيل) – The Gospel
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The Injil refers to the Gospel that was revealed to the Prophet Jesus (known as Isa in Islam). Muslims believe that the Injil contains the teachings and message of Jesus but that, like the Torah, it has been altered or distorted in its current form.
3. Zabur (زبور) – The Psalms
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The Zabur is the name for the Psalms, which were revealed to the Prophet David (known as Dawud in Islam). The Zabur is believed to contain songs, prayers, and hymns of praise to God.
4. Qur’an (القرآن) – The Final Revelation
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The Qur’an is the final and most important scripture in Islam, believed to be the direct word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. Muslims believe the Qur’an supersedes earlier scriptures, including the Bible, and is the preserved and unaltered word of God.
Key Points about Islam’s View of the Bible:
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Respect for Earlier Scriptures: Islam teaches that the Tawrat, Injil, and Zabur were originally revealed by God, but they have been altered over time. Muslims believe that while these scriptures contain God’s guidance, the Qur’an is the final, complete, and unaltered revelation.
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Role of the Qur’an: Muslims consider the Qur’an to be the ultimate and preserved revelation. It is the central text of Islam, and everything in it is considered fully authoritative. The Qur’an is regarded as the final confirmation of previous scriptures.
In Summary:
In Islam, the Bible in its Christian and Jewish forms is seen as a combination of the Tawrat (Torah), Injil (Gospel), and Zabur (Psalms). However, these texts are believed to have been altered over time. The Qur’an is considered the true and final revelation, the unaltered word of God, and supersedes the previous scriptures.