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What is the Quran's view of the Bible

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In a Nutshell:

The Quran views the Torah (Tawrat) revealed to the Prophet Moses (as), the Psalms (Zabur) revealed to the Prophet David (as) and the Gospel (Injil) revealed to the Prophet Jesus (as) as authentic divine revelations. Muslims believe these scriptures contained God's (swt) guidance for their respective communities. However, the Quran also states that over time, changes and distortions were introduced into these texts, leading to the form of the Bible as we know it today. Thus, Muslims believe the original messages remain partially preserved in the Bible, but consider the Quran to be the final, complete and uncorrupted message from Allah (swt).


Table of Contents

Introduction
The Quran's View of the Bible
Key Quranic Verses
Relevant Hadith
Scholarly Opinions
What Does the Quran Say About the Bible?
5 Misconceptions About the Quran's View of the Bible
5 Common Objections and Responses
FAQs: What Does the Quran Say About the Bible?
Conclusion


Introduction

The relationship between Islam and the Bible is a complex one, with elements of both respect and critique. The Quran, the central text of Islam revealed to the Prophet (pbuh), recognizes the divine origins of the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel and their significance for the Abrahamic religious tradition. Yet, it also highlights the distortions that have entered these texts over time.

This understanding gives rise to questions. What are the specific passages in the Quran referring to the Bible? What do the prophetic traditions (hadith) say on this topic? How have traditional Islamic scholars interpreted these textual sources? This article delves deep into these questions, examines the Quran's perspective on the Bible, analyzes potential misunderstandings and aims to foster an informed understanding of the intricate relationship between these two scriptural pillars of faith.

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Evidences

The Quran's View of the Bible

The Quran affirms the divine origin of previous scriptures like the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel and refers to their followers as the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab):

And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torahasguidance and instruction for the righteous. (Quran 5:46)

Key Quranic Verses

Confirmation of Previous Revelations:Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'(Quran 2:136)

Guidance and Light:...And We gave Moses the Scripture and made it a guidance for the Children of Israel... (Quran 17:2)

Distortion and Alteration:So woe to those who write the 'scripture' with their own hands, then say, 'This is from Allah,' in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn. (Quran 2:79)

Preservation of Elements of Truth:And indeed, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, 'This is from Allah,' but it is not from Allah. And they speak untruth about Allah while they know.(Quran 3:78)

Relevant Hadith

Narrated Abu Huraira (ra): The people of the Scripture (Jews) used to recite the Torah in Hebrew and explain it in Arabic to the Muslims. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, Do not believe the people of the Scripture, nor disbelieve them, but say:-- 'We believe in Allah and whatever is revealed to us and whatever is revealed to you.' (Sahih al-Bukhari)

It was narrated on the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: Convey from me, even if it is only a verse... (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)


Scholars' Opinions:

Ibn Kathir (14th Century):Some of what is in the hands of the Jews and Christians came from God, mixed with additions they made. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Al-Qurtubi (13th Century):The Torah and the Gospel have undergone changes and alterations...things have been added that were not in them. (Al-Jami' li Ahkam al-Qur'an)

if these are aligned with your vision. We'll continue with the What Does the Quran Say About the Bible? section next. Here are the next three sections, keeping your instructions in mind.

What Does the Quran Say About the Bible?

The Quran's perspective on the Bible is nuanced. It acknowledges the divine origins of previous scriptures but emphasizes distortions introduced into the texts over time. This does not imply that the entire Bible is dismissed; rather, Muslims believe that authentic fragments of the original revelations remain present.

Central to this analysis is the Islamic concept of tahrif. This term refers to alterations made to the original scriptures, both in the form of additions and deletions or misinterpretations. The Quran critiques those who deliberately distort the word of God for personal gain.

Traditional scholars have generally held that the core messages of the Torah, Psalms and Gospel, such as the belief in One God (tawhid) and core moral values, resonate with Islam. However, theological differences exist, such as the Islamic understanding of Jesus (as) as a respected prophet and not the divine Son of God.

The Quran calls upon Muslims to approach previous scriptures with respect, seeking out points of convergence while recognizing the corruptions that have taken place. Islamic scholars engage in the critical study of the Bible, seeking to distinguish what may remain from the original message while acknowledging modifications.

5 Misconceptions About the Quran's View of the Bible

The Quran rejects the Bible entirely:This is inaccurate. The Quran acknowledges the original divine inspiration but emphasizes that they have undergone changes.

Muslims cannot read the Bible:This is false. Muslims are encouraged to study previous scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of faith traditions.

The Quran claims the entire Bible is corrupt:While highlighting distortion, the Quran implies that fragments of the original revelations remain.

Islam seeks to discredit previous scriptures:The Quran aims to confirm authentic aspects of previous faiths and correct distortions.

There is no common ground between Islam and Abrahamic faiths:While differences exist, core values and belief in One God provide potential for dialogue.

5 Common Objections and Responses

If the Bible is corrupt, why does the Quran reference it?The Quran confirms the original divine nature of these scriptures, guiding believers to the untarnished truth.

Doesn't the Quran's claim of corruption disrespect previous prophets?Respect for prophets compels Muslims to protect the authenticity of their messages. Acknowledging corruption is not disrespect.

How can Muslims know which parts of the Bible are authentic?Critical scholarship, comparative analysis and guidance from the Quran assist in identifying authentic elements.

Can the Bible still have spiritual value for Muslims?Muslims can find inspiration in the moral teachings and shared narratives of the Bible, understanding them within the context of Quranic revelation.

Does this view lead to conflict between faiths?Recognizing differences while seeking common ground on fundamental values can promote interfaith understanding.

Please if you'd like to proceed to the FAQs. I'm committed to creating the perfect answer for you!


FAQs: What Does the Quran Say About the Bible?

Can Muslims believe in the Bible?Muslims believe in the original, divinely revealed Torah, Psalms and Gospel, but not the Bible in its current form due to the alterations that have occurred over time.

Why do Muslims use the term People of the Book?This term refers to Jews and Christians. It signifies that they were entrusted with divine scriptures and highlights a shared religious history with Islam.

What are the implications of the Quran's view of the Bible for interfaith relations?This understanding encourages Muslims to seek common ground while respectfully acknowledging theological differences. It opens avenues for respectful dialogue.

Are there historical examples of Muslim scholars engaging with the Bible?Yes, countless Muslim scholars throughout history have engaged in comparative scriptural analysis, from Al-Tabari in the 10th century to contemporary academics.

How can a Muslim approach the Bible with a critical mindset?Muslims can utilize textual analysis, historical context and the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah to parse potential authentic elements from alterations.


Conclusion

The Quran's perspective on the Bible offers a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Islam and other Abrahamic faiths. It affirms the shared heritage of divine revelation while acknowledging the distortions that have occurred within previous scriptures. Muslims believe that the original messages of God still partially exist within the Bible. However, they perceive the Quran as the final, complete and uncorrupted revelation, superseding all previous scriptures.

Islamic scholarship encourages both a respectful and critical approach towards the Bible. Muslims can seek out universal truths and moral teachings that align with Islamic principles while being mindful of potential alterations. Acknowledging both commonalities and differences with previous scriptures can foster respect and mutual understanding among people of faith.

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