Scriptures Before the Qur'an: What Should Muslims Believe?
Explore what Muslims are required to believe about the divine scriptures revealed before the Qur'an. Discover the role of the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel in Islamic belief.
Introduction
The Qur'an is the final and most complete revelation in Islam, but it is not the only scripture recognized by Muslims. Islam teaches that God (Allah) revealed earlier scriptures to previous prophets for the guidance of humanity. These include the Torah (Tawrat) revealed to Moses (Musa), the Psalms (Zabur) given to David (Dawud), the Gospel (Injil) sent to Jesus (Isa), and the Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim).
The belief in these scriptures is not optional for a Muslim—it is a pillar of faith. However, understanding exactly what is required to believe about these books is essential for anyone striving to follow Islamic teachings. This article will provide a clear, focused exploration of this aspect of Islamic creed, strictly within the scope of the article's title.
Belief in Divine Scriptures: A Core Element of Faith
One of the six pillars of iman (faith) in Islam is belief in the revealed books. Muslims affirm that God has sent down scriptures at various times to different nations through His chosen messengers. This belief is based on numerous Qur'anic verses and Hadiths that confirm the divine origin of previous scriptures.
"Say, [O believers], 'We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, 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.'"
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136)
This verse beautifully summarizes the Islamic attitude toward previous scriptures and their messengers: respect, belief, and unity under the divine origin.
The Four Main Scriptures Before the Qur'an
1. Tawrat (Torah)
The Tawrat was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses). It is often equated with the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament, although the Islamic understanding differs slightly. Muslims believe the original Tawrat was a true divine scripture, filled with guidance and light, but that its original form has not survived intact.
"Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light."
— (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:44)
Muslims are taught to believe in the original Tawrat as a true revelation but also to understand that the current versions of the Torah may contain alterations.
2. Zabur (Psalms)
The Zabur was given to Prophet Dawud (David). In Islam, it is believed to be a book of divine hymns and wisdom, praising God and offering spiritual insight.
"And We gave to David the Zabur."
— (Surah Al-Isra 17:55)
Though similar in name to the biblical Book of Psalms, the Zabur in Islam is not seen as identical. Like other previous scriptures, Muslims believe it was changed over time by human hands.
3. Injil (Gospel)
The Injil was revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus). Muslims believe that Jesus was given a divine book filled with truth and guidance. However, it is important to distinguish the original Injil from the four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
"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."
— (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:46)
Muslims do not accept the divinity of Jesus or the concept of the Trinity, as presented in the current Christian canon. The Injil, in Islamic belief, was a pure message from God that affirmed monotheism and called for righteousness.
4. Suhuf Ibrahim (Scrolls of Abraham)
These are lesser-known scriptures believed to have been revealed to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The Qur'an refers to these scrolls but does not provide much detail about their content.
"Or has he not been informed of what was in the scriptures of Moses and of Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations]?"
— (Surah An-Najm 53:36–37)
Muslims believe in these scrolls as genuine revelations but understand that no copy of them exists today.
What Should Muslims Believe About These Scriptures?
Islam provides a balanced view when it comes to believing in earlier scriptures. Muslims are not expected to accept the current forms of these texts as they are. Instead, the Islamic belief entails:
1. Affirming Their Divine Origin
Muslims are required to affirm that these books were truly revealed by God to His prophets. Denying that these revelations ever existed is considered disbelief.
2. Understanding Human Alteration
Over time, the original revelations were altered, edited, or lost. This belief is based on both historical evidence and explicit verses in the Qur'an.
"So woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands, then say, 'This is from Allah.'"
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:79)
Thus, Muslims believe that although these books were originally from God, they are not preserved in their pure form today.
3. Respecting Previous Prophets and Their Messages
Muslims must respect all prophets and the messages they brought, even if the scriptures are no longer in their original form.
"The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers..."
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285)
4. Following the Final Revelation: The Qur’an
The Qur'an is believed to confirm the truths that still remain in earlier scriptures and correct the distortions that occurred over time. It is the final criterion (al-Furqan) by which all previous revelations are to be judged.
"And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it."
— (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:48)
Therefore, Muslims follow the Qur'an as the complete and preserved guidance, while still acknowledging the divine origin of previous scriptures.
Common Misunderstandings Clarified
Do Muslims Read the Bible?
Muslims are not required to read the Bible. However, scholars may study it for comparative religion, interfaith understanding, or dawah purposes. The general Muslim approach is cautious, due to the belief that the Bible contains both truth and human additions.
Can a Muslim Believe in the Bible As It Is?
No. Muslims believe only in the original Injil and Torah as revealed to their respective prophets. They do not accept the current form of the Bible as an accurate, unchanged representation of those scriptures.
Is It a Sin to Deny the Torah or Gospel?
Yes—if by that denial one rejects that God ever sent them. However, rejecting the modern versions of these scriptures, in light of their distortions, is in line with Islamic teachings.
Why Is This Belief Important?
Belief in the previous scriptures demonstrates the continuity of divine guidance. It shows that:
- God has always guided humanity through revelations.
- Islam is not a new religion, but a continuation and completion of the same divine message.
- Respect and understanding are necessary when dealing with followers of previous revelations.
The Qur'an calls Muslims to engage respectfully with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), recognizing shared beliefs while also affirming the finality of the Qur'an.
Conclusion
In summary, a Muslim must believe that the Tawrat, Zabur, Injil, and Suhuf Ibrahim were real, divine scriptures revealed to true prophets. However, Muslims are not bound to follow the current versions of these books, as they are believed to be altered from their original form.
The Qur'an stands as the final, preserved, and complete revelation. While acknowledging the truth that once existed in earlier scriptures, Muslims turn to the Qur’an as the ultimate source of guidance in their lives.
Understanding what to believe about the previous scriptures helps strengthen one's faith and fosters respectful interfaith dialogue rooted in knowledge and clarity.
