The Role of Previous Scriptures in Islamic Iman

The Role of Previous Scriptures in Islamic Iman

In Islam, belief in the previous scriptures sent by Allah to His messengers is an essential component of Iman (faith). Muslims believe that Allah revealed books to guide humanity, and these books contained teachings that were appropriate for their time and context. These scriptures, although altered over time, still carry valuable lessons and contribute to the understanding of divine truth.

The previous scriptures, including the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injeel (Gospel), are recognized as part of the divine revelations. While the Quran is considered the final and most complete revelation, the role of these earlier scriptures remains significant in shaping the beliefs of a Muslim. Allah’s message to the previous nations was always consistent, emphasizing worship of the One God (Tawheed), morality, and accountability in the Hereafter.

This blog post will explore the role of these previous scriptures in strengthening and shaping a Muslim’s Iman, supported by Quranic verses and Hadith. We will delve into how these scriptures contributed to the understanding of divine guidance and how they reaffirm the core tenets of Islamic Iman.

Belief in the Previous Scriptures as a Pillar of Iman

In Islam, one of the six articles of faith is the belief in Allah’s Books. This belief acknowledges the divine scriptures sent to various prophets throughout history. These include the Tawrat (given to Prophet Musa), the Zabur (given to Prophet Dawood), the Injeel (given to Prophet Isa), and the Quran (given to Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

The Quran mentions these previous scriptures in several verses, affirming their importance in Islamic belief and strengthening the Iman of a Muslim.

“Say, ‘We have believed in Allah and in that which was revealed to us and that which was revealed to Ibrahim, Isma’il, Ishaq, Ya’qub, and the Tribes, and that which was given to Musa and Isa and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'”
Arabic:
“قُلْ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ”
(Quran 3:84)

This verse directly refers to the previous scriptures and the prophets who received them. A Muslim is required to believe in the books that were revealed to the past prophets, and this belief in the continuity of divine revelation strengthens one’s faith in the Oneness of Allah.

The Significance of Belief in Previous Scriptures

Belief in the previous scriptures is not merely an acknowledgment of their existence but also a recognition of the consistent message they carry. The Quran emphasizes that the core message of all these scriptures was the same: to worship the One true God, to live righteously, and to be accountable for one’s actions in the Hereafter. Muslims believe that the earlier scriptures were revealed to guide humanity toward the truth, and their message supports the message of the Quran.

The Torah (Tawrat) and its Role in Islam

The Tawrat (Torah) is one of the most important scriptures in Islam, revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses). In the Quran, Allah mentions the Tawrat as a book of guidance and light for the Children of Israel.

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted to Allah judged by it for the Jews, and the rabbis and scholars [also judged by it]…”
Arabic:
“إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ”
(Quran 5:44)

The Tawrat, like the other scriptures, provided a framework for righteous living and outlined divine laws, including laws on justice, charity, and morality. The Quran acknowledges the Tawrat’s role as a source of guidance for the Children of Israel. Though the Torah was originally pure and unaltered, Muslims believe that over time, it was distorted, and much of its original message was lost.

Despite this, the Quran reaffirms the validity of the original Torah and its role in guiding those who followed it.

The Psalms (Zabur) and Its Message

The Zabur, or Psalms, was revealed to Prophet Dawood (David). While the Quran does not provide as much detail about the Zabur as it does about the Tawrat and Injeel, it is acknowledged as one of the divine scriptures.

“And We gave to Dawood the Zabur.”
Arabic:
“وَءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ الزَّبُورَ”
(Quran 4:163)

The Zabur is believed to have been a source of spiritual and moral guidance, similar to the Psalms in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It emphasized worship, praise, and the glorification of Allah, calling people to sincerity and devotion in their relationship with Him. Though not much is known about the exact contents of the Zabur, the Quran confirms its divine origin and status as one of the sacred texts.

The Gospel (Injeel) and Its Role in Islam

The Injeel (Gospel) was revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus), and like the Tawrat and Zabur, it is acknowledged as a divine scripture. The Quran speaks highly of the Injeel and confirms that it was a source of guidance for the followers of Prophet Isa.

“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Isa the son of Maryam, confirming that which came before him in the Torah. And We gave him the Injeel in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it in the Torah as guidance and an admonition for the righteous.”
Arabic:
“وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمْ بِعِيسَىٰ ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِۦ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَاةِ وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ٱلْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًۭى وَنُورٌۭ وَمُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِۦ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَاةِ وَهُدًۭى وَمَوْعِظَةًۭ لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ”
(Quran 5:46)

The Quran confirms that the Injeel was a book of guidance and light. It emphasized the worship of the One true God and the teachings of righteousness and moral uprightness. Like the other previous scriptures, however, the original message of the Injeel has been altered over time. Nonetheless, the Quran upholds its original message as part of Allah’s divine plan for humanity.

The Quran as a Final Revelation and Its Relationship to Previous Scriptures

While Muslims acknowledge the validity of the previous scriptures, they believe that these scriptures have been altered and corrupted over time. The Quran, as the final revelation, was sent to preserve the true message of Allah, correcting the distortions that had occurred in the earlier texts. However, the Quran does not dismiss the previous scriptures but rather confirms their original message, reinforcing the continuity of divine guidance.

“Indeed, We have sent to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it…”
Arabic:
“إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِۦ مِنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَمُهَيِّمِنًۭا عَلَيْهِۦ…”
(Quran 5:48)

The Quran serves as the final criterion, confirming the truth of the previous scriptures while correcting any misunderstandings and misinterpretations that had arisen. This role of the Quran is crucial in strengthening the Iman of Muslims, as it reinforces the consistency of Allah’s message throughout history.

Lessons from Previous Scriptures for Muslims

Muslims are encouraged to learn from the stories and lessons contained in the previous scriptures. The Quran provides detailed accounts of the lives of prophets such as Musa, Ibrahim, Isa, and others, whose stories are mentioned not only as historical accounts but as lessons in faith, patience, and perseverance.

“And We have certainly sent to every nation a messenger, saying, ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.’ And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was decreed.”
Arabic:
“وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًۭا أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ ۚ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَىٰ ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ”
(Quran 16:36)

Muslims are advised to reflect on the stories of the prophets, learn from their challenges, and strengthen their Iman through these reflections. The Quran and Hadith together show that the message of Tawheed, good conduct, and accountability is universal and timeless.

Conclusion: The Role of Previous Scriptures in Islamic Iman

The belief in the previous scriptures sent by Allah is an integral part of Islamic Iman. These scriptures, including the Tawrat, Zabur, and Injeel, contain the essence of divine guidance, focusing on the worship of the One true God and moral uprightness. The Quran, as the final revelation, does not negate the importance of the earlier scriptures but instead affirms them while correcting any misinterpretations that arose over time.

For Muslims, understanding and accepting the role of the previous scriptures strengthens their Iman, deepens their faith in the continuity of divine revelation, and highlights the importance of following Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life. Through the Quran, Allah continues to remind humanity of the shared message of all His prophets and the ultimate goal of seeking His pleasure in this world and the Hereafter.

The previous scriptures serve as both a source of reflection and a reminder of the importance of faith in the One true God. Their role in Islam, therefore, remains indispensable for the Muslim believer, as they help reinforce the core principles of Tawheed, righteousness, and accountability that are fundamental to Islamic Iman.