Bible (الكتاب المقدس - Kutsal Kitap in Turkish)
Definition
In Islamic tradition, the Jewish and Christian scriptures, collectively known as the Bible, are considered to be divinely revealed. The Qur’an frequently refers to the Hebrew scriptures (Tawrat) and the Gospels (Injil), acknowledging their origins as revelations from God. However, the text and/or the interpretation of these scriptures is believed to have become “distorted” or “corrupted”—a concept known as the doctrine of Tahrif—ultimately being superseded by the Qur’an.
Etymology
- Bible: Derived from the Latin word “biblia,” meaning “books,” which itself comes from the Greek “βίβλια” (biblia).
- Tawrat (توراة): Arabic for “Torah,” the Hebrew scriptures.
- Injil (إنجيل): Arabic for “Gospel,” the teachings of Jesus Christ as conveyed in the New Testament.
Historical Perspective
In historical debates between Muslim and Christian scholars, especially in the 19th century, figures like the Indian polemicist Rahmat Allah Kayranawi (d. 1891) utilized modern Western biblical criticism to support the idea of Tahrif in the Bible. Kayranawi contrasted these claims with the Qur’an’s textual integrity, emphasizing that the Qur’an has remained unchanged since its revelation.
Another significant figure of the time, the Indian modernist Sayyid Ahmad Khan (d. 1898), rejected the idea of textual corruption in the Bible, similar to some premodern Muslim scholars. Khan is exceptional among Muslim scholars for his unfinished commentary on the Bible titled “Tabyin al-Kalam” (The Mahomedan Commentary on the Holy Bible).
Further Studies
- Ayoub, Mahmoud M. The Qur’an and Its Interpreters.
- Robinson, Neal. Christ in Islam and Christianity.
- Abdul-Haqq, Abdiyah Akbar. Sharing Your Faith with a Muslim.
- Khan, Sayyid Ahmad. Tabyin al-Kalam (available in limited volumes).
Takeaways
- The Islamic tradition acknowledges the Jewish and Christian scriptures but considers them to have been superseded by the Qur’an due to perceived distortions (Tahrif).
- Historical debates highlight different Muslim perspectives on the Bible, from charges of text corruption to calls for interfaith understanding.
- Understanding Muslim views on the Bible can foster more thoughtful Muslim-Christian relations.
Conclusion
The exploration of the Bible through the Islamic lens demonstrates a nuanced relationship between these Abrahamic faiths. While the concept of Tahrif is crucial in understanding the Islamic approach to the Bible, historical figures like Sayyid Ahmad Khan offer alternative perspectives that encourage dialogue and deeper understanding between Muslims and Christians.
For further insights, comparative studies on scriptures and interfaith dialogues are recommended to better appreciate the profound connections and differences within these Abrahamic traditions.
