Books of Moses (Taurat)
Definition
The “Books of Moses,” referred to as “Taurat” (توراة) in Arabic, represent the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch in the Judeo-Christian tradition. These books are believed to be authored by the Prophet Moses (Musa عليه السلام) and hold significant importance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Etymology
- Arabic: توراة (Taurat)
- Turkish: Tevrat
The term “Taurat” originates from the Hebrew word “Torah,” which is derived from the root ירה (yarah), meaning “to instruct” or “to teach.”
Components
The Taurat comprises the following books:
- Genesis (Bereishit) - The creation narrative, the early history of humanity, and the patriarchs.
- Exodus (Shemot) - The story of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent liberation.
- Leviticus (Vayikra) - Laws and priestly rituals.
- Numbers (Bamidbar) - The wanderings of the Israelites in the desert.
- Deuteronomy (Devarim) - Sermons and laws given by Moses before entering the Promised Land.
Significance in Islam
In Islam, the Taurat is considered one of the four holy books revealed by Allah. It is believed that the Taurat was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses) for guidance to the Israelites. The Quran acknowledges the Taurat as a significant but incomplete and partly corrupted part of earlier revelations.
Quranic References
The Taurat is referenced multiple times in the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44):
<p>“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”</p>
Scholarly Views and Interpretations
Islamic scholars have debated the extent to which the current version of the Taurat is consistent with the original revelation to Prophet Musa. The general consensus is that while the essence remains, certain texts have been altered or lost over time.
Comparative Perspective
- Judaism: Considers the Torah the central reference of law and guidance.
- Christianity: Reveres the Torah as the Old Testament.
- Islam: Acknowledges the divine origin of the Taurat and recognises its role in the history of revelation while viewing the Quran as the final and complete revelation.
Further Reading
If you are interested in exploring the topic further, consider these authoritative books:
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Noah’s Other Son: Bridging the Gap Between the Bible and the Qur’an” by Brian Arthur Brown
- “An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds” by Christian E. Hauer and William A. Young
Takeaways
- Multi-Religious Reverence: The Books of Moses are revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Islamic Perspective: In Islam, the Taurat is acknowledged as a divine revelation that provided guidance before the arrival of the Quran.
- Debates on Preservation: Scholars debate the preservation and authenticity of the Taurat as it exists today, compared to its original form.
Conclusion
Understanding the Books of Moses (Taurat) within the Islamic context highlights the continuity and divergence in the Abrahamic traditions. It underscores the Taurat’s role in guiding previous communities while also recognising the Quran’s place as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims.
