Holy Scripture in Islam
Definition
The term “Holy Scripture” in the context of Islam is rendered in Persian as Pāk Nawishtah (پاك نوشته), meaning “the Holy Writing.” The Arabic equivalents are al-Kitābu ʾl-Muqaddas (الكتاب المقدس), meaning “the Holy Book,” or Kalāmu ʾllāh (كلام الله), meaning “the Word of God.”
Etymology
- Pāk Nawishtah (پاك نوشته): “Pāk” means “pure” or “holy” in Persian, and “Nawishtah” means “writing.”
- al-Kitābu ʾl-Muqaddas (الكتاب المقدس): An Arabic phrase where “Kitāb” means “book” and “Muqaddas” means “holy” or “sacred.”
- Kalāmu ʾllāh (كلام الله): An Arabic expression meaning “the Word of God,” wherein “Kalām” means “word” and “Allah” refers to God.
Significance in Islam
While “Holy Scripture” is most commonly associated with the Qur’an in Islam, the term encompasses a broader range of divinely revealed texts acknowledged by Muslims. The concept is inclusive of:
- The Qur’an: The primary text of Islam, believed to be the final revelation from Allah through the Prophet Muhammad.
- The Torah (Tawrah): Recognized as a previous revelation given to the Prophet Moses.
- The Psalms (Zabur): Attributed to the Prophet David.
- The Gospel (Injil): Revealed to the Prophet Jesus.
According to Islamic doctrine, all these texts are part of the divine messages sent down by God to guide humanity, making them respected and revered among Muslims. This perspective is highlighted in various Qur’anic verses acknowledging other prophets and divine scriptures.
Relation to Other Religions
Muslim-Christian and Muslim-Jewish relations are often enriched by the Islamic respect for the Torah and the New Testament, even while believing the Qur’an to be the final and most complete revelation.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Qur’an: The Basics” by Massimo Campanini - A comprehensive introduction to the Qur’an’s themes, structure, and interpretation.
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith - Explores how the Bible was translated and understood in the Islamic world.
- “An Introduction to the Scriptures of Israel and Judaism” by Arnold Blumberg - Offers comparative perspectives on the Jewish scriptures.
Takeaways
- Inclusion of Multiple Scriptures: Islam acknowledges multiple divinely revealed scriptures, not just the Qur’an.
- Emphasis on Divine Origin: All these texts are viewed as part of the divine communication to humanity.
- Interfaith Bridges: This recognition supports interfaith dialogue and understanding, particularly with Jewish and Christian communities.
Conclusion
In Islam, the term “Holy Scripture” extends beyond the Qur’an to include other revered texts such as the Torah and the New Testament. These scriptures collectively form an integral part of the Islamic worldview and theological foundation, highlighting Islam’s recognition of a broader divine narrative spanning multiple prophets and generations.
For further insight into these revelations and their roles in Islamic theology, the referenced books provide in-depth studies and contextual analysis.
By formatting this entry in a structured manner, it becomes an informative resource for readers interested in the Islamic concept of Holy Scripture, its meanings, significance, and relation to broader interfaith contexts.
