Introduction
The Qurʾān, the holy book of Islam, frequently refers to the sacred scriptures of the Jews and Christians, the Old and New Testaments. These references underline a deep respect and acknowledgment of their divine origin. Prophet Muḥammad affirmed the inspiration of these holy texts, recognized their presence during his time, and often appealed to these scriptures to support his mission.
Etymology
The terms “Old Testament” and “New Testament” in Arabic are often referred to as:
- التوراة (al-Tawrah) for the Old Testament (Torah)
- الإنجيل (al-Injeel) for the New Testament (Gospel)
In Turkish, they are referred to as:
- Tevrat for the Old Testament
- İncil for the New Testament
Qur’anic Acknowledgment of the Old and New Testaments
References in the Qurʾān
The Qurʾān contains numerous verses referencing the sacred scriptures of Jews and Christians, some of which are highlighted below, organized chronologically:
Surah 87:18-19
<p>“Verily this is in the books of yore; the books of Abraham and Moses.”</p>
Surah 53:37-40
<p>“Hath he not been told of that which is in the pages of Moses, and of Abraham who acted faithfully? That a burdened soul shall not bear another’s burden, and that there shall be nothing (imputed) to a man, but that which he himself hath wrought.”</p>
Surah 32:23-25
<p>“And verily We gave Moses the book: wherefore be not in doubt as to the reception thereof, and We made it a direction to the Israelites. And We made from among them leaders who should direct according to Our command, when they were steadfast, and believed in Our signs. Verily thy Lord, He will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection as to that concerning which they disagree.”</p>
Surah 2:1-5
<p>“This is the book in which there is no doubt,—a guide to the pious;—they who believe in the Unseen, and observe prayer, and spend out of that which We have provided them with;—and they who believe in that which hath been revealed unto thee, and that which hath been revealed before thee, and have faith in the life to come. These walk according to the direction of their Lord, and these are the blessed.”</p>
Surah 2:136
<p>“Say, We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes 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 to Him we submit.”</p>
Surah 3:3
<p>“He has revealed to you the Book with truth, verifying that which is before it, and He revealed the Taurāt and the Injeel before, a guidance for the people, and He sent the Furqan.”</p>
Surah 5:44
<p>“Indeed, We sent down the Taurāt, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto.”</p>
Surah 10:94
<p>“So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.”</p>
Respect for the Scriptures
Prophet Muḥammad’s reverence for the Old and New Testaments is evident in several Qur’anic verses, affirming their divine origin and urging people to recognize their shared roots.
Confirmation and Continuation
The Qurʾān often presents itself as a continuation and confirmation of previous scriptures, emphasizing that it verifies and attests to the earlier revelations.
Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into the testimony of the Qurʾān to the Old and New Testaments, the following books are recommended:
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith
- “Muhammad and the Bible: Sacred Scripture and Myth in Late Antiquity” by Reynolds Gabriel Said
- “Islam and Other Religions: Pathways to Dialogue” edited by Irfan A. Omar and Michael K. Duffey
Conclusion
The Qurʾān’s numerous references to the Old and New Testaments serve to bridge the foundational texts of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, showcasing a profound respect and acknowledgment of these scriptures. This interconnectedness underscores a shared heritage and highlights the continuity of divine revelation across different faiths.
Takeaways
- The Qurʾān references the Old and New Testaments with high respect.
- Prophet Muḥammad acknowledged the divine inspiration and existence of these scriptures during his time.
- The Qurʾān views itself as a continuation and confirmation of the earlier sacred texts.
These connections provide essential perspectives for fostering mutual understanding and respect among the followers of these Abrahamic faiths.
