Definition and Etymology
Old Testament (Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq; العهد العتيق): In Islam, the Old Testament is acknowledged under the term “Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq.” It signifies the scriptures that precede the New Testament, which culminates the coming of Jesus (Isa in Islam).
- Arabic: Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq (العهد العتيق)
- Turkish: Eski Ahit
The term “Old Testament” is recognized but not commonly referred to with this specific phrase in Islamic theology. Instead, Muslims refer to specific books and prophets outlined in the Qur’an.
Significance in Islam
In the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad professes the revelation of divine scriptures to various prophets, confirming the continuity of God’s message throughout human history. Muslims respect these earlier scriptures, although they believe the final revelation is the Qur’an.
Key Qur’anic References
General Affirmation
- Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:130):
<p>“We believe in God, and what has been revealed to us, and what has been revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was brought unto the Prophets from their Lord: we make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him are we submissive.”</p>
Specific Texts Referenced
- Taurat (Torah): The book given to Moses (Musa).
- Zabur (Psalms): The texts revealed to David (Dawud).
- Injil (Gospel): The message given to Jesus (Isa).
Figures of the Old Testament in the Qur’an
Several figures from the Old Testament are notably mentioned in the Qur’an, often carrying their Arabic appellations. Here are some key examples:
- Adam (Ādam / آدم)
- Abraham (Ibrāhīm / إبراهيم)
- Moses (Mūsā / موسى)
- David (Dāʾūd / داوود)
- Solomon (Sulaimān / سليمان)
- Noah (Nūḥ / نوح)
- Joseph (Yūsuf / يوسف)
- Jonah (Yūnus / يونس)
Incidents of Old Testament in the Qur’an
Certain events from the Old Testament are vividly captured in the Qur’an, sometimes with variations influenced by Islamic exegesis and tradition:
- Aaron and the Golden Calf: Sūrah Ṭā-Hā (20:90)
- Cain and Abel: Sūrah Al-Ma’idah (5:30)
- Abraham’s Sacrifice: Sūrah As-Saffat (37:101)
- Deluge: Sūrah Al-Qamar (54:9)
Islamic Literature and Interpretations
Islamic scholarship and literature have explored these references extensively, often comparing them with Rabbinic and Talmudic traditions. Scholars, such as Mr. Emanuel Deutsch, argue about the influence of Jewish traditions on Islamic narratives.
Major Contributors
- Kashfu ʾz̤-Z̤unūn: A seminal encyclopedic work listing Old Testament books and dividing them into multiple categories similar to traditional Judaic divisions.
Takeaways
- Affirmation of Past Revelations: Islam recognizes and respects prior divine revelations but views the Qur’an as the final, complete guidance.
- Significant Prophets and Events: Major figures and events from the Old Testament are interwoven into Islamic theology, often reflecting a unique blend of scriptural interpretations.
- Comparative Studies: Works like those of Kashfu ʾz̤-Z̤unūn provide critical insights into how Islamic traditions have classified and understood Judaic texts.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “The Bible, the Qur’an, and Early Islamic Exegesis” by John W. Jujan Na’aya Cuvalay
- “Literary Remains” by Emanuel Deutsch
Conclusion
The Old Testament, termed Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq in Islamic tradition, holds significant value in affirming the continuity of divine messages as articulated through various prophets in Islam. The understanding of these texts through Islamic exegesis provides a fascinating interplay between Judaic traditions and Qur’anic narratives, enriching the mutual heritage shared by these Abrahamic religions.
