Pentateuch (Taurat)

Pentateuch (Taurat) in Islam

Definition and Significance

The Pentateuch, also known as Taurat (تَوْرَاة) in Islamic tradition, refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally ascribed to Moses. These books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Islam, these texts are revered as part of the revealed scriptures, specifically provided to Prophet Musa (Moses, عليه السلام).

Etymology

The term Pentateuch originates from the Greek word Πεντατεύχως (Pentateuchos), where “penta” means “five” and “teuchos” means “book” or “scroll.” The term Taurat comes from the Arabic and Hebrew word for the Torah, indicating its roots in the Semitic languages.

• Arabic: تَوْرَاة (Taurat)
• Turkish: Tevrat

In Islamic Context

In Islamic theology, the Taurat is considered one of the four major revealed scriptures, alongside the Injil (Gospels), the Zabur (Psalms), and the Qur’an. These scriptures are believed to have been sent by Allah to guide humanity. However, Islam holds that the original revelations of these books have been altered or corrupted over time, with the Qur’an serving as the final and unaltered revelation.

Scriptural Role and Content

• Genesis (Bereshith): Covers the creation of the world, early humanity, and the patriarchal narratives.
• Exodus (Shemoth): Chronicles the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, their liberation under Moses, and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
• Leviticus (Vayikra): Deals with laws and priestly rituals.
• Numbers (Bemidbar): Describes the Israelites’ wanderings in the desert and census information.
• Deuteronomy (Devarim): Features Moses’ speeches and reiterations of the law.

Comparative Perspective

Judaism: The Pentateuch in Judaism is the central reference of the Jewish religious tradition, forming the basis of the Jewish Law (Halakha).

Christianity: The Pentateuch is also sacred in Christianity, forming the foundation of the Old Testament.

Islam: While Islam recognizes the Taurat’s divine origin, it also emphasizes the concept of tahrif (alteration), suggesting that the scriptures have undergone significant changes and discrepancies over time. The Qur’an is thus seen not only as a continuation but also as a correction of past scriptures.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Torah: A New Translation of the Holy Scriptures According to the Masoretic Text” by The Jewish Publication Society.
2. “The Bible, the Qur’an, and Science” by Maurice Bucaille.
3. “An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination” by Walter Brueggemann.

Takeaways

1. The Pentateuch, known as Taurat in Islam, represents the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
2. These texts hold a significant place in the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
3. Islam views the Taurat as divinely revealed but altered over time, with the Qur’an serving as the final unaltered scripture.
4. The stories and laws within the Pentateuch have foundational roles in shaping the theology and practices of these Abrahamic faiths.

Conclusion

Understanding the Pentateuch or Taurat provides critical insight into the shared and distinct religious heritages of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It highlights the interconnectedness of these faiths while also respecting their unique perspectives on divinely revealed scripture.

Through this entry, readers can appreciate the multifaceted role of the Pentateuch in the Islamic tradition and how it bridges understanding between Islamic, Jewish, and Christian texts.