Psalms
Definition and Etymology
Psalms - The term “Psalms” refers to a collection of religious poems or songs. In Arabic, the Psalms are referred to as Zabur (زَبُور), meaning “book” or “scripture.” This etymology highlights their scriptural and divine nature, emphasizing their role in religious recitation and worship.
The Psalms in Islamic Tradition
In the Islamic tradition, the Psalms are considered Zabur, a holy scripture revealed to the Prophet David (Dawud, دَاوُود in Arabic). This is confirmed in several Quranic verses, indicating that the Zabur forms part of divine revelation. Unlike other religious texts such as the Torah (Tawrah) and the Gospel (Injil), the Psalms hold a unique position as poetry and hymns meant for praise and reflection.
Quranic References
The Quran explicitly mentions the Zabur and David in several verses:
- Surah 4:163: “Indeed, We have revealed to you [O Muhammad] as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].”
- Surah 17:55: “And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].”
- Surah 21:105: “And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention that the land of Paradise is inherited by My righteous servants.”
Relation to Biblical Psalms
Surah 21:105 serves as a direct counterpart to Psalm 37:29 in the Bible, illustrating the common Abrahamic heritage and theological continuity across these scriptures. This verse showcases the eschatological promise that the righteous will inherit the Earth, a theme prevalent in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions.
Translations and Interpretations
In Turkish, the term for Psalms is Zebur. The understanding and reverence for the Psalms in Islamic practices may vary but typically emphasize their role as divinely inspired hymns and reflections.
Further Studies
For those interested in a deeper understanding of the Psalms/Zabur in Islamic tradition, the following books are recommended:
- “The Quran and the Bible: Text and Commentary” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “Islamic Interpretations of the Bible: Texts and Contexts” by John Kaltner and Younus Mirza
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith
Takeaways
- The Psalms (Zabur) hold an important position in Islamic tradition, specifically revealed to the Prophet David.
- They are considered a divine scripture highlighting the continuity in Abrahamic revelations.
- Key Quranic verses (4:163, 17:55, 21:105) affirm the divine authorship of the Psalms.
- Surah 21:105 correlates with Psalm 37:29, underlining shared eschatological promises.
Conclusion
The Psalms, or Zabur in Islamic terms, exemplify the interconnected heritage of divine scriptures in Abrahamic religions. Their reverence in Islamic tradition underscores the broader theological and eschatological themes shared with Judaism and Christianity.
