Psalms of David (Zabur)
Definition
The Psalms of David, known in the Islamic tradition as Zabur (Arabic: زبور), is one of the holy texts revealed by Allah. It holds significance among Muslims as part of the divine scriptures bestowed upon the prophets.
Etymology
Zabur is derived from the Arabic root word “zabara” (زبر), which means “to write.” Therefore, Zabur essentially translates to “book” or “scripture.” This term specifically refers to the Psalms, divine hymns that were revealed to Dawud (David) by Allah.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: زبور (Zabur)
- Turkish: Zebur
Significance in Islam
In Islam, the Zabur is regarded as one of the four major divine books revealed to humanity, along with the Tawrat (Torah) to Musa (Moses), the Injil (Gospel) to Isa (Jesus), and the Qur’an to Muhammad. Although the exact contents of the Zabur are not preserved in the same form as in the Bible’s Psalms, its importance is underlined in the Qur’an, where several verses mention it:
- Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra (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 Psalms [Zabur].”
- Qur’an, Surah Sad (38:29): “[It is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”
Islamic Perspective on Other Scriptures
Islamic theology posits that the original texts of Tawrat, Zabur, and Injil have undergone alterations and that the Qur’an remains the unaltered and final revelation. The belief places Zabur within a framework where Muslims respect it for its connection to David, a prophet revered in Islam, while looking to the Qur’an for guidance.
Books for Further Study
For those interested in diving deeper into the subject of Islamic views on scriptures and the Zabur, the following books are recommended:
- “The Bible and the Qur’an” by John Kaltner
- “The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “Jesus, Muhammad, and the Beloved Community” by Bawa Muhaiyaddeen
- “The Quranic David” by Sami A. Aldeeb Abu-Sahlieh
Takeaways
- Multifaceted Scripture: Zabur, as an integral scriptural text in Islam, carries religious significance similar to the Biblical Psalms in Christianity and Judaism but is viewed through the Islamic theological lens.
- Interconnection: Recognition of Zabur alongside Torah and Gospel illuminates the interconnected nature of Abrahamic religions in preserving divine instruction and prophecy.
Conclusion
Zabur, or the Psalms of David, forms a crucial part of Islamic theology, emphasizing the continuity and culmination of God’s message to humanity through prophets. While the Psalms are more widely recognized in a Judeo-Christian context, Zabur exemplifies Islam’s reverence for earlier revelations, even as the Qur’an stands as the final and complete divine scripture.
Understanding the role and interpretation of Zabur within Islam enriches one’s comprehension of Islamic tradition and its relationships with other religious texts, contributing to interfaith dialogue and scholarship.
