Taurāt (توراة)
Definition and Etymology
Taurāt (توراة) refers to the Books of Moses as mentioned in the Qurʾān and other Islamic texts. The term originates from the Hebrew word תּוֹרָה (Tōrāh), meaning “the Law.”
- Arabic: توراة (Taurāt)
- Turkish: Tevrat
Qur’anic References
The Taurāt is mentioned in various Sūrahs of the Qurʾān. Notably, Sūrah Al-Imran (3:2) refers to it explicitly. Muslims believe that the Taurāt is an inspired book given to Moses (Musa), although they consider its current versions modified.
Historical Context and Editions
The Tauarāt exists in three well-known editions according to the bibliographical dictionary Kashfu ‘z̤-Z̤unūn by Ḥājī K͟halīfah:
- Taurātu ’s-Sabaʿīn: Known as the “Torah of the Seventy,” it was translated into Greek by seventy-two learned Jews, forming what is now called the Septuagint. This version has also been translated into Syriac and Arabic.
- Taurātu ’l-Qarrāʾīn wa Rabbānīyīn: This edition is recognized as the “Taurāt of the learned doctors and rabbins.”
- Taurātu ’s-Sāmirah: Known as the “Samaritan Pentateuch,” a distinct edition observed by the Samaritans.
Islamic Reception and Views
Despite acknowledging the Taurāt, Islamic tradition holds that the Scriptures have been altered over time by the Jews. Reflections of this belief are found in the discrepancies noted by Muslim scholars regarding fundamental religious practices and theological doctrine.
Prophet Muhammad’s Stance
Islamic traditions reveal that Prophet Muhammad had mixed receptions towards the Taurāt. While he acknowledged it as a divine scripture, he exhibited displeasure when it was read in his presence. An illustrative incident involves the second Caliph, ‘Umar, presenting the Taurāt to the Prophet. Muhammad’s visible displeasure led to ‘Umar retracting and acknowledging the Islamic creed’s sufficiency.
References in Hadith
- ‘Umar’s incident is recorded in various Hadith collections, illustrating a nuanced stance of early Muslims towards the Taurāt amidst their affirmation of Islam’s finality.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Muhammad and the Torah” by Gordon Darnell Newby
- “Judaism and the Qurʾān: Scholars of Two Worlds” by Bernard M. Levinson & Tikva Frymer-Kensky
- “Bible and Qur’an: Essays in Scriptural Intertextuality” edited by John C. Reeves
Takeaways
- The term Taurāt carries significant historical and theological importance in Islam.
- Islamic scholarship has engaged extensively with the Taurāt, often critically analyzing its current forms.
- The Islamic narrative respects the Taurāt but posits its alteration over time, aligning Islamic beliefs as the final and unaltered revelation.
Conclusion
The Taurāt in Islamic tradition underscores a deep engagement with Judeo-Christian scriptures, reflecting historical interplay and theological distinctions. Understanding its role and reception in Islam contributes to broader insights into Islamic theology and interfaith relations.
For more detailed information and a deeper understanding, the recommended readings offer comprehensive insights into the historical and theological contexts surrounding the Taurāt.
