The Ten Commandments in the Qur’an
Introduction
The Ten Commandments, central to Judeo-Christian religious traditions, are also acknowledged in Islam. The Qur’ān references God’s commandments to Moses and introduces a unique perspective that has engaged theologians and commentators for centuries. This entry provides an analysis of the Ten Commandments as they appear in Islamic scripture and their interpretations.
Etymology and Translations
- English: The Ten Commandments
- Arabic: الوصايا العشر (Al-Wasaaya Al-Ashar)
- Turkish: On Emir
Qur’anic Mentions
In the Qur’an, God conveyed particular commandments to Moses on stone tablets, and there are passages that seem akin to the Ten Commandments:
- Sūrah Al-A`rāf, 7:142
- Sūrah Al-Isrā, 17:103
The Debate and Confusion
The Qur’anic text references clear signs given to Moses, often interpreted as the miracles performed in Egypt (known as the Plagues). This has led to scholarly efforts to reconcile these mentions with the Ten Commandments. Misinterpretations arose from ambiguities in arranging these divine directives in congruence with the Biblical orders.
Prophet Muhammad’s Clarification
An incident is narrated in Hadith (Mishkāt, Book I, Chapter II, Part 2) where a Jew questioned Prophet Muhammad about Moses’ signs, to which Muhammad outlined commandments strikingly similar to those given in the Old Testament but with some distinct injunctions (e.g., observing the Sabbath).
These commandments include:
- Do not associate anything with God.
- Do not steal.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not kill.
- Do not falsely accuse an innocent person.
- Do not practice magic.
- Do not engage in usury.
- Avoid false slander against chaste women.
- Do not abandon fields of battle.
- For Jews, do not work on the Sabbath.
Qur’anic Expression of Commandments
In Sūratul An`ām (6:151-153), a list of directives aligns closely with the ethos of the Ten Commandments but remains distinct:
- Do not associate anything with God.
- Show kindness to parents.
- Do not kill your children due to poverty.
- Avoid sinful actions, whether in public or private.
- Do not kill unlawfully.
- Protect the property of orphans.
- Be just in measurements and weights.
- Be fair in judgment.
- Fulfill covenants.
- Follow the straight path and avoid divisions.
Commentary Perspectives
- Ḥusain: This medieval commentator emphasizes these verses as irrevocable commands applicable to all humanity.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “The Ten Commandments: How Our Most Ancient Moral Text Can Renew Modern Life” by David Hazony
- “Islam and the Bible: Why Two Faiths Collide” by David Goldmann
- “The Bible, the Qur’an, and Science: The Holy Scriptures Examined in Light of Modern Knowledge” by Maurice Bucaille
- “The Commandments: The Heart of the Old Testament” by Victor P. Hamilton
Takeaways and Conclusion
- The relationship between the Qur’anic commandments and the Biblical Ten Commandments showcases the shared moral frameworks with unique Islamic distinctions.
- Commentators’ efforts to interpret these Qur’anic verses reflect the depth of inter-religious discourse and theological analysis.
- While both traditions recognize guiding principles rooted in divine authority, their expressions and applications provide a contextual understanding of God’s message to humanity.
