Torah
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: توراة (Tawrat)
- Turkish: Tevrat
Overview
The Torah (Arabic: توراة, Tawrat) is one of the holy scriptures acknowledged within Islam. It is specifically mentioned eighteen times in the Quran as a divine revelation that preceded both the Gospels and the Quran. Muslims believe the Torah was revealed to Prophet Moses and served as a source of wisdom and guidance. However, within Islamic theology, it is maintained that the original Torah has not been preserved in its complete, unaltered form, distinguishing it from the Quran, which is considered incorruptible and preserved in its original state.
Quranic References
The Torah is highlighted multiple times within the Quran, establishing its significance:
- Authenticity and Precedence: The Quran confirms the Torah as a true revelation (Quran 5:46, 61:6).
- Source of Wisdom: It is described as a source of wisdom (Quran 3:48, 5:110).
- Guidance: The Quran also refers to the Torah as a guide for the people (Quran 5:46).
Historical and Theological Context
Islamic scholars believe that while the Torah originally contained divine guidance and law, over time it has undergone alterations and interpolations. This perspective stems from Islamic teachings which distinguish the Quran as the ultimate and final revelation, differing from previous scriptures in its preservation and authenticity.
Relation to Other Scriptures
The Torah, along with the Psalms (Zabur) and the Gospels (Injil), is part of the set of major divine books acknowledged in Islam. These scriptures collectively form the foundation for Islamic views on previously revealed messages to humanity. Despite the belief in their historical alterations, Muslims assert that the foundational messages of these scriptures align with the Quranic revelation, conveying monotheism and divine law.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring the Torah’s place within Islamic tradition and its relationship to other Abrahamic faiths, the following books are recommended:
- “The Quran and Its Biblical Subtext” by Gabriel Said Reynolds: This book explores the intertextuality between the Quran and Judeo-Christian scriptures.
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the People of the Book in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith: It offers insights into the textual traditions and interactions between the Bible and Islamic scripture.
- “Islam and the Bible: The Bible in Islamic Thought and Practice” by John Kaltner and Younus Mirza: A thorough examination of how the Bible is conceptualized within Islamic thought.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Torah holds a crucial role in Islamic theology as a previous divine revelation that provides context to the Quranic message. While Muslims believe that it has not been preserved in an unaltered form, it continues to be recognized as a significant source of wisdom and guidance. The Quran’s references to the Torah affirm the continuation and fulfillment of divine guidance through successive revelations, ultimately culminating in the Quran.
See Also
- Bible
- Judaism and Islam
- Quran
This entry provides an introduction to the Torah’s role and perception within Islam, serving as a bridge to deeper studies in interreligious texts and the history of divine revelations.
