Word of God: Inspiration, Old and New Testaments, Prophets, Qur’an
Definition and Significance
The term “Word of God” refers to the divine commandments and messages communicated to humanity through sacred texts and prophets. It is an essential concept in multiple religious traditions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Etymology
- Arabic: كَلَامُ الله (Kalām Allāh)
- Turkish: Allah’ın Kelamı
Religious Contexts
Inspiration
Inspiration (Latin: inspiratio) is the process by which the divine will and truths are communicated to human beings. This phenomenon is regarded as the means through which the Word of God is revealed to prophets and subsequently recorded in sacred texts.
Old Testament
Judaism holds the Torah (תּוֹרָה) and the Old Testament as the primary manifestations of God’s word. These include the Law, Prophets, and other writings, all considered to be divinely inspired and authoritative.
New Testament
In Christianity, the New Testament is viewed as a continuation and fulfillment of the divine promises made in the Old Testament. Comprising the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, it is regarded as God’s final revelation in the Christian context.
Prophets in Islam
Prophets (Arabic: الأَنْبِيَاء al-Anbiyāʼ, Turkish: Peygamberler) occupy a significant role in transmitting the Word of God in Islam. They are seen as messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity. Prophets such as Moses (Mūsā), Jesus (ʿĪsā), and Muhammad are highly revered across different religious traditions.
The Qur’an
In Islam, the Qur’an (القرآن) is considered the complete and final revelation of God’s word. Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl), it comprises 114 chapters (suras) and is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims worldwide.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Introduction to the Qur’an” by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem
- “Bible and Qur’an: Essays in Scriptural Intertextuality” by John C. Reeves
- “The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology” edited by Sabine Schmidtke
- “Inspiration and Authority: Nature and Function of Christian Scripture” by Paul J. Achtemeier
Takeaways
- The Word of God is a central concept across various religious traditions, signifying divine communication and authority.
- The Old and New Testaments are significant in Judaism and Christianity for containing God’s laws, prophecies, and teachings.
- Prophets play a pivotal role in delivering God’s messages across different faiths.
- The Qur’an is the definitive revelation in Islam, encompassing comprehensive divine guidance.
Conclusion
Understanding the Word of God involves examining its manifestations in different religious texts and traditions. Each tradition holds its scriptures and prophets in high regard, acknowledging them as the divine means of communication between God and humanity. Through studies and comparative analyses, one can better appreciate the profound impact of these revelations on religious and moral life.
By embedding structured information along with etymological, theological, and contextual frameworks, this entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Word of God in Islam and other religious traditions.
