Zabūr (زبور) in Islam
Definition and Qur’anic Context
Zabūr (زبور), also referred to in its plural form as zubur (زُبُر), or less commonly zubūr, is the term given to the Psalms of David in the Qur’an. The word appears in the Qur’an three times:
- Sūratu ʾn-Nisāʾ (4:161): “And to David we gave Psalms (zabūran).”
- Sūratu ʾl-Miʿrāj (17:57): “And Psalms (zabūran) we gave to David.”
- Sūratu ʾl-Ambiyāʾ (21:105): “And now, since the exhortation (ẕikr) was given, have we written in the Psalms (fī ʾz-zabūri) that my servants the righteous shall inherit the earth.”
In these verses, Zabūr is linked closely with David (Dāwūd), who is recognized as a prophet and king in Islamic tradition.
Etymology
The word Zabūr is derived from the Hebrew זִמְרָה (zimrāh), meaning “a psalm or chant,” as seen in Psalms 81:2 and 98:5 from the Bible. The term’s linguistic roots highlight its connection to religious poetic compositions.
Arabic Transliteration: زبور (Zabūr) Turkish Translation: Zebur
Interpretations among Muslim Commentators
The meanings of “ẕikr” and “zabūr” in Sūratu ʾl-Ambiyāʾ (21:105) have sparked various interpretations among Islamic scholars:
- Said ibn Jubair and Mujahid: They interpreted “zabūr” to mean all inspired books, whereas “ẕikr” references the Preserved Tablet (al-Lauh al-Mahfuz).
- Ibn ʿAbbās and aẓ-Ẓaḥḥāk: “Zabūr” refers to the Torah, and “ẕikr” to the scriptures that followed.
- Shaʿbī: “Zabūr” explicitly denotes the Book of David, and “ẕikr” pertains to the Book of Moses.
Commentators like al-Baiẓāwī, al-Bag͟hawī, al-Jalālān, and Ḥusain provide differing positions but often prefer the more common interpretations.
Zabūr and the Qur’an
Jalālu ʾd-dīn as-Suyūt̤ī mentions that “zabūr” is one of the 55 titles of the Qur’an, underlining its revered status.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Psalms in the Early Church” by R. W. L. Moberly
- “Revelation and the Quiddity of Obligation and Responsibility in Islam” by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith
Takeaways and Conclusion
Zabūr holds significant theological and historical importance in Islam as the divinely given Psalms to Prophet David. The diverse interpretations by Islamic scholars showcase the depth of engagement with sacred texts in Islamic tradition. Reflecting on its scriptural and etymological roots provides a richer understanding of Zabūr’s role within the broader Islamic scriptural context.
Conclusion: The term “Zabūr” signifies the Psalms of David and occupies a significant place in Islamic theology. Its recurring mentions in the Qur’an, coupled with various scholarly interpretations, underscore its divine origin and prophetic relevance. Understanding Zabūr enriches one’s comprehension of Islamic views on divine scriptures and the continuum of guidance provided to humanity through various prophets.
This entry explores the significance of Zabūr from etymological, scriptural, and scholarly perspectives, enriching the understanding of this vital concept in Islamic theology.
