Belief in the Books
Belief in (divine revelation) the revealed books entails the belief in every mentioned to us as well as believing what is said in them (like the Qur'an), given that the subject matter has not been altered or distorted. The mentioned books/scriptures include:
Belief in the scriptures also includes the belief of their revelation from Allah, whether through an intermediary angelic Messenger to a human Messenger, or directly from Allah from behind a veil.
- Suhuf (scrolls), revealed to Prophet Ibrahim (as)
- Zaboor (Psalms), revealed to Prophet Dawud (as)
- Taurah (Torah), revealed to Prophet Musa (as)
- Injeel (Gospel), revealed to Prophet Isa (as)
- Qur'an al-Kareem, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Belief in the scriptures also includes the belief of their revelation from Allah, whether through an intermediary angelic Messenger to a human Messenger, or directly from Allah from behind a veil.
Lastly, we must believe that Allah sent the Qur'an as confirmation for the prior books (in their truest forms, prior to any distortions or changes), and is the last book to have been sent to mankind. With the Qur'an as the last book, it is the witness over the books before it. Therefore, it accepts what is correct and rejects falsehoods and changes, ruling over previous rulings that no longer apply. Those who followed the older books but do not follow the Qur'an and reject it are those who reject the truth.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ. (5:48) |
Allah also says in the Qur'an (regarding those who followed the previous books):
Those to whom We gave the Scripture [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] before it, - they believe in it (the Quran). And when it is recited to them, they say, "We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [submitting to Allah ]." (28:52-53) |
It is waajib, mandatory/obligatory/necessary for all Muslims to follow the Qur'an both in action and belief. We must follow it as it is Allah's word-containing commands and prohibitions, lessons and stories-beautiful verses unparalleled by any other, supplications to our Lord.
Believing in the books allows a person to realize that no one group of people was left forgotten by Allah-Allah cares for us, and guides us through the books. There is wisdom in the laws set for us, and if we acknowledge this, we can better praise and thank Allah for this guidance and aide. The Qur'an is the last book and it is a guide for us by which we may live our lives to please Allah, inshaAllah (alongside the sunnah of the Prophet).
Site managed by Roedah Mansour.
Please contact me about any discrepancies found, errs in information, etc. May Allah guide us and forgive us our shortcomings!
Please contact me about any discrepancies found, errs in information, etc. May Allah guide us and forgive us our shortcomings!