📜 Holy Scripture in Islam: Pāk Nawishtah, al-Kitābu ʾl-Muqaddas, and Kalāmu ʾllāh 📖
Definition and Etymology
In Islam, the term “Holy Scripture” can be translated into Persian as Pāk Nawishtah (پاك نوشته) meaning “the Holy Writing,” and into Arabic as al-Kitābu ʾl-Muqaddas (الكتاب المقدس), meaning “the Holy Book,” or Kalāmu ʾllāh (كلام الله), meaning “the Word of God.”
Background and Cultural Significance
Muslims consider the Qurʾān as the ultimate divine revelation, but Islamic theology also acknowledges previous scriptures. Included among these are the Tawrat (Torah), the Zabur (Psalms), and the Injil (Gospel), recognizing them as genuine divine messages from God. While Muslims believe that these earlier scriptures have been altered over time, the Qurʾān is considered infallible and unchanged.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across different Islamic cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on the sanctity of the Qurʾān, but reverence is also shown towards the Torah and the Bible. This creates a bridge of words and faiths in the Abrahamic traditions. While the Qurʾān holds the highest authority in Islamic doctrine, teaching about the previous scriptures fosters respect and promotes interfaith understanding.
Synonyms and Antonyms
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Synonyms:
- Qurʾān (قرآن) - The Recitation
- Tawrat (تَوْرَاة) - Torah
- Injil (إِنْجِيل) - Gospel
- Zabur (زَبُور) - Psalms
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Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, but non-religious texts or secular documents would not be considered “Holy Scripture”.
Related Terms
- Revelation (وحي Wahy): The act of divine communication to prophets.
- Nabi (prophet, نبي): A prophet who conveys God’s messages.
- Tanzil (تنزيل) - The descent, referring to the Qurʾān being sent down from heaven.
- Jibril (Gabriel, جبريل): The angel of revelation in Islamic tradition.
Exciting Facts
- The Qurʾān boasts a unique status with approximately 114 chapters (Surahs) believed to have been revealed orally by God to Muhammad through angel Jibril.
- Manuscripts of the Qurʾān from the 7th century, called Quranic codices, exist and remain closely aligned to the modern text.
- Islamic scholars have dedicated lifetimes to Tafsir, the study and interpretation of the Qurʾān.
Notable Quotations
- “The Holy Scripture of every era is a beacon for fit minds. Untouched, divine wisdom within countless texts” — Ibn Khaldun.
- “Indeed, we sent the Qurʾān down during the Night of Decree.” — Al-Qurʾān 97:1
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Princeton Encyclopedia of Islamic Political Thought” edited by Gerhard Bowering
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The Famous Qurʾanic Commentary” by Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti
🏁 Inspired by the recognition of divine wisdom across different holy texts, let these sacred writings illuminate paths of understanding and harmony among all faiths.
Stay inquisitive, and may your journey through knowledge be transformative.
—Amina Al-Fahad, 2023
