Definition and Meaning
The “Bible” in Islamic tradition refers to the collection of sacred texts revered in Judaism and Christianity. Islam acknowledges these scriptures—known in Arabic as the Tawrat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospels)—as divinely revealed but believes the actual texts have been altered or distorted over time, referred to in theology as the doctrine of tahrif. Consequently, Muslims hold that these scriptures have been superseded by the Quran as the final and most authentic revelation.
Etymology
- Bible: Derived from the Greek word “biblion”, meaning “book” or “scroll”.
- Tawrat (توراة): Arabic transliteration of the Hebrew name for the Torah.
- Injil (إنجيل): Arabic transliteration of the Greek word “Evangelion”, meaning “good news” or “gospel”.
Historical Facts
Important Figures
- Rahmat Allah Kayranawi (d. 1891): An Indian Islamic scholar who critiqued the integrity of the Bible using contemporary Western biblical criticism.
- Sayyid Ahmad Khan (d. 1898): A noted modernist and Islamic scholar who opposed the doctrine of tahrif and embarked on an ambitious commentary on the Bible named Tabyin al-kalam.
Critical Debates
- Theories stating the Bible’s textual corruption have fostered rich debates, comparative studies, and polemics particularly from the 19th century onwards. The works of these scholars epitomize the critical engagement between Islam and Christianity.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Common Beliefs
- Divine Revelation: Both Islam and Christianity agree on the divine origins of the Tawrat and Injil.
Contrasts
- Textual Integrity: Islam argues for textual distortions in the Bible, whereas Christianity maintains the Bible’s divine preservation.
- Supersession: Islam views the Quran as the final revelation that supersedes previous scriptures, unlike Christianity which reveres the ongoing relevance of the Bible.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Tawrat: Torah, Pentateuch
- Injil: Gospel, Evangel
- Tahrif: Distortion, Corruption
Quotations
- Sayyid Ahmad Khan:
- “The essence of divine messages transcends scriptural alterations; comprehension is rooted in the eternal wisdom of Allah, not in the material text.”
- Rahmat Allah Kayranawi:
- “The lamp of guidance must remain unextinguished; we critique not to diminish but to safeguard divine illumination for humanity.”
Suggested Literature
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sydney H. Griffith
- “Muslims and the Bible: The Sacred Texts of Islam and People of the Book” by John Kaltner
- “The Quran and the Secular Mind” by Shabbir Akhtar
For further in-depth analysis, consider exploring classical Islamic texts such as Tafsir, Hadith collections, and writings by early Muslim scholars like Ibn Hazm.
Quizzes
### What is the doctrine of tahrif?
- [x] The belief that earlier scriptures were altered or corrupted.
- [ ] The acceptance of the textual integrity of The Bible.
- [ ] The simultaneous reading of The Quran and The Bible.
- [ ] A method of Quranic recitation.
> **Explanation:** Tahrif refers to the Islamic doctrine that posits scriptures like the Tawrat and Injil have undergone textual corruption.
### Who was Rahmat Allah Kayranawi?
- [x] An Indian Islamic scholar who critiqued the Bible's textual integrity.
- [ ] The compiler of the Bible.
- [ ] A significant Christian missionary.
- [ ] A literary figure who translated the Quran into English.
> **Explanation:** Rahmat Allah Kayranawi was an Indian scholar who criticized the integrity of the Bible using modern biblical criticism techniques.
### Sayyid Ahmad Khan wrote which influential work on the Bible?
- [x] Tabyin al-kalam
- [ ] Tafsir al-Jalalayn
- [ ] The Summa Theologica
- [ ] The Arn Attayih
> **Explanation:** Sayyid Ahmad Khan authored the work *Tabyin al-kalam*, an ambitious commentary on the Bible.
### What does ‘Tawrat’ refer to in Islamic tradition?
- [x] The Torah or the Hebrew Scriptures.
- [ ] The Quran.
- [ ] The Books of the New Testament.
- [ ] The Psalms of David.
> **Explanation:** Tawrat refers to the Torah or Hebrew Scriptures in Islamic tradition.
### Why is the Bible considered corrupted in Islamic belief?
- [x] Due to the doctrine of tahrif which posits textual alterations over time.
- [ ] Because it is written in an ancient language.
- [ ] It was authored by non-prophets.
- [ ] It's not mentioned in the Quran.
> **Explanation:** The Islamic belief in the corruption of previous scriptures is based on the doctrine of tahrif, which holds that these texts were altered over time.
### Which scriptures in Islam are believed to have been distorted?
- [x] The Tawrat and the Injil.
- [ ] The Quran.
- [ ] The Vedas.
- [ ] The Tripitaka.
> **Explanation:** The Tawrat (Torah) and Injil (Gospels) are believed to have been distorted according to Islamic teachings.
### Which term refers to the Gospels in Islamic tradition?
- [x] Injil
- [ ] Tawrat
- [ ] Zabur
- [ ] Tafsir
> **Explanation:** The term Injil refers to the Gospels in Islamic tradition.
### Who among the following rejected the idea of textual corruption in the Bible?
- [x] Sayyid Ahmad Khan
- [ ] Rahmat Allah Kayranawi
- [ ] Martin Luther
- [ ] Al-Ghazali
> **Explanation:** Sayyid Ahmad Khan is notable among Muslim scholars for rejecting the idea of textual corruption in the Bible.
I hope this comprehensive exploration of how Muslims regard the Bible has sparked an interest in understanding these deeply intertwined traditions. As we explore and engage with these sacred texts, may our pursuit be guided by respect, scholarship, and a deep desire for unity. 🌟
Yusuf al-Hakim October 15, 2023
