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 Consequently, Muslims hold that these scriptures have been superseded by the Quran as the final and most authentic revelation.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§
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
