📜 Understanding Torah: A Divine Revelation in Islam
The Torah, known in Arabic as Al-Tawrat (التوراة), holds a significant place within Islamic tradition as an earlier divine revelation that precedes both the Gospels and the Qur’an.
Definition and Meaning:
Torah (Arabic: Tawrat) has been mentioned in the Qur’an eighteen times, underscoring its importance as a previously true and divine scripture. The Qur’an (5:46, 61:6) describes it as a source of wisdom (Qur’an 3:48, 5:110) and guidance (Qur’an 5:46). Despite its revered status, Muslims believe the Torah has not been preserved in its original, true, and complete form as the Qur’an has.
Etymology:
The term “Torah” originates from the Hebrew word תּוֹרָה (Torah), meaning “instruction” or “teaching.” It has parallels in Arabic as “Tawrat,” demonstrating the linguistic interchange and shared heritage between Semitic languages.
Historical Context:
The Torah, or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Pentateuch), traditionally attributed to Moses, forms a critical part of Jewish religious texts. Its mention in the Qur’an highlights its esteemed stature in Islam, seen as divine wisdom preceding later revelations. Historically, the Torah has laid foundational narratives about creation, law, and morality recognized by both Jews and Muslims.
Qur’anic References:
- True Revelation: The Qur’an refers to the Torah as a genuine revelation sent before the Injeel (Gospel) and Qur’an (Qur’an 5:46, 61:6).
- Source of Wisdom: Qur’an 3:48 and 5:110 echo the description of the Torah as wisdom bestowed upon previous Prophets.
- Guidance: In Qur’an 5:46, the Torah is commended for its guidance and light bestowed upon humanity.
Cultural Similarities and Differences:
Both Islam and Judaism acknowledge the divine origin of the Torah. It serves as a bridging document connecting Judeo-Islamic traditions through shared prophetic narratives and legal principles. Despite a mutual reverence for the Torah, Islam asserts that its preservation is less complete compared to the Qur’an, potentially altered through time.
Synonyms:
- Pentateuch
- Five Books of Moses
- Tawrat
Antonyms:
- Quran (in terms of being the final preserved revelation)
Related Terms:
- Injeel: The gospel revealed to Isa (Jesus) in Islamic tradition.
- Qur’an: The final and preserved revelation in Islam.
Fascinating Facts:
- The belief in the Torah integrates Islamic respect for earlier scriptures, highlighting a continuum of divine messages through various Prophets.
- In different Islamic traditions, the Torah often appears in discussions related to Sharia and comparative religious studies.
Quotations:
- “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel…” - Qur’an 5:46
- “It is He Who sent down to you, in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.” - Qur’an 3:3
Inspiring Literature for Further Study:
- “The Quran and the Bible” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “The Qur’an and Its Biblical Reflexes” by Mark Durie
- “Islamic Theological Themes” edited by John Renard
- “Introduction to the Qur’an and Oriental Scriptures” by Sayyid Hussein Nasr
Recommended Reading in Other Languages:
- “İslam’da Tevrat ve İncil’in Yeri” (in Turkish) by Ahmet Zeki Ünal
- “تفسير الميزان” (in Arabic) by Allameh Tabatabaei
Farewell Thought:
🤲 May your journey in understanding the interconnectedness of divine revelations inspire unity and illuminate the path toward mutual respect and wisdom. 🌟
