What Does The Quran Say About The Bible?

The Quran and the Bible are among the most influential religious texts followed by billions of people worldwide, shaping the beliefs of billions of Muslims and Christians worldwide. While both scriptures emphasize monotheism, divine revelation, and moral guidance, they differ in structure, message, and interpretations of key figures such as Jesus (Isa) and various prophets, in addition, the authenticity of Bible is often questioned.

Key Similarities & Differences with Bible:

Key Similarities:

• Belief in One God – Both focus on monotheism, with Allah in Islam and God in Christianity but Bible according to Bible, Jesus is called son of God which is strongly opposed in Quran.
• Prophets & Messengers – Historical figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus appear in both books.
• Moral & Ethical Teachings – Both emphasis on righteousness, charity, welfare and accountability.

Main Differences:

• Jesus (Isa) in Islam vs. Christianity – The Bible presents Jesus as the Son of God because of his miraculous birth while the Quran views him as a prophet, a miracle of God’s divine power and Prophet of Allah.
• Scriptural Authority – Christians think that the Bible is divinely inspired within its sections while Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal and unaltered word of God.
• Salvation & Judgment – Christianity put stress on faith in Jesus Christ for salvation while Islam emphasizes both faith and actions.

Final Thoughts:

Both the Quran and the Bible are word of God, spiritual messages but differ in interpretation. Exploring them fosters interfaith understanding and deeper faith reflection.

Quran and Bible: Which Came First?

Two of the most important religious texts, followed by billions around the world, is the Bible and the Quran. These sacred texts bring us to an often-asked question.

Historical Timeline: Bible vs. Quran:

• The Bible – The Old Testament (Torah) underwent compilation between 1200 BCE and 165 BCE, while the New Testament (Gospels & Epistles), has its writings between 50 CE and 100 CE. The entire Christian Bible was put together in the 4th century CE.

• The Quran – The Quran is believed to have been given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) between the years 610 and 632 CE, and during Abu Bakr’s caliphate in 632-634 CE, the text was compiled into a single book which was completed in Uthman’s caliphate (644-656 CE).

So in the context of the history, the Bible comes before the Quran. However, in Islam, the Quran is considered to be the last revelation from God, affirming the earlier texts.

Key Differences Between the Quran and Bible:

• Preservation – Muslims believe the Quran remains unchanged since its revelation, whereas the Bible has undergone multiple translations and revisions by religious leadership for personal benefits.
• Jesus (Isa A.S.) – Christianity views Jesus as the Son of God while Islam strictly opposes this concept and considers him a prophet and messenger of Allah whose birth was a miracle.
• Scriptural Authority – The Quran is considered the direct word of God, while the Bible is seen as inspired holy book recorded by multiple authors.

Final Thoughts:

The Bible was completed before the Quran historically, Muslims believe the Quran is the final and most authentic scripture. Both hold deep spiritual significance in their respective faiths for both faiths.

What Does the Quran Say About the Bible and Torah?

The Quran respects the Tawrat and the Injil as revelations given to the Prophets Moses and Sacred Gospel Jesus. It is highlighted in different parts of the Quran that these scriptures had wisdom and guidance for these people. Nevertheless, the Quran seems to have a different approach regarding preservation.

The Quran Affirms the Torah and Gospel as Divine Revelation:

The Quran clearly states that Allah revealed the Torah and the Gospel as sources of guidance:

• “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.” (Surah 5:44)
• “And We sent… Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.” (Surah 5:46)
  These verses indicate that Islam sees itself as a continuation of previous revelations, acknowledging their divine origins.

The Quran’s View on the Gospel (Injil):

The Quran has a notable pattern where the Gospel (Injil) is mentioned alongside the Torah (Tawrat). Unlike the Tawrat and the Qur’an which have their solo references, the Gospel is never cited by its lonesome. Some examples are given below:

“Moreover, he (God) sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind” (Surah 3:3-4)

“And in their footsteps [the prophets] We sent Jesus the son of Mary confirming the Law that had come before him. We sent him the Gospel: there was guidance and light” (Surah 5:46)

“Oh people of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation given to you by your Lord” (Surah 5:68)

This observation indicates that the Gospel, according to Qur’an, has a strong connection to the Torah and needs to be understood through that.

The Quran’s View on the Corruption of Previous Scriptures:

The Quran validates the Heavenly origins of the Torah and the Gospel while also maintaining the position that at some point in time additions, alterations, or misinterpretations have occurred:

“Then because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] places.” (Surah 5:13)

“So woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ to exchange it for a small price.” (Surah 2:79)

These verses capture the essence of the distortions made worldwide over the original God-given revelations. They unveil the reason as to why such revelations were available for humanity. The statements made do not indicate clear time frames for when or how these changes were made.

The Quran as the Criterion (Muhaymin) Over Previous Scriptures:

The Quran clears itself as the final and preserved revelation, serving as a guardian over earlier holy Books:

“And We have revealed to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth, confirming what preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it.” (Surah 5:48)

The term muhaymin (criterion, overseer) implies that the Quran is the standard by which the truth in previous scriptures can be discerned. Islamic scholars interpret this to mean that while remnants of divine truth exist in the Bible and Torah, the Quran is the final and unaltered revelation that clarifies any distortions.

Conclusion:

The Quran clears the validity of the Torah and the Gospel as revelations, but indicates that they have been changed heavily over time. It repeatedly associates the Gospel with the Torah, underscoring their mutual dependence. While acknowledging their sacred nature, it places itself as the last revelation which acts as a judge to affirm which parts of older scriptures are genuine and which are forged or altered.

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