How the Quran Confirms Previous Scriptures?

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 11 November 2024 The Quran presents itself as a continuation and culmination of previous divine revelations, affirming the authenticity and significance of earlier scriptures, including the Torah, Injeel (Gospel), Zaboor (Psalms), and the Scrolls of Abraham. The Quranic text, through various verses, highlights this connection, portraying itself as a guiding thread woven through a tapestry of prophetic teachings and sacred texts that together reflect the timeless unity of divine guidance. Authenticating Previous Scriptures The Quran repeatedly emphasizes its role in confirming earlier revelations rather than replacing or negating them. This is evident in, “He has sent down upon you, the Book in truth, confirming what preceded it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel, before as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur'an.” (Q. 3:3-4) This verse illustrates the Quran’s role as a harmonizing revelation that aligns with previous scriptures. Here, the Torah and Gospel are described as pillars of guidance, showing the Quran’s endorsement of these previous revelations. In, “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to God] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of God.” (Q.5:44). This verse depicts the Torah as a “lighthouse” guiding people through the “stormy seas” of moral and ethical choices, while prophets, rabbis, and scholars are portrayed as custodians of divine wisdom. Further highlights the transmission of this wisdom, stating, “Indeed, We gave Moses the Scripture and sent after him messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit.” (Q. 2:87) The Torah, depicted here as a “firm foundation,” supports the prophetic legacy that the Quran upholds. The Injeel (Gospel) as a Beacon of Guidance The Quran honours the Gospel as a source of wisdom, knowledge, and divine support. “He will teach him writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel.” (Q. 3:48). This portrays the Gospel as a “beacon” illuminating the path to knowledge and spiritual growth. This imagery is further expanded in, “We sent following in their footsteps Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming for the Torah that had come before him. And We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous.” (Q. 57:27) The continuous light, from Torah to Gospel to Quran, reflects the Quran’s confirmation of the Gospel as another step in the journey of divine revelation. Additionally, God recalls His favour upon Jesus, describing it as a “protective cloak” surrounding him with the Pure Spirit and enabling him to speak with wisdom from childhood to adulthood, “When God says, 'Jesus, son of Mary, remember My favour upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity.” (Q.5:110). This imagery highlights the sacred role of Jesus and his connection to the divine, which the Quran honours and respects. The Injeel, therefore, is presented as a direct manifestation of divine favour and insight, just as the Quran would later become. The Zaboor (Psalms) as the Songs of the Soul The Quran acknowledges the Zaboor, or Psalms, as an essential scripture bestowed upon Prophet David, adding to the continuum of divine revelation. “Indeed, We have revealed to you, as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants and Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].” (Q.4:163). This verse reflects the “songs of the soul” embedded in the Psalms, portraying them as expressions of humanity’s relationship with God. The Psalms are further envisioned as a testament to an enduring promise, proclaiming, “Certainly did We write in the Psalms (Zaboor) after the reminder that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants.” (Q. 21:105). Here, the Psalms affirm the continuity of God’s covenant, symbolizing the promise of divine inheritance for the righteous. The Scrolls of Abraham as Ancient Wisdom The Scrolls of Abraham, considered some of the earliest scriptures, hold special significance in the Quranic narrative. Refers to these scrolls as a source of foundational wisdom, asking, “Or has he not been informed of what is in the scriptures of Moses? And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his commands]?” (Q.53:36-37). The Scrolls of Abraham are depicted as ancient records preserving timeless teachings, serving as “bedrock” for moral and spiritual guidance. Similarly, reaffirms the value of the former scriptures, stating, “Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” (Q.87:18-19). The Quran’s reference to these scriptures suggests an unbroken moral code extending back to Abraham, creating a strong sense of continuity and stability in the Abrahamic tradition. The Quran’s Confirmation of All Previous Scriptures Throughout the Quran, Muslims are encouraged to view all previous scriptures as integral parts of God’s message to humanity. For example, captures this unity, instructing Muslims to declare, “We believe in God and what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses, Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” (Q.2:136). This verse uses the imagery of a “single, unbroken chain” to convey the Quran’s vision of all prophets and scriptures as interconnected links within a larger divine message. Muslims are again reminded to honour all previous revelations, declaring their belief in “what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants and in what was given to Moses, Jesus and the prophets from their Lord.” (Q.3:84) By emphasizing that there is no distinction made among the prophets, the Quran upholds the unity of divine guidance “like pearls strung on a single thread.” These verses reflect the Quran’s confirmation of earlier scriptures, emphasizing continuity in divine guidance across the messages given to various prophets. Exploring the Possibility of Other Divine Texts in the Quran The Quran, widely viewed as the final chapter in a long saga of divine revelations, acknowledges and affirms several key prior scriptures, such as the Torah, Injeel (Gospel), Zaboor (Psalms), the Scrolls of Abraham, and, of course, the Quran itself. These texts serve as a chain of pearls, each revelation adding its own lustre to the greater whole, portraying a continuity of divine wisdom. However, there are subtle indications within the Quran’s verses that suggest the possibility of other divine revelations. Exploring these hints could open doors to a broader understanding of divine guidance and provide new layers of meaning in viewing the diversity of religious teachings. By examining these verses, this paper seeks to reveal the deeper currents beneath the surface, suggesting that the Quran may indeed leave room for other sacred texts that serve as hidden gems scattered across different traditions. 1. Universality of Divine Guidance The Quran paints a vivid picture of the universality of divine guidance. It conveys that God’s message has always been a light to all nations, without exception. This idea is highlighted in Q.16:36: “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger [saying], ‘Worship God and avoid false gods.’” Here, the phrase “into every nation” is a key that unlocks the door to understanding: divine guidance was given freely, like rain falling upon every soil, whether or not it is explicitly documented in the Quran. Similarly, Q.35:24 states, “And there was never a nation but that there had passed within it a warner.” This verse suggests that every culture received a guiding star—a figure bringing light into their moral darkness. These verses paint a global canvas of divine guidance, implying that sacred knowledge may have been woven into the fabric of countless civilizations, whether preserved in ink or only in the memory of those communities. 2. Language and Accessibility of Revelation The Quran emphasizes accessibility, portraying divine revelation as a tailor-made garment, fitted to each people and their language. Q.14:4 states, “And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them.” This emphasis on language suggests that divine messages were as diverse as the tapestry of humanity itself. If every people received guidance in their own tongue, it follows that such messages could have taken different forms, including oral traditions, folklore, and, potentially, written texts. In this sense, the Quran envisions divine guidance like rivers that branch out, each one flowing toward different lands and nurturing unique cultures and practices. This specificity of language leaves the door ajar for interpretations that divine guidance was a phenomenon as natural and universal as sunlight, and that it may have existed in myriad forms across cultures and histories, whether fully recorded or not. 3. The “Suhuf” (Scrolls) as a Broader Category of Revelation The Quran’s references to “Suhuf” or scrolls introduce the idea that divine revelation may extend beyond the well-known books. For instance, Q.87:18-19 speaks of the “scriptures of Abraham and Moses,” yet uses the plural “Suhuf,” which could imply a broader, more inclusive set of records. This multiplicity suggests that the term could serve as an umbrella for divine wisdom preserved in various texts. Q.2:213 also mentions that “God sent the prophets as bringers of good news and warners and sent down with them the Book in truth,” without restricting “the Book” to any specific revelation. Here, the general language of “Book” and “Suhuf” can be seen as a broad canvas, leaving room for sacred texts that may have been written on tablets of stone, scrolls of parchment, or even woven into the songs and rituals of a people. Like scattered pages of a larger volume, these divine teachings may have been intended for many peoples across the ages. 4. The Inclusion of Divine Wisdom Beyond Named Books The Quran regards wisdom (Hikmah) as an integral part of divine knowledge, suggesting that it is as valuable as any formal scripture. Q.2:269 says, “He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.” This statement implies that wisdom—though perhaps unwritten—serves as a form of revelation in itself. Additionally, Q.31:12 describes the wisdom bestowed upon Luqman, a revered figure whose guidance resonates like a deep wellspring of moral insight, even though he is not traditionally considered a prophet. This subtle but significant recognition of wisdom invites the idea that divine guidance may have been passed down in diverse forms, including folk wisdom, cultural codes, and perhaps sacred proverbs. Divine knowledge, like seeds in the wind, may have found fertile ground in every community, growing into teachings that shaped societies in ways we may never fully record or understand. 5. Preservation and the Possibility of Lost Texts The Quran acknowledges that some divine guidance has endured, while other revelations have weathered the storms of history. Q.5:13-14 alludes to certain communities who “forgot a part of what they were reminded,” hinting at the human tendency to overlook or alter divine teachings. This phrase subtly alludes to the possible existence of sacred texts that may have been lost or reshaped over time, like an ancient artefact buried under layers of dust and memory. By recognizing the potential for human error in preserving divine messages, the Quran suggests that other texts—perhaps just as valuable but now hidden or transformed—might once have been central to other communities. This awareness of the past’s fragility evokes an image of sacred manuscripts as buried treasures, remnants of a divine legacy scattered across time and place. 6. The Quran as the Completion of a Continuum of Revelation In describing itself as the final piece in a long puzzle of revelation, the Quran implies that divine guidance has flowed continuously, shaping humanity’s spiritual landscape. Q.2:285 says, “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’” The imagery here of an unbroken chain suggests that each revelation, from the dawn of humankind to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, has served as a link in a golden chain, stretching across the ages and binding all of humanity together in a shared spiritual heritage. This continuity of revelation suggests that God’s messages are like rivers flowing from a single divine source, branching into different lands and cultures, yet ultimately converging in the ocean of God’s final message in the Quran. This expansive view of revelation presents the Quran not as a solitary lighthouse but as the final guiding star in a constellation of sacred texts, illuminating the unity of divine wisdom across time. While the Quran explicitly acknowledges the Torah, Injeel, Zaboor, and other specific texts, its inclusive language and themes suggest that divine guidance could encompass other scriptures and teachings unknown to us today. By highlighting universality, accessibility, and the continuity of revelation, the Quran opens a window to the possibility that God’s messages were not confined to a single thread but were, instead, woven into the rich, varied tapestry of human culture and history. Embracing this broader perspective allows us to see divine wisdom as a timeless river, nourishing all peoples and flowing across all lands, whether its tributaries are remembered in history or have faded with the ages. Such an interpretation celebrates the diversity of divine wisdom and reinforces the Quran’s role as the capstone of a vast, intricate mosaic of divine guidance. The significance of belief in previous scriptures lies in its role as a bridge for religious pluralism, fostering mutual respect and understanding among followers of different faiths. The Quran’s consistent affirmation of the Torah, Injeel, Zaboor, and other scriptures is a powerful testament to the shared spiritual heritage of the Abrahamic religions, which include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. By acknowledging these texts, the Quran encourages Muslims to see the wisdom within other religious traditions, cultivating an atmosphere where dialogue and cooperation are not only possible but encouraged. This approach highlights the importance of recognizing the common ethical and spiritual foundations among these faiths, promoting a pluralist understanding that views diversity as an expression of divine will rather than as a point of division. Belief in previous scriptures is akin to building bridges over troubled waters, fostering mutual respect and understanding among followers of different faiths. The Quran’s consistent affirmation of the Torah, Injeel, Zaboor, and other scriptures serves as a powerful testament to the shared spiritual heritage of the Abrahamic religions, which include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Acknowledging these texts is like unlocking a treasure chest of wisdom, encouraging Muslims to see the wisdom within other religious traditions, and cultivating an atmosphere where dialogue and cooperation are not only possible but encouraged. This approach highlights the importance of recognizing the common ethical and spiritual foundations among these faiths, promoting a pluralist understanding that views diversity as a beautiful mosaic of divine will rather than a point of division. Additionally, the Quran’s endorsement of previous scriptures underscores a broader divine purpose that transcends any single revelation, illustrating that all prophets and their teachings contribute to a universal framework for guidance and righteousness. This acknowledgment creates an inclusive framework that validates the experiences and teachings of prior communities, fostering an environment where Muslims can engage with adherents of other faiths from a place of mutual respect. By affirming the continuity of divine guidance, the Quran encourages believers to seek unity in shared values, helping to bridge religious divides and promote a pluralist vision that honours diversity while grounding itself in a commitment to collective moral principles. This pluralist understanding aligns with the Quranic vision of humanity as a single, interconnected family united in purpose and origin, ultimately seeking closeness to God. ------ V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar of Islamic humanism. He writes with a passion for developing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress. His work inspires the creation of a just society, fosters critical thinking, and promotes inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/quran-confirms-scriptures-gospel-psalm/d/133674 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism