“And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you…” (Quran 2:4). Belief in the Holy Books is one of the six articles of faith that complete a Muslim’s belief in Islam. Thus, Muslims are required to believe that all the Holy Books were revealed to Allah’s prophets to guide mankind.

“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it…” (Quran 5:48). Allah mentions some of the Holy Books by name in the Quran.

The Quran is the last and only uncorrupted one. Previous ones include the Gospel (Isa/Jesus) which is known as the Injeel in Arabic; the Torah (Musa/Moses) which is known as the Tawrah in Arabic; the Psalms (Dawood/David), knows as the Zaboor in Arabic; and lastly, the Scrolls (Ibrahim/Abraham & Musa/Moses), known as Suhuf in Arabic.

These are the only books mentioned by name in the Quran. There may or may not be others, but these are the only ones whose existences Muslims affirm. The scriptures were aimed at resolving problems according to the times when they were revealed. Allah’s Oneness was always the focal point, while importance was also given to humans’ obligations and laws.

Muslims also believe that the original books quranforkids.com/four-revealed-holy-books-in-islam/ have all been altered over time. The most prevalent version of the Bible nowadays is in English, but it wasn’t revealed in English. Most of the original text of the Bible (and the other books) has been lost and/or corrupted over time.

The Quran

The Holy Quran is the final revelation sent down by Allah. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is considered as the last book, relevant till the end of time for Muslims. The Quran has some characteristics that make it stand out; it is, after all, a unique book, not quite like the previously revealed ones. Allah revealed the Quran for all of humanity, not just a defined group of people.

The Quran was revealed in Arabic, but due to the global presence of Islam, there are several translations that contain the meanings of the Holy Book. It includes stories of the prophets, Allah’s attributes, human obligations towards Allah, and much more.

The Quran is the only revealed book to have been preserved in its original form. Since the beginning of revelation, it was been memorized by several Muslims (huffaz). This was one of Allah’s ways of preserving His word in its originality.

The Injeel

Also known as the Gospel, this was the Holy Book revealed to Prophet Isa (a.s.). “And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein…” (Quran 5:47). Isa (a.s.) conveyed the message of his Holy Book to the Bani Israel (Children of Israel) who were his people.

As with the other texts besides the Quran, the Injeel was also corrupted over some time. The Gospel, now known as the New Testament, is entirely different from the Injeel that was revealed by Allah. Muslims are only required to believe in the original Injeel and do not need to affirm any part of the current Gospel.

The Tawrah

Commonly known as the Torah, this was the Holy Book that Allah bestowed upon Prophet Musa (a.s.). “He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.” (Quran 3:3)

The Tawrah was revealed regarding the Bani Israel and their obligations towards Allah. However, once again, this is another one of the books that has been tarnished over time. So, we only affirm the original Tawrah as Allah’s revelation, not the distorted Torah or Old Testament that is commonly circulated nowadays.

The Zaboor

This Holy Book was revealed to Prophet Dawud (a.s.) and is also known as the Psalms. “And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David, We gave the book [of Psalms].” (Quran 17:55).

As with the other Holy Books, Muslims believe that Allah revealed only the original Zaboor. It has been changed over time. We neither affirm nor deny the “Book of Psalms” that some consider to be the book in question.

The Suhuf

“But you prefer the worldly life, While the Hereafter is better and more enduring. Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, The scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” (Quran 87:16-19).

These scriptures are mentioned fleetingly in the Quran on two occasions. There is no well-known version considered to be in existence right now. Thus, these are amongst the scriptures that are deemed to be lost. However, Muslims very much affirm their existence at the time of their revelation.