OUTLINE THE MAIN FEATURES OF MUSLIM BELIEF IN

BOOKS.

INTRODUCTION
Belief in Books is an article of faith as Iman-e-Musfasil says, “I believe in Allah and His Angels and His
books and His Prophets…” which shows that belief in books is imperative for Muslims and without it faith is
incomplete. If a Muslims would not believe in this he would be out of the folds of Islam. The Holy Qurans say,
“It is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last day and His Angels and His books and His
Prophets…”.This means that belief in revealed books is an act of piety (taqwa).

FEATURES: General features

Allah has sent revelations (books) throughout the history. They revelations (books) were sent for the guidance
of mankind. These books were sent to Prophets by Angel Gibrael. The revelation is the best way in which
Allah communicated His will to the people. These Books were sent for specific nations (except for the Holy
Quran which is universal).

These books were revealed in the language of the people, so that they can comprehend the message of God. The
Holy Quran says “We did not send an Apostle but with the language of his people so that he might explain
to them clearly”. However, the previous nations corrupted and altered the message of Allah and therefore
there was a need for a new prophet with a fresh message.

FEATURES: Teachings
These books contained the same teachings:

Firstly, Tawhid, which means that Allah is One without any partner. Thus, the teachings of the books forbade
their nations from associating partner with Allah (shirk). They also taught that Allah is the only creator of
everything (the heavens and the earth) and all others are His creation and the creations do not have any physical
relation with Him. He is All-Knowing and All-Powerful. He is the sustainer and the cherisher.

Secondly, all books emphasized on believing in Angels, Prophets, destiny and the day of Judgement. The Books
taught that Angels and Prophets are the messengers of Allah and do not have any physical relationship with
Him. These books also informed that this world is temporary and will come to an end one day and there will be
another world after this which is permanent and before entering that world, they will be held accountable for
their deeds and accordingly they will be awarded paradise or punished in Hell.

Thirdly, these books also taught regarding morality, code of conduct and justice. The Holy Quran says in this
regard, “Certainly we have sent the messengers, with clear arguments and have sent down with them, the
Books and the balance, so that men might practice Justice”.
FEATURES: Books and their respective Prophets
Some of the Prophets were given divine books.
– Hazrat Daud (A.S) was blessed with Zabur;
– Hazrat Musa (A.S) was blessed with Taurat; The Holy Quran says, “And before it (Holy Quran),
there was the Book (Taurat), as guidance and as mercy”
– Hazrat Isa (A.S) was given Injeel; The King of Abyssinia, Negus said “Verily, this (Quran) and what
Jesus brought has come from the same source of light”.
– Holy Prophet (PBUH) was blessed with the Holy Quran. The Holy Qurans say: “And we have revealed
to you (O Muhammad) the book (Holy Quran) as the exposition of everything”.
– Some of the Prophets were given “Sahuf” like Suhuf-e-Ibrahim.

FEATURES OF HOLY QURAN:

The Holy Quran is the last divine book which was revealed upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a period of 23
years between 610 and 632 A.D. It has the following features:

It is a complete code of life which covers all aspects of life like religious, economic, social, political, military
and Judicial.

It is in a living language i.e. Arabic unlike those of previous scriptures which are forgotten.

It contains the same teachings which were in the previous scriptures (Tawhid, Day of Judgement and morality).
However, it is for the entire mankind and for all times to come, which shows the universal and eternal nature of
Holy Quran.

It is perfect and will never be changed as Allah himself has taken the responsibility to protect it. The Holy
Quran says, “Surely, we have revealed the reminder (the Holy Quran) and no doubt, we will protect it
from corruption”. Allah also says, “This is the Glorious Quran, preserved in a tablet”.

The Holy Quran sums up the teachings of all previous books, and there is no need of any other divine book after
it as Allah has perfected the religion of Islam through the teachings of Holy Quran. Allah says, “This day I
have perfected your religion for you, completed my favours upon you and have chosen for you Islam as
your religion”.