Acknowledgment of the Bible in the Qur'an: A Question for Muslims
- Wired for Christ
- Nov 14, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Text to Speech
Islam holds the Qur'an in deep reverence, seeing it as the unaltered word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims approach the Qur'an with immense respect and a commitment to understanding its teachings—guided by the principles of sincerity and truth.
This article, therefore, is not an attempt to twist the Qur'an's words to convert Muslims to Christianity, but rather to examine a question that arises from the Qur'an's own recognition of the Bible: Should they read the Bible, and if yes, should they follow its teachings?
Let’s get started...
Part 1: The Qur'an and the Bible
The Qur'an acknowledges the Bible in several verses:
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:46): And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which was before him of the Torah. And We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which was before it of the Torah and as guidance and instruction for those who fear Allah.
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:68): Say, 'O People of the Scripture, you are standing on nothing until you uphold the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.
Surah Al-Imran (3:3): It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46): And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them. And say, 'We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.
Part 2: God's Name Above His Word
The Bible emphasizes the significance of God's word:
Psalm 138:2: "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name."
This tells us that God places immense importance on His word.
Part 3: Proofs of Biblical Integrity
Textual Criticism: Scholars compare thousands of ancient manuscripts. The New Testament has over 5,800 Greek manuscripts, significantly more than any other ancient text, making the case for its integrity strong.
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovered between 1947 and 1956, these ancient manuscripts include texts from the Hebrew Bible, showing that many Biblical texts were standardized by at least the 1st century BCE.
Historical References: Works by early historians like Josephus and Tacitus mention Jesus and events in the Bible, affirming its historical context.
The Mesha Stele: Also known as the Moabite Stone, this 9th-century BCE inscription describes the exploits of King Mesha of Moab and mentions Israel, corroborating accounts found in 2 Kings.
Consistency in Doctrine Across English Translations:
English translations like the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV vary slightly in wording but uphold the core doctrines, especially salvation through Jesus Christ, consistent with the original ancient manuscripts.
These versions reflect nuanced language differences, not contradictions, which is evident when compared to the preserved Greek and Hebrew texts.
Translation variations do not signify corruption but rather adaptations to English that retain the integrity of Biblical teachings.
Part 4: The Old Testament Points to Jesus
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasizes the connection between His life and the Old Testament Scriptures: John 5:39:"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."
Here are several Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus:
Born of a Virgin:
Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'"
Birthplace:
Old Testament Prophecy: Micah 5:2:"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 2:4-6: "So they said to him, 'In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel."
Suffering Servant:
Old Testament: Isaiah 53:5: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
New Testament Fulfillment: 1 Peter 2:24: "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed."
Triumphal Entry:
Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 21:4-5: "All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 'Tell the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Part 5: Jesus, The Only Way
The Bible presents Jesus not only as a messenger but also divine and the only way to God:
John 8:58: "Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
John 10:30: I and My Father are one."
John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
Part 6: A Question for Reflection
Given that:
1) The Qur'an acknowledges the Bible,
2) God's Word is exalted,
3) The Bible's integrity,
4) The Old Testament Scriptures point to Jesus,
5) Jesus’ claims in the Bible to be God the Son, and
6) Jesus claims in the Bible to be the only way to God the Father
Muslims are encouraged to ponder this simple question: Should they read the Bible, and if yes, should they follow its teachings?
May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.
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