Belief in the Divine Scriptures (The Third Pillar of Iman)

The Third Pillar of Iman

The third pillar of Iman (faith) in Islam is the belief in the divine scriptures revealed by Allah to guide humanity. This article delves into the essence of this belief, exploring its importance, the different scriptures sent down, their purposes, and how they play a critical role in shaping the lives of Muslims. We will also reflect on Quranic verses to better understand this aspect of faith.

Understanding Belief in the Divine Scriptures

Belief in the divine scriptures (Iman bil-Kutub) is an essential component of a Muslim's faith. It refers to the acceptance and acknowledgment that Allah revealed specific books to various prophets throughout history to serve as guidance for their respective communities. These scriptures contain Allah’s words and provide instructions on how to live a righteous life, uphold justice, and maintain a close relationship with the Creator.

The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of believing in these scriptures:

"O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray."
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:136)

This verse highlights that belief in the divine books is a core element of Iman, linking it with the belief in Allah, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment.

The Divine Scriptures in Islam

Islam recognizes several divine scriptures that were revealed before the Qur'an. These books served as guidance for their respective communities until the coming of the final revelation. The main divine scriptures acknowledged in Islam are:

The Suhuf Ibrahim (the Scrolls of Abraham)
The Tawrah (Torah) revealed to Musa (Moses)
The Zabur (Psalms) revealed to Dawud (David)
The Injil (Gospel) revealed to Isa (Jesus)
The Qur'an revealed to Muhammad (PBUH)

Each of these books was sent down to convey Allah’s commands, laws, and guidance, tailored to the needs of the people at the time.

1. The Scrolls of Ibrahim (Suhuf Ibrahim)

The Suhuf of Ibrahim are considered among the earliest scriptures. Although not much is known about their specific content, they are believed to contain wisdom, moral teachings, and guidance on worship and social conduct.

"Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses."
(Surah Al-A'la, 87:18-19)

This verse mentions the scriptures of Ibrahim, highlighting their significance and the continuity of divine revelation.

2. The Torah (Tawrah) Revealed to Musa (Moses)

The Tawrah is the scripture revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses). It contains laws, commandments, and teachings to guide the Israelites. The Tawrah emphasized the concept of monotheism, justice, and moral conduct.

"Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:44)

This verse affirms the Tawrah as a source of guidance and light for its people, revealing Allah’s instructions for a just and pious life.

3. The Psalms (Zabur) Revealed to Dawud (David)

The Zabur was revealed to Prophet Dawud (David), comprising hymns and praises glorifying Allah. It is known for its spiritual content, focusing on worship and devotion.

"And to David, We gave the book [of Psalms]." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:55)

This verse confirms the revelation of Zabur to Dawud, marking it as one of the significant scriptures sent down by Allah.

4. The Gospel (Injil) Revealed to Isa (Jesus)

The Injil was the scripture revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus), containing teachings that emphasized compassion, love, and the worship of one God. It was a continuation of the divine message, reinforcing the monotheistic beliefs established by previous prophets.

"And We sent, following in their footsteps, 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 and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:46)

This verse highlights the Injil as a book of guidance and light, confirming its place among the divine scriptures.

5. The Qur'an Revealed to Muhammad (PBUH)

The Qur'an is the final revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), serving as the ultimate and complete guidance for all of humanity. It confirms and completes the messages of the previous scriptures while addressing the needs of the present and future generations.

"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2)

The Qur'an is unique because it remains unchanged and preserved in its original form since its revelation over 1,400 years ago. It serves as a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of life, including faith, law, morality, and social justice.

The Role and Purpose of the Divine Scriptures

The divine scriptures play several vital roles in the lives of Muslims:

1. Guidance for Humanity

Each scripture was sent to guide humanity towards the path of righteousness, emphasizing the worship of one God and adherence to His laws. The Qur'an, as the final scripture, provides comprehensive guidance on all matters of life.

"Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)

2. Confirmation of Previous Messages

The divine books confirm and validate the messages sent by previous prophets, ensuring a consistent theme of monotheism and righteous living throughout history.

"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." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:48)

3. Establishing Divine Law

The scriptures provided laws and commandments that governed the social and moral conduct of their respective communities. They established principles of justice, charity, and worship, forming the basis of religious practice.

The Importance of Believing in All Scriptures

Believing in all divine scriptures is crucial because it reflects the universal message of Islam that transcends time and cultural boundaries. Muslims believe that all these books were true revelations from Allah, although previous scriptures may have been altered or lost over time. The Qur'an, however, remains unaltered, serving as the final and complete guide.

"Say, 'We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:136)

This verse illustrates the Islamic belief in all scriptures and prophets, emphasizing the unity and continuity of divine guidance throughout history.

Conclusion

Belief in the divine scriptures is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith. It signifies acceptance of Allah's guidance sent through His messengers across different eras and communities. The Qur'an, as the final and complete revelation, serves as the ultimate guide for Muslims, providing comprehensive instructions on leading a righteous and fulfilling life. Embracing this belief is key to understanding the divine wisdom and mercy that have guided humanity throughout history.

By acknowledging and respecting all the revealed books, Muslims affirm their belief in the universality of Allah's message and the interconnectedness of all His prophets and revelations. This understanding fosters a sense of unity, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment, as believers strive to live by the divine guidance provided in the Qur'an and the teachings of previous scriptures.