Belief in Books

Belief in the Books of Allah

Qur’an, Tawrat, Injil, Zabur, and Scriptures revealed by Allah

Introduction

Belief in the Books of Allah is a pillar of faith. It means affirming that Allah revealed guidance through scriptures to His messengers, culminating in the Qur’an. This belief is not abstract it shapes how we understand truth, revelation, and our duty to live by Allah’s final Book.

Meaning of Belief in the Books

Belief in the Books of Allah includes four essential points.

1. Firm belief they were all revealed from Allah

Every scripture came from Allah’s words some directly, some through angelic messengers, and some written by Allah Himself.

“It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger…” Qur’an 42:51

“…and to Musa Allah spoke directly.” Qur’an 4:164

2. Belief in specific Books by name

The Qur’an names five scriptures explicitly: the Qur’an, Tawrat, Injil, Zabur, and the Scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa.

All others mentioned generally must be believed in collectively.

“…say: I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book.” Qur’an 42:15

3. Belief in what remains true within them

We affirm what matches the Qur’an and Sunnah and reject distortions or changes.

“And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation for all things.” Qur’an 7:145

4. Belief that the Qur’an confirms and surpasses them

The Qur’an is the final revelation—confirming truth in previous scriptures, exposing distortions, and replacing earlier laws.

“And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture before it and as a guardian over it.” Qur’an 5:48

Living by the Qur’an

The Qur’an is not just to be read it is to be followed and lived.

“And this is a blessed Book which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah.” Qur’an 6:155

Giving the Qur’an its due means: affirming its rulings, avoiding what it prohibits, reflecting on its meanings, reciting it in prayer, teaching it, defending it, and calling others to it.

Fruits of Belief in the Books

• Appreciating Allah’s care: He guided every people through revelation.
• Recognizing divine wisdom: Each law suited its community. Qur’an 5:48
• Gratitude: Honoring Allah for the blessing of guidance.
• Focus on the Qur’an: Reading, reflecting, and applying it with sincerity.

Addressing Misconceptions

• All books equal? Some think all scriptures remain valid. In truth, the Qur’an is final and overrides earlier laws. Qur’an 5:48
• Selective belief: Believing in some scriptures but rejecting others is disbelief. The Qur’an affirms all true revelation. Qur’an 2:285
• Qur’an as text only: Some treat it as recitation without practice. True belief means living by it. Qur’an 6:155

Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn ‘Uthaymin highlighted that belief in the Books requires both respect for earlier revelations and commitment to the Qur’an as final authority.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 42:51 : Revelation comes by command of Allah.
• Qur’an 4:164 : Allah spoke directly to Musa.
• Qur’an 7:145 : The Tawrat written on Tablets.
• Qur’an 42:15 : Believe in all revelation.
• Qur’an 5:48 : The Qur’an confirms and guards previous Books.
• Qur’an 28:52-53 : The People of the Book who accept the Qur’an.
• Qur’an 6:155 : Follow the blessed Book.

Secondary Sources

• A‘lam al-Sunnah al-Manshurah : Concise guidance on core beliefs.
• Ibn ‘Uthaymin, Sharh al-Usul al-Thalathah : Detailed explanation of faith foundations.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Iman : Discussions on belief in revelation.
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir : Commentary on relevant Qur’anic verses.