How Many Holy Books in Islam: Exploring the Divine Scriptures and Their Mystical Connections

How Many Holy Books in Islam: Exploring the Divine Scriptures and Their Mystical Connections

Islam, one of the world’s major religions, is deeply rooted in its sacred texts, which guide the spiritual and moral lives of its followers. The question “How many holy books in Islam?” often arises among those seeking to understand the faith’s foundational literature. While the Qur’an is the most well-known and central holy book in Islam, the religion acknowledges several other divine scriptures revealed to different prophets throughout history. This article delves into the concept of holy books in Islam, their significance, and the mystical connections that bind them together.

The Qur’an: The Ultimate Revelation

The Qur’an is the cornerstone of Islamic belief and practice. Muslims believe it to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. It is written in Arabic and is considered the final and most complete revelation, superseding all previous scriptures. The Qur’an addresses various aspects of life, including theology, morality, law, and guidance for personal conduct. Its preservation in its original form is seen as a miracle, and it is recited and memorized by millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Torah (Tawrat): Revelation to Moses

In Islamic tradition, the Torah (Tawrat) is recognized as a holy book revealed to the Prophet Moses (Musa). It is considered a guide and a light for the Children of Israel. However, Muslims believe that the original message of the Torah has been altered over time, and the current versions of the Torah do not fully represent the divine revelation. Despite this, the Qur’an frequently references the Torah, emphasizing its importance and the continuity of divine guidance through different prophets.

The Psalms (Zabur): Songs of David

The Psalms (Zabur) are another set of holy scriptures mentioned in Islam. They are attributed to the Prophet David (Dawud) and are described as a collection of hymns and prayers. While the Qur’an does not provide extensive details about the content of the Psalms, it acknowledges their divine origin and their role in guiding the faithful. The Psalms are seen as a source of spiritual inspiration and a testament to the diversity of God’s revelations to humanity.

The Gospel (Injil): Teachings of Jesus

The Gospel (Injil) is the holy book revealed to the Prophet Jesus (Isa). In Islamic belief, the Injil contained the teachings and guidance of Jesus, emphasizing love, compassion, and the worship of God. Similar to the Torah, Muslims believe that the original message of the Gospel has been altered, and the current versions of the New Testament do not fully reflect the divine revelation. Nevertheless, the Qur’an holds Jesus in high esteem and recognizes the Injil as a significant part of the chain of divine messages.

The Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim)

The Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim) are lesser-known holy scriptures in Islam. They are believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and contain teachings and guidance specific to his time. While the Qur’an does not provide extensive details about the content of these scrolls, they are mentioned as part of the broader narrative of divine revelation. The Scrolls of Abraham symbolize the continuity of God’s message across different eras and civilizations.

Mystical Connections and Symbolism

The holy books in Islam are not isolated texts but are interconnected through a shared divine origin. They represent a continuum of revelation, with each book addressing the specific needs and circumstances of its time. The Qur’an, as the final revelation, serves as a unifying force, confirming the truths found in the previous scriptures while providing comprehensive guidance for all of humanity.

The mystical connections between these holy books are often explored in Islamic mysticism (Sufism). Sufis view the scriptures as layers of divine wisdom, each revealing deeper truths about the nature of God and the universe. The Qur’an, in particular, is seen as a source of esoteric knowledge, with its verses containing hidden meanings that can only be unlocked through spiritual insight and contemplation.

The Role of Holy Books in Islamic Practice

The holy books in Islam play a central role in the religious and spiritual lives of Muslims. The Qur’an is recited daily in prayers, and its teachings are studied and reflected upon for guidance. The other holy books, while not directly used in Islamic worship, are respected as part of the broader tradition of divine revelation. They serve as a reminder of the continuity of God’s message and the shared heritage of the Abrahamic faiths.

Conclusion

The question “How many holy books in Islam?” opens the door to a rich and complex tradition of divine revelation. While the Qur’an stands as the ultimate and most complete scripture, Islam acknowledges the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Scrolls of Abraham as part of its sacred heritage. These holy books, each revealed to a different prophet, form a tapestry of divine guidance that spans the history of humanity. Their mystical connections and shared themes underscore the unity of God’s message and the enduring relevance of His teachings.

Q: Are the holy books in Islam considered equal in importance?
A: While all holy books are respected, the Qur’an is considered the most important and final revelation, superseding all previous scriptures.

Q: Do Muslims read the Torah or the Gospel?
A: Muslims primarily focus on the Qur’an, but they may study the Torah and Gospel for historical and comparative purposes, recognizing their divine origins.

Q: How do Muslims view the preservation of the holy books?
A: Muslims believe the Qur’an has been perfectly preserved, while the previous scriptures have undergone alterations over time.

Q: What is the significance of the Scrolls of Abraham in Islam?
A: The Scrolls of Abraham are seen as an early form of divine revelation, emphasizing the continuity of God’s message through different prophets.