The Divine Books in Islam
From the beginning of humanity, Allah sent prophets and messengers to guide mankind to the truth. Their mission was always the same: to call people to the Oneness of God (Tawḥīd), to
worship Him alone without associating any partners with Him, and to establish the foundations of faith. These foundations include belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Day of Judgement, and divine decree (Qadr). All of the revealed books called to the same ʿAqīdah, the belief in the unseen and the essential pillars of faith.
They taught that every human being will be held accountable for their deeds,that there will be reward and punishment, and that ultimate judgement belongs to Allah alone. Furthermore, they consistently advised spiritual purification, righteousness, and obedience. They made clear that true success lies in submitting to Allah, obeying His commands, and worshipping Him sincerely as
covered in the verses below.
“Successful indeed are those who purify themselves, remember the Name of their Lord, and pray. But you ˹deniers only˺ prefer the life of this world, even though the Hereafter is far better and more lasting. This is certainly ˹mentioned˺ in the earlier Scriptures— the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” Quran: The Most High [Al-A’la] 87:14-19
“Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and with them We sent down the Scripture and
the balance ˹of justice˺ so that people may administer justice. And We sent down iron with its great might, benefits for humanity, and means for Allah to prove who ˹is willing to˺ stand up for Him and His messengers without seeing Him. Surely Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty..” Quran: The Iron [Al-Hadid] 57:25
We must believe that the Books were revealed to the Messengers from Allah ﷻ in order to convey His ﷻ message to mankind through the Archangel Gabriel [Jibrīl] عليه السلام ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him].
“[We sent] messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the Messengers. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:165
“And We sent not before you any Messenger except that We revealed to him that, ‘There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.’” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-Anbiyāʾ] 21:25
“And We made them leaders, guiding [men] by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of alms; and they were worshippers of Us.” Qurʾān: The
Prophets [Al-Anbiyāʾ] 21:73
The Holy Books were revealed to specific nations with different languages. The message of belief (ʿAqīdah) and matters on manners or justice never changed. The fundamentals of faith remained constant in every nation and every era. However, some of the the Sharīʿah (legal rulings and practical laws) were adapted according to the time, place, and people to whom the revelation was sent.
“Blessed is He Who hath revealed unto His slave the Criterion (of right and wrong), that he may be a warner to the people.” Qurʾān: The Differentiator [Surah Al – Furqān] 25:1
However, the noble Qurʾān, the last revealed Book, was sent for all of humanity until the Day of
Judgement. The Qurʾān restores the truth that was altered in previous scriptures and clears the false accusations made against the chosen servants of Allah ﷻ. For instance, Prophet Sulaimān عليه السلام was wrongly accused of practising sorcery, and the Qurʾān firmly refutes this claim, affirming his purity and honour.
“They [instead] followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve; rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon. The two angels never taught anyone without saying, ‘We are only a test [for you], so do not abandon [your] faith.’ Yet people learned [magic] that caused a rift [even] between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them – although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!” Qurʾān: The Cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:102
In this article, we will delve into the sacred books revealed in Islam, exploring their significance and role in guiding humanity.
The Divine Scriptures That A Muslim Should Know Of:
The Early Scrolls (Ṣuḥuf)
Before the major scriptures were revealed, smaller scrolls (Ṣuḥuf) were sent to earlier prophets. These were revealed to:
· Shaith (Seth)
- Idris (Enoch)
- Ibrahim (Abraham)
- Musa (Moses)
These scrolls contained guidance, wisdom, and reminders suited to their respective communities. They were considered smaller revelations in comparison to the major books that would follow.
“Successful indeed are those who purify themselves, remember the Name of their Lord, and pray. But you [deniers only] prefer the life of this world, even though the hereafter is far better and more lasting. This is certainly [mentioned] in the earlier Scriptures –the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” Qurʾān: The Most High [Al-Aʿla] 87: 14-19
The Four Major Revealed Books
After the scrolls, Allah revealed four great scriptures:
The Torah [Tawrāt]
Together with the scroll (Ṣuḥuf) the Torah [Tawrāt] was revealed to Prophet Moses [Mūsa] عليه السلام. Its
scripture contained laws, rulings, and guidance for the children of Israel. This scripture is also mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān eighteen times.
“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, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers.” Qurʾān: The Feast [Al-Māʾidah] 5:44)
“And [We sent] Messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:164
Muslims believe in the original Tawrah that was revealed to Musa as divine revelation from Allah. However, Islamic belief holds that the scripture was later altered, changed, and distorted by people
over time which are reflected in these verses in Surah Al-Baqarah.
“Do you ˹believers still˺ expect them to be true to you, though a group of them would hear the word of Allah then knowingly corrupt it after understanding it?” Quran: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:75
“So woe1 to those who distort the Scripture with their own hands then say, “This is from Allah”—seeking a fleeting gain! So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they have earned.” Quran: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:79
The Book of Psalms [Zabūr]
The Book of Psalms Zabūr of Prophet David [Dawūd] عليه السلام is also a revealed book ofAllah ﷻ as mentioned in the Qur’ān:
“Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the Prophets after him. And we revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, ʿĪsaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:163
The Zabur primarily consisted of wisdom, supplications (duʿā’), praise (tasbīḥ), and spiritual teachings. It did not contain extensive legal rulings like the Tawrah.
The Gospel [Injīl]
The Gospel [Injīl] was revealed to Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsa] عليه السلام. Muslims believe that the revelation was from Allah ﷻ to Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsa] عليه السلام as a source of guidance to his nation. It called people to the Oneness of Allah and emphasized mercy, spirituality, and righteousnes . The Gospel [Injīl] is mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān twelve times.
“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.” Qurʾān: The Feast [Surah Al-Ma’idah] 5:46
“O People of the Scripture – do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a Messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So, believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, ‘Three’; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:171
“O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and ˹honour˺ family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you”. Qur’ān: Women [Surah An-Nisa] 4:1
“And We saved them and whom We willed and destroyed the transgressors.” Qurʾān:
The Prophets [Surah Al-Anbiyāʾ] 21:9
“We have certainly sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason?” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Surah Al-Anbiyāʾ] 21:10)
Like the Tawrah, Muslims believe in the original Injīl that was revealed to ʿĪsā (Jesus), peace be upon him. However, Islamic belief maintains that the Injīl in its original revealed form has not been preserved, and that alterations and distortions occurred over time. Unfortunately, its scripture was distorted by men to include the fabrication of the divinity of Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsa] عليه السلام. As Muslims, we honour Mary [Maryam] عليها السلام as a virgin and a saint. We also know that Jesus [ʿĪsa] عليه السلام never said he was the son of Allah ﷻ. In Surah Al-Mā’idah, Allah addresses one of
the greatest misconceptions concerning ʿĪsā. Allah says:
“And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know
what is ˹hidden˺ within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Knower of all unseen.” Quran: The Table Spread [Al-Mā’idah] 5:116.
This verse clearly affirms that ʿĪsā, peace be upon him, called people to the worship of Allah alone and never claimed divinity reinforcing the Islamic belief that all prophets conveyed the same message of pure monotheism.
The Quran [Al-Furqān]
Finally, Allah revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is the final and complete revelation, serving as the ultimate reference in matters of ʿAqīdah, worship, law, and character. Allah says in Surah Al-Isrā’ (17:9): “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright…”
The Qur’an affirms the original truths contained within the previous scriptures while serving as a guardian and criterion (Al-Furqān) over them, clarifying and rectifying some of the alterations that were introduced into the Tawrah and the Injīl over time. Classical scholars such as Al-Tabari explain that the Qur’an guides humanity to the straight path, a religion that is upright, balanced, and free from deviation or distortion.
“It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it.”
Quran: The Rocky Tract [Al-Hijir] 15:9
The Preservation of The Quran
The Holy Qur’ān was revealed as a ‘clear light’ to confirm that the previous Books are from Allah ﷻ. It
is the origin of every proof and Allah has protected it, so it remainsunaltered.
“O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:174
“So those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him – He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:175
We believe that the Holy Qurʾān is the speech [kalām] of Allah ﷻ and is therefore uncreated. It was revealed at a time when the Arabic language was at its peak, demonstrating its divine origin through a level of eloquence that even the most gifted speakers of the age could neither imitate nor alter.
“Say, ‘If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur’ān, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.’ “Qur’an: The Night journey [Surah
Al-Isra] 17:88.
Also, the Qurʾān revealed what the previous people tried to alter about the coming of Prophet
Muhammad ﷺ in their (Jews’ and the Christians’) Books and they tried to hide the truth from their people.
“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. So, judge between them by what Allah has revealed and does not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He
intended] to test you in what He has given you; so, race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” Qurʾān: The
Feast [Al-Māʾidah] 5:48)
“O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what
you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.” Qur’an: The Feast [Al-Māʾidah] 5:15)
The Qurʾān came to us through pure transmission from Allah ﷻ to the Prophet ﷺ through Gabriel [Jibril] عليه السلام. It was then conveyed to the sincere companions of the Prophet ﷺ and
then to the rest of mankind. Allahﷻ will guard and protect the Qurʾān till the end of time. As for the rest of the Books, they were altered and corrupted by evil people, who changed and rewrote them according to their desires and to use them against their enemies.
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’ān and indeed, We will be its guardian.” Qurʾān: Al-Hijr [Surah Al-Hijr] 15:9
“So, woe to those who write the “scripture” with their own hands, then say, ‘This is from Allah,’in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.” Qurʾān: The cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:79)
“And indeed, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may
think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, ‘This is from Allah,’ but it is not from Allah. And they speak untruth about Allah while they know” Qur’an: The Family of Imran [Al -Imran] 3:78.
The Holy Qur’ān (The Final Revelation)
The Qur’ān is the final revealed Book from Allah ﷻ, sent as guidance for all of creation. It is a miracle in its own right, astonishing the Arab poets of its time through its unmatched eloquence and linguistic perfection. As human knowledge and scientific understanding continue to advance, many people have also come to reflect on the scientific signs within the Qur’ān. Allah ﷻ has promised to preserve it, and thus it remains unchanged and protected from alteration. The Qur’ān continues to serve as a source of guidance for those who are mindful of Allah and seek righteousness. The revelation of the Qur’ān was a carefully guided process through which Allah ﷻ communicated
His final message to humanity. Rather than being revealed all at once, the Qur’ān was sent down gradually over a period of time, allowing its teachings to be understood, implemented, and lived by the early Muslim community. This method of revelation reflects divine wisdom and sets the foundation for understanding the stages through which the Qur’ān was revealed.
Stages of Revelation
The Qurʾān was revealed to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ over the course of 23 years, beginning with the onset of his prophethood and continuing until shortly before his passing. Before his passing, in SurahMa’idah, Allah revealed this ayah to prophet Muhammad at Arafat while he was doing hajj al-wada.
“…Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as
your way…” Qurʾān: The Feast [Al-Māʾidah] 5:3)
This gradual revelation unfolded accordingto Allah’s perfect wisdom, addressing unfolding events, answering questions, and nurturing the spiritual growth of the early Muslim community. Scholars
explain that the revelation occurred in distinct stages, each reflecting the divine care with which the Qurʾān was sent down. The first of these stages describes how the complete Qurʾān was initially sent to the lowest heaven before being revealed gradually to the Prophet ﷺ.
Stage one:
At this stage the complete Qurʾān was sent down to The First Sky [Bayt Al ʾIzza] on The Night of Power [Laylatul Qadr].
“In fact, this is a glorious Qurʾān,” Qurʾān:
The Towering Constellations [Surah Al-Burūj] 85:21.
“[recorded] in a Preserved Tablet.” Qurʾān: The Towering Constellations [Surah Al-Burūj] 85:22
“Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night,1 for We always warn [against evil.]” Qurʾān:
Smoke [Ad-Dukhān] 44:3
“Indeed, [it is] We [Who] sent this [ Qur’ān] down on the Night of Glory.” Qurʾān: The Night of glory [ Al-Qadr] 97:
This ‘Night of Power’ in the month of Ramaḍān marks the first stage of the Qurʾān’s revelation.
Stage two
After the Night of Power, the Qurʾān was revealed in stages to the Prophet ﷺ through the revelation [al waḥiy], brought to him by Angel Gabriel [Jibrīl] عليه السلام over a period of 23 years.
“It is a Qur’ān We have revealed in stages so that you may recite it to people at a deliberate pace. And We have sent it down in successive revelations.” Qurʾān: The Night Journey [Al-Isrāʾ] 17:106
“Do they not then reflect on the Qur’ān? Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would have certainly found in it many inconsistencies.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:82
Elements of The Qur’ān
Divine Unity [Tawhīd]
There are verses that talk about Allah ﷻ Himself. The main examples in the Qur’ān are in the following chapters: Purity [of faith] [Sūrah Al Ikhlas], the beginning of Iron [Al-Hadid], the last two verses of The Cow [Sūrah Al Baqarah] and the Verse of the Throne [Ayat ul-Kursi].
Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” Qurʾān: Purity (of Faith) [Surah-Al-Ikhlas] 112:1-4
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His Messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear, and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.’” Qurʾān: The Cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:285
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. ‘Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our Protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.’” Qurʾān: The Cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:286
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, guidance for those who are conscious of Allah.” Qurʾān: The Cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:2
“Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.” Qurʾān: The Cow [Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:3
“And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].” Qurʾān: The Cow Surah Al-Baqarah] 2:4
Stories of the Prophets [Qaṣaṣ]
The Qur’ān contains the Stories of the Prophets (Qaṣaṣ), recounting the experiences of past nations and highlighting their corruption and disregard for the divine message. These stories serve as
lessons for believers, offering guidance and warnings so they do not repeat the mistakes of previous communities.
“We already sent Messengers before you. We have told you the stories of some of them, while others
We have not. It was not for any Messenger to bring a sign without Allah’s permission. But when Allah’s decree comes, judgment will be passed with fairness, and the people of falsehood will then be in [total]
loss.” Qurʾān: The Forgiver [Surah Al-Ghāfir] 40:78
“Alif, Lam, Ra.1 These are the verses of the clear Book.” Qurʾān: Joseph [Surah Yūsuf] 12:1
“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān1 that you might understand.” Qurʾān: Joseph [Surah Yūsuf] 12:2
“We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur’ān although you were, before it, among the unaware.” Qurʾān: Joseph [Surah Yūsuf] 12:3
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.” Qurʾān: Joseph [Surah Yūsuf] 12:111
Rulings [Aḥkām]
The Qur’ān also talks about rulings [Aḥkām]. Scholars, who have a profound understanding of the
Qurʾān, use these to give legal opinions on various topics such as marriage, business, and morals; they are taken from the Qurʾān and the ways and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ [Sunnah].
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -” Qurʾān: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:183.
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers good [i.e., excess] – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you if you only knew.” Qurʾān: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:184
Miracles in the Qurʾān
A miracle is a divine act that resists and transcends universal norms and laws. Allah ﷻ grants miracles to His ﷻ Messengers and Apostles in order to convince people of the truth of their message. Additionally, there are various scientific miracles that are mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān such as: a description of human embryonic development, the Big Bang theory, descriptions of outer-space, animals in the Qurʾān and more. It is only through technology and modern scientific knowledge that these verses have been understood. In the past, people could never have known such realities. As time passes and as science develops, we start to understand the Qur’ān more and more.
Mountains
One of the miracles of the Qurʾān is the description of the mountains. The Holy Qurʾān mentions
how the mountains have deep roots, shaped like pegs, under the surface of the ground. Scientists only found out about this recently in the nineteenth century.
“Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?” Qurʾān: The Announcement [Surah [An-Nabaʾ] 78:6-7
Furthermore, mountains also have an important role which is to stabilise the crust of the earth and control its shaking; this is also mentioned in the Holy Qurʾān.
“He has placed into the earth firm mountains, so it does not shake with you, as well as rivers, and pathways so you may find your way.” Qurʾān: The Bee [Surah An-Naḥl] 16:15
The Human Embryo
Another miraculous example in the Holy Qur’ān is the description of human embryonic development. This is how a human being is created and developed in the womb.
“And certainly, did We create man from an extract of clay.” Qurʾān: The Believers [Al-Muʾminūn] 23:12
“Then We placed him as a sperm-drop1 in a firm lodging [i.e., the womb].” Qurʾān: The Believers [Al-Muʾminūn] 23:13
“Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of Creators.” Qurʾān: The Believers [Al-Muʾminūn] 23:14
If you want to learn more about these miracles click here
Predicted Historical Events
Moreover, there are events that are mentioned in the Qur’ān way before they really happened.
For example, during the early seventh century, two of the greatest empires were the Persian and the Byzantine Empires. In the years 613 to 614 CE, the Persian army defeated the Roman army. In around 620 AD, Allah ﷻ revealed in the chapter entitled ‘The Byzantines’ [Ar-Rūm] promising the victory of the Romans. Seven years after the revelation of these verses in the chapter, ‘The Byzantines’ [Ar-Rūm], the Roman army defeated the Persian army in December 627AD.
Miraculously, this prediction became truth which proves that the Qurʾān is revealed by Allah ﷻ the
All-knowing ﷻ, the Lord of the worlds ﷻ.
“The Romans have been defeated in a land nearby. But in the future, they will triumph over their enemies, within a period of a few years. All affairs, both earlier and later, are in the hands of God. And on the day when the Romans triumph, the believers and the followers of Islam will rejoice. God assists to whomsoever He wills and He is Powerful and Compassionate. This is the promise of God, a promise which cannot be violated, but most of the people know not.” Qurʾān: The Byzantines [Ar-Rūm] 30:1-6
The miracles of the Qurʾān prove that the Holy Qurʾān is the word of Allah ﷻ and not a man-made
book. To believe in the Revealed Books is compulsory upon every Muslim man or woman as it is the third upholding pillar of our faith [Imān]. If one pillar of faith is missing, then the belief of the
Muslim is invalid. For more information go to miracles of the Qurʾān on our website.
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Scientific Miracles of the Quran
Mentions of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Other Religious Texts
As mentioned throughout this article, the central theme in Islamic theology is that all Prophets were united in one message: the worship of One God and submission to Him. However, the Qur’an reveals something even more profound that the Prophets themselves were bound by a covenant concerning the final Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ.
In Surah Aal-Imran (3:81), Allah says:
“And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], “Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him.” [Allah] said, “Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?” They said, “We have acknowledged it.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.” Qurʾān: The family of Imran [Al-Imran] 2:81
This verse establishes that every Prophet from Adam to Isa was informed of the coming of the final Messenger and was required to believe in him and support him. The covenant was not limited to the Prophets alone. By extension, it applied to their followers, for a Prophet’s mission is to convey Allah’s commands to his people. Thus, belief in the final Messenger was embedded within the original
divine message given to earlier nations. This covenant is further reinforced in Surah Al-A ‘Raf, where Allah describes:
“They are the ones who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel. He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure, and relieves them from their burdens and the shackles that bound them. Only those who believe in him, honour and support him, and follow the light sent down to him will be successful.” Qur’an: The Height [Al-A’Raf] 7:157
Here, the Qur’an affirms that the coming of Muhammad ﷺ was foretold in earlier scriptures the Torah and the Gospel indicating continuity rather than contradiction between revelations. In Islamic belief, prophets such as Musa and Isa did not preach separate religions in essence, but the same core message of submission to Allah (Islam). The Qur’an presents Muhammad ﷺ not as the founder of a new religion, but as the seal and completion of a long line of messengers. It is therefore no surprise that traces of this final Messenger can be found within earlier scriptures, where his coming was foretold and his mission anticipated. Below, we will explain how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was mentioned in these scriptures.
In the Torah (Tawrah)
The Torah contains prophecies that Muslims interpret as foretelling the coming of Muhammad ﷺ:
- Deuteronomy 18:18 – “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.”
Muslims understand “from among their brethren” to mean from the descendants of Ishmael, the brother of Isaac, thus pointing to Muhammad ﷺ.
- Song of Solomon 5:16 – “His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.”
In the original Hebrew text, the word used here is’’ מוחמדים’ which translates to “Muhammadim.”
The root word Muhammad directly corresponds to the name of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ,
while the suffix -im is a plural of respect and majesty in Hebrew. Thus, the verse can be understood as not only describing someone “altogether lovely,” but also carrying the very name of Muhammad ﷺ, honored with a form of reverence. Video related to this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3y7GDhPd8w
In the Bible (Injil)
The New Testament also contains passages seen as references to the Prophet:
- John 14:16 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
The term “Advocate” (Greek: Parakletos) is interpreted by Muslim scholars as a prophecy of Muhammad ﷺ, who came after Jesus to guide humanity.
- Isaiah 42:1–11 – This chapter describes a servant of God who will bring justice to the nations,
associated with the people of Kedar (descendants of Ishmael), which Muslims link to Muhammad ﷺ. - The Gospel of Barnabas – A text preserved in certain manuscripts outside the canonical Bible, contains striking references to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is mentioned explicitly by name in ten chapters (39, 41, 44, 54, 55, 97, 112, 136, 165, and 220).
One of the most direct passages is found in Chapter 165, where Jesus is quoted as saying:
“He is Muhammad, Messenger of God, and when he comes into the world, even as the rain makes the earth to bear fruit when for a long time it has not rained, even so shall he be occasion of good
works among men, through the abundant mercy which he shall bring. For he is a white cloud full of the mercy of God, which mercy God shall sprinkle upon the faithful like rain.”
This description not only names Muhammad ﷺ but also portrays him as a source of divine mercy and renewal for humanity.
A Shared Light Across Scriptures
Overall, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is described in the Torah, Bible, Gospel of Barnabas. The passages within these scriptures can be interpreted as foretelling the coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These references highlight his mission and the continuity of divine guidance across different communities. Furthermore, while earlier scriptures contain references to the coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Qur’an itself also honours many figures from the Tawrah and the Injil.
Prophets such as Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), as well as Maryam (Mary), are mentioned repeatedly throughout the Qur’an, underscoring the connection between Islam and the earlier revealed traditions.
· Moses (Musa): Mentioned 136 times, he is the most frequently referenced prophet in the Qur’an, reflecting his central role in leading the Children of Israel.
- Jesus (ʿĪsā): Named in 25 places, the Qur’an honors his miraculous birth, his mission as a messenger, and his miracles performed by God’s permission. Importantly, he foretells the coming of Ahmad (Surah As-Saff 61:6).
- Mary (Maryam): The only woman mentioned by name, mentioned 34 times, in the Qur’an, with an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) dedicated to her, underscoring her purity and faith. Her name was mentioned in the Quran more than in the New Testament.
Together, these examples reinforce that all scriptures stem from the same divine light. Each
prophet and messenger prepared humanity for the final message brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the universality of his mission and the continuity of guidance across communities.
The Leadership of the Final Messenger
and the Confirmation at the End of Times
This Prophet Muhammads mission is further exemplified in the miraculous event of Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi
‘raj, when the Prophet ﷺ was brought on a night journey and ascended through the heavens.
In Sahih Muslim (172) it is narrated: “Then I found myself among a group of the Prophets, and the
time for prayer came, so I led them in prayer.”
During this extraordinary event, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken from Makkah to Jerusalem and then ascended through the heavens. In Jerusalem, he led all the previous Prophets in prayer.
This gathering was not a coincidence; it carried deep symbolic meaning. Among those present
were Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa, representing the major prophetic traditions that came before Islam. Yet it was Muhammad ﷺ who led them as the Imam. The covenant mentioned in Surah Al-A‘raf, in which the prophets pledged to follow the Messenger, was manifested in this moment when Prophet
Muhammad ﷺ led them in prayer. This event signifies his spiritual authority and the culmination of the prophetic mission. The very one whom earlier prophets were commanded to believe in now stood before them as their leader, demonstrating that his message was the completion and final seal of all previous revelations.
This symbolism reinforces the Qur’anic declaration that he is the final Prophet and the inheritor of the collective prophetic mission.
The final and ultimate confirmation of this reality is found in the narrations concerning the return of Isa (Jesus) at the end of times.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).” – Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 2476
According to authentic hadith, when Isa returns, he will not come with a new law or religion. Rather, he will return as a follower of Muhammad ﷺ, ruling according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He will break the cross, abolish false doctrines, and establish justice. In doing so, he will affirm that the final and preserved message is that of Islam. At that time, the truth of pure monotheism will be manifest, and the religion of submission to Allah alone will prevail.
Thus, from the covenant taken from the Prophets, to the leadership displayed at Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi‘raj,
to the return of Isa at the end of times, a single reality becomes clear: the message of Muhammad ﷺ is not separate from previous revelations it is their fulfilment, their confirmation, and their final perfection.
Conclusion
We can understand from the above article that the divine books revealed by Allah ﷻ the Torah
(Tawrah) to Prophet Musa (Moses), the Psalms (Zabur) to Prophet Dawud (David), the Gospel (Injil) to Prophet Isa (Jesus), and the Qur’ān to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serve as a continuous guidance for humanity throughout history. Each scripture was sent to guide its people toward righteousness, justice, and belief in one God, addressing the circumstances of their time. Among them, the Qur’ān is the final and complete revelation, preserved from corruption, providing timeless guidance for all
generations in the whole of humanity. Collectively, these books reflect the consistency of Allah’s message and remind humanity to follow the path of faith, learn from the lessons of past nations, and strive for moral and spiritual excellence.
List of References:
All Arabic Qu’ranic verses- Retrieved 1st February and ……, 2020 from Http://www. Qur’ānexplorer.com/
2. The Creed of Imam Bayhaqi (Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Husaynmal-Bayhaqi)
4. Islam: Its basic practices and beliefs (Abdal Haqq Brewley)
5. https://www.islam-guide.com/ch1-1-b.htm
6. https://www.miracles-of-quran.com/human_embryo.html
7. https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/1563/victory-of-romans-and-lowest-point-on-earth/
Glossary of Arabic Terms ( for non -muslim understanding explanation/definition) [1] [2] [3]
– Ahkām [Legal Judgements]
– Allah ﷻ [God, jalla jalāluhu: Great is His Majesty]
– Al-Kutubihi [His Books]
– Al waḥiy [revelation]
– Arkān al-Imān [Pillars of Belief]
– Ayat ul Kursi
– Bayt Al ʿIzza [The First Sky]
– Day of Judgement
– Imān [faith]
– Injīl [The Gospel]
– Jibrīl [Gabriel] عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him]
– Kalām [speech, words]
– Laylatul Qadr [The Night of Power]
– Maryam [Mary] عليها السلام [ʿalayhā salām: Peace be upon her]
– Prophet Dawūd [David] عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him]
– Prophet ʿĪsa [Jesus] عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him]
– Prophet Sulaiman [Solomon] عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him]
– Qaṣaṣ [Stories of the Prophets]
– Qur’ān: the last book, sent for all of humanity until the Day of Judgement.
– Ramadan
– Rasūlullāh [Messenger of Allah] ﷺ [ sallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]
– Ṣuḥuf Ibrāhīm [Scriptures of Abraham]
– Sunnah [the practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ]
– Tawhīd [Divine Unity/Monotheism]: belief in the Oneness of Allahﷻ.
– Tawrāt [Torah]
– Zabūr [Book of Psalms]
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“Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?” Qurʾān: The Announcement [Surah [An-Nabaʾ] 78:6-7
Mountains
One of the miracles of the Qurʾān is the description of the mountains. The Holy Qurʾān mentions how the mountains have deep roots, shaped like pegs, under the surface of the ground. Scientists only found out about this recently in the nineteenth century.
“Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?” Qurʾān: The Announcement [Surah [An-Nabaʾ] 78:6-7
