# Islamic holy books

> wider religious scriptures of Islam

**Wikidata**: [Q235131](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235131)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_holy_books)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/islamic-holy-books

## Summary
Islamic holy books refer to the wider religious scriptures of Islam, including the Qur'an as the foundational text, along with the Tawrat (holy book given to Moses), Zabur (book given to David, typically identified with the Book of Psalms), and Injil (Islamic perspective on the Christian Gospel), forming a sequence of divinely revealed texts.

## Key Facts
- **Core Composition**: Consists of the Qur'an as the primary text, with Tawrat, Zabur, and Injil as other revealed scriptures
- **Foundational Text**: The Qur'an is the central religious text believed to be the verbatim word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad
- **Sequence**: Tawrat precedes Zabur, which precedes Injil, which precedes the Qur'an in the Islamic tradition of revealed scriptures
- **Classification**: All are classified as religious texts and literary works, with the Qur'an being the most comprehensive and authoritative
- **Identifiers**: Associated with multiple identifiers including psh_id: 6918, yso_id: 1150, and open_library_id: OL32245191W
- **Sitelink Count**: The Qur'an has 280 sitelinks, while Zabur and Injil have 39 each, and Scrolls of Moses has 11
- **Language**: The Qur'an is written in Classical Arabic, while other texts are referenced in the Quran and hadith
- **Cultural Impact**: Influences Islamic law (Sharia), theology, and daily life practices
- **Preservation**: The Qur'an was compiled into a standardized volume under Caliph Uthman ibn Affan
- **Related Entities**: Includes chapters such as Al-Fātiḥah, Al-Baqarah, and Al-Nās, and is connected to scholars like Muhammad Ali al-Sabuni and Mahmoud El-Shahat Anwar

## FAQs
**What are the main Islamic holy books?**
The primary Islamic holy books include the Qur'an (foundational text), Tawrat (holy book given to Moses), Zabur (book given to David, typically identified with the Book of Psalms), and Injil (Islamic perspective on the Christian Gospel).

**How are these holy books related to each other?**
They form a sequence of divinely revealed scriptures where Tawrat precedes Zabur, which precedes Injil, and all precede the Qur'an in Islamic tradition.

**What is the Qur'an's role in Islam?**
The Qur'an serves as the primary source of religious guidance for Muslims, governing faith, practice, and law, and is recited in daily prayers.

**How is the Qur'an structured?**
It contains 114 chapters (surahs) and 6,236 verses (ayahs), with the first chapter being Al-Fātiḥah and the last being An-Nās.

**What is the significance of the Qur'an's language?**
The Qur'an is written in Classical Arabic, which is considered a miracle (mu'jiza) in Islamic tradition, emphasizing its divine origin and literary excellence.

**How does the Qur'an relate to other Islamic texts?**
It is the primary source of Islamic theology and law, supplemented by Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) and Sunnah (his practices), forming the basis of Sharia law.

**What is the cultural impact of the Qur'an?**
The Qur'an has profoundly influenced Islamic art, literature, philosophy, and science, shaping political systems, social norms, and education in the Muslim world.

**What are common misconceptions about the Qur'an?**
Misconceptions often arise from decontextualized interpretations of certain verses, with scholars emphasizing the importance of understanding historical and cultural context.

**What is Zabur and its significance?**
Zabur is a book mentioned in the Quran and hadith as revealed to Dawood (David), typically identified with the Book of Psalms, and is considered part of Islamic holy books.

**How is Zabur positioned among other religious texts?**
Zabur follows Tawrat (Torah) and is succeeded by Injil (Islamic perspective of the Christian Gospel) in the sequence of revealed scriptures.

**What is the Injil in Islamic tradition?**
The Injil is the Christian Gospel as understood from an Islamic perspective, considered one of the revealed scriptures sent to Jesus (Isa) as guidance for the Children of Israel.

## Why It Matters
Islamic holy books form the cornerstone of Islamic faith and practice, shaping the spiritual, moral, and legal framework for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. The Qur'an's teachings on monotheism, social justice, and personal accountability have influenced global religious thought, ethics, and governance. As a literary masterpiece, it is renowned for its poetic and rhetorical excellence, contributing significantly to Arabic literature and linguistics. Historically, it has been a driving force in the development of Islamic civilization, inspiring advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts. Its role in daily life, from prayer recitations to legal rulings, underscores its enduring relevance and authority in contemporary Muslim societies.

The inclusion of Tawrat, Zabur, and Injil represents the Islamic tradition's acknowledgment of previous divine revelations, establishing theological continuity between Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions. This sequence demonstrates the evolution of divine guidance throughout prophetic history, emphasizing the shared Abrahamic heritage while maintaining distinct Islamic interpretations.

## Notable For
- **Divine Revelation Sequence**: The only religious tradition that systematically includes multiple revealed scriptures in a defined chronological order (Tawrat → Zabur → Injil → Qur'an)
- **Comprehensive Guidance**: The Qur'an addresses all aspects of human life, from worship and ethics to law and governance
- **Oral and Written Preservation**: Unique in its dual preservation through memorization and written text, ensuring its integrity over centuries
- **Cultural Unity**: Serves as a unifying force for diverse Muslim cultures, transcending ethnic and linguistic differences
- **Influence on Islamic Art and Architecture**: Inspires calligraphy, illumination, and architectural designs in Islamic tradition
- **Literary Excellence**: Celebrated for its eloquent Arabic prose and poetic structure, considered inimitable (i'jaz) in Islamic theology
- **Universal Message**: While revealed in a specific historical context, its principles are seen as timeless and applicable to all humanity

## Body
### Overview and Composition
Islamic holy books represent the wider religious scriptures of Islam, with the Qur'an as the foundational and most authoritative text. The collection includes the Tawrat (holy book given by God to Musa/Moses), Zabur (book mentioned in the Quran as revealed to Dawood/David, typically identified with the Book of Psalms), and Injil (Islamic perspective on the Christian Gospel), forming a sequence of divinely revealed texts.

### The Qur'an: The Central Text
The Qur'an is the primary religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Revealed over 23 years from 610 to 632 CE, it contains 114 chapters (surahs) and 6,236 verses (ayahs). Written entirely in Classical Arabic, the Qur'an serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, covering spiritual, moral, and legal aspects of life.

#### Revelation and Compilation
The Qur'an was initially preserved orally during Muhammad's lifetime. Under Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (r. 644–656 CE), it was compiled into a single written volume, known as the "Uthmanic codex," which remains the definitive version used today. This standardization ensured consistency across the Muslim community.

#### Structure and Content
The Qur'an's 114 surahs are categorized as either Meccan (revealed in Mecca, focusing on theological foundations) or Medinan (revealed in Medina, addressing legal and social structures). Verses cover narratives of prophets, moral lessons, legal rulings, and descriptions of the afterlife, emphasizing monotheism (tawhid) and ethical living.

#### Language and Literary Significance
Written in Classical Arabic, the Qur'an is celebrated for its linguistic and literary beauty. Its style varies from poetic prose to rhymed verses with a rhythm that facilitates memorization. The text's inimitability (i'jaz) is a central tenet of Islamic faith, viewed as a miracle proving Muhammad's prophethood.

#### Theological and Legal Role
As the primary source of Islamic theology, the Qur'an establishes core beliefs such as the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the Day of Judgment. It also provides the foundation for Sharia law, addressing issues like prayer, charity, pilgrimage, and dietary laws. Supplementary Hadith and Sunnah elaborate on these principles.

### Tawrat and Zabur: Previous Revelations
The Tawrat (Torah) is mentioned in the Quran as the holy book given by God to Musa/Moses, sometimes identified with the Hebrew Bible. The Zabur is referenced as the book revealed to Dawood/David, typically identified with the Book of Psalms. Both are considered part of Islamic holy books and represent earlier divine revelations.

### Injil: The Christian Gospel from an Islamic Perspective
The Injil is the Islamic understanding of the Christian Gospel as revealed to Jesus (Isa) for the Children of Israel. It is positioned as the successor to the Zabur and predecessor to the Qur'an in the sequence of divine revelations. While associated with the New Testament in Islamic context, Muslims believe current versions have been altered from their original form.

### Classification and Relationships
All Islamic holy books are classified as religious texts and literary works. The Qur'an is distinguished from its translations and editions, which are considered separate entities. The sequence of revealed scriptures follows a specific order: Tawrat → Zabur → Injil → Qur'an.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
The Islamic holy books have profoundly influenced Islamic civilization, inspiring advancements in education, science, and the arts. Their teachings on justice, compassion, and equality have shaped social norms and governance in Muslim-majority societies. Calligraphic renderings of Qur'anic verses adorn mosques and manuscripts, reflecting their integral role in Islamic art.

### Interpretation and Scholarship
Islamic scholarship (tafsir) focuses on interpreting the Qur'an's meaning, considering historical context, linguistic nuances, and theological implications. Prominent scholars have contributed to exegesis and recitation (Qirat), ensuring the text's relevance across cultures and eras.

### Global Influence and Translations
While the Arabic text remains sacred, the Qur'an has been translated into numerous languages, facilitating its global dissemination. Translations are often accompanied by commentary to clarify cultural and historical references, though the Arabic original is indispensable for ritual and scholarly purposes.

### Challenges and Misconceptions
The interpretation of Islamic holy books has sometimes led to controversy, particularly regarding verses addressing conflict or gender roles. Scholars stress the importance of contextual understanding, highlighting overarching themes of peace, mercy, and justice. Efforts to reconcile traditional interpretations with modern values continue in progressive Islamic thought.

### Preservation and Transmission
The preservation of Islamic holy books is a testament to Islamic tradition's emphasis on knowledge and education. Memorization (hifz) is highly revered, with millions of Muslims committing the entire Qur'an to memory. This oral tradition, combined with written manuscripts, has ensured the text's accuracy and accessibility for over 14 centuries.

### Related Entities and Chapters
Key chapters in the Qur'an include Al-Fātiḥah (the "Opening," recited in every prayer), Al-Baqarah (the "Cow," the longest surah), and Yūsuf (the story of Joseph). The text is connected to Islamic scholars, historical figures like Uthman ibn Affan, and cultural landmarks such as the Qur'an Gate in Shiraz, Iran. Its influence extends to related concepts like dhikr (remembrance of God) and waḥy (divine revelation).

### Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
The Islamic holy books remain a living text, guiding individual spirituality and communal life. Their principles inform contemporary debates on human rights, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. As a symbol of divine guidance, they continue to inspire devotion, intellectual inquiry, and artistic expression, solidifying their place as one of humanity's most influential texts.

## References

1. Library of Congress Authorities
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [KİTAP](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kitap)
4. [Scripture and the Qurʾān](https://referenceworks.brill.com/display/entries/EQO/EQCOM-00180.xml)
5. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kitap)