The Quran, Bible, and Torah are regarded as sacred scriptures within Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, each believed by their followers to originate from divine revelation. While they share many common figures and narratives, such as the stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others, they differ significantly in structure, preservation, and theology. In Islamic belief, the Quran is considered the final, unchanged revelation of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years.
The Torah, traditionally attributed to Moses, and the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, are seen in Islam as earlier revelations that were divinely inspired but later subject to human alteration or loss over time. Christian tradition emphasizes the Bible as a collection of texts written by multiple authors over centuries, while Jewish tradition regards the Torah as the central written law, supported by oral teachings. While all three scriptures affirm monotheism, moral guidance, and prophetic leadership, they diverge in language, compilation, and doctrinal focus. The Quran emphasizing finality, the Bible highlighting salvation through Christ, and the Torah centering on covenantal law.
Relationship between the Quran, Bible, and Torah
Do the Quran, Bible, and Torah Refer to the Same God?
The Quran, Bible, and Torah refer to the same God, described as omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal across all three traditions. In Islam, Allah is identified as the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, explicitly linking the Quranic conception of divinity with Judeo-Christian beliefs. The Quran affirms this connection in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46), stating that Muslims and the People of the Book worship the same God.
However, theological distinctions exist. The Quran rejects the Christian Trinity and Jesus’ divinity, emphasizing absolute monotheism (tawhid). Judaism similarly upholds God’s oneness but does not recognize Jesus or Muhammad as prophets. Despite these differences, the shared Abrahamic lineage underscores a common theological foundation.
How Do the Quran, Bible, and Torah Compare in Structure and Composition?
The Quran is a single text revealed over 23 years (610–632 CE), considered the literal word of God by Muslims. In contrast, the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) was compiled over centuries, with its canon fixed around 90 CE. The Christian Bible includes the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament, written by multiple authors across the first two centuries CE.
The Torah comprises the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. The Quran acknowledges the Torah (Tawrat) and Gospel (Injil) as earlier revelations but asserts they were altered over time, while the Quran remains preserved. The Bible’s formation involved councils and creeds, whereas the Quran’s canonization was immediate upon its revelation.
What Are the Key Similarities in Their Narratives?
The Quran, Bible, and Torah share narratives of creation, Abraham, Moses, and eschatology. For example, the story of Noah’s Ark appears in Genesis, the Quran (Surah Nuh), and Jewish midrashic literature. Abraham’s sacrifice of his son is recounted in Genesis 22, the Quran (Surah As-Saffat), and Jewish tradition, though the Quran names Ishmael as the intended sacrifice while the Torah specifies Isaac.
These parallels reflect a common heritage. The Quran often engages with biblical stories, affirming some details while correcting others. For instance, the Quran denies the crucifixion of Jesus (Surah An-Nisa 4:157), diverging from the Gospels’ account. Such intertextuality demonstrates the Quran’s dialogue with earlier scriptures.
How Does the Quran View the Bible and Torah?
The Quran confirms the original revelations of the Torah and Gospel but asserts their corruption (tahrif). Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:48) states the Quran was revealed to “confirm” previous scriptures while serving as the final criterion for judgment. Muslims believe the current Bible and Torah contain human additions, whereas the Quran remains uncorrupted.
Islamic scholars historically used the Bible for Quranic interpretation (tafsir al-Qur’an bi-l-Kitab), though cautiously. The Quran references the Psalms (Zabur) of David and the Gospel (Injil) of Jesus but distinguishes these from the canonical texts. This nuanced view allows for reverence toward earlier prophets while asserting the Quran’s supremacy.
What Are the Major Theological Differences Between These Scriptures?
The Quran rejects the Trinity and Jesus’ divinity, central to Christianity, and does not recognize rabbinic Judaism’s oral traditions. The Christian doctrine of original sin contrasts with Islam’s emphasis on individual accountability. Judaism’s covenantal theology differs from Islam’s universal message.
The Quran’s portrayal of God is strictly unitarian, while Christianity’s Trinity divides God into Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jewish tradition emphasizes the covenant with Israel, whereas the Quran addresses all humanity. These differences stem from each religion’s unique theological framework.
How Do These Scriptures Address Violence and Warfare?
The Bible contains more violent passages than the Quran, particularly in the Old Testament’s conquest narratives. The Quran permits defensive warfare (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190) but does not mandate annihilation of enemies, unlike some biblical accounts.
Scholars note that the Quran’s rules of war emphasize proportionality and protection of non-combatants. The Bible’s violence often reflects its historical context, while the Quran’s teachings were shaped by 7th-century Arabian conflicts. Both texts include ethical guidelines for conflict, but their interpretations vary widely.
What Role Do These Scriptures Play in Interfaith Dialogue?
The Quran, Bible, and Torah serve as bridges for interfaith dialogue due to their shared heritage. Academic projects, such as the University of Cambridge’s Quran and Bible Project, study their connections to foster mutual understanding. The Quran’s acknowledgment of earlier prophets provides common ground for Muslim-Christian-Jewish discussions.
Interfaith initiatives often focus on shared values like monotheism, justice, and compassion. The Quran’s engagement with biblical figures encourages comparative study, though theological differences require respectful negotiation. These efforts highlight the potential for coexistence despite doctrinal divides.
How Are These Scriptures Preserved and Transmitted?
The Quran is preserved in its original Arabic, with oral and written transmission dating to Muhammad’s lifetime. The Hebrew Bible’s Masoretic Text standardized its vocalization by the 7th century CE, while the Christian Bible’s canon was formalized by early church councils.
Muslims believe the Quran’s textual integrity is divinely guaranteed (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9). Jewish scribes (sofrim) meticulously copied the Torah, and Christian scribes preserved the New Testament in Greek. Each tradition developed rigorous methods to ensure accuracy, though their historical processes differ.
What Is the Historical Context of These Scriptures’ Development?
The Torah emerged from ancient Israelite traditions, the Bible from early Christian communities, and the Quran from 7th-century Arabia. The Torah’s laws reflect Bronze Age Near Eastern cultures, the New Testament addresses Roman-era Christianity, and the Quran responds to pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism.
The Quran’s revelation occurred in a predominantly oral society, influencing its rhythmic style. The Bible’s composition involved multiple authors and languages, while the Torah’s redaction spanned centuries. These contexts shaped each scripture’s literary and theological character.
How Do Later Religious Texts Relate to These Scriptures?
The Talmud and Hadith expand upon the Torah and Quran, respectively, while Christian creeds interpret the Bible. The Talmud, compiled between 200–500 CE, elaborates Jewish law and lore. Islamic Hadith record Muhammad’s sayings, supplementing the Quran.
Christianity’s Nicene Creed (325 CE) formalized doctrines like the Trinity, which the Quran later challenged. These secondary texts reflect evolving theological needs but remain subordinate to their primary scriptures in authority.