Islam, meaning “submission to God’s will,” is one of the Abrahamic religions. Its core belief is expressed in the statement, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” Those who follow Islam are known as Muslims, and they live their lives according to its teachings. Islam is a comprehensive religion, guiding every aspect of life. A Muslim is required to believe in all the revealed books of Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah affirms that those who believe deeply in the Hereafter, the Quran, and earlier revelations are truly guided.
Every holy book contains the divine and unaltered word of Allah. Islam acknowledges the revelations given by Allah, placing it in a unique position among the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism and Christianity). In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah confirms that He sent divine scriptures through His messengers to teach people. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, includes the revelations given to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Quran was revealed in the 7th century CE over 23 years. Prophet Muhammad conveyed these revelations during sermons, and scribes documented them. Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first caliph, compiled the verses into a book, which has been the sacred text of Muslims ever since.
What is the holy book of Islam called?
The holy book of Islam is called the Quran.
How many holy books are there in Islam?
Islam recognizes four revealed books of Allah, delivered to different prophets:
- Tawrat (Torah) to Prophet Musa (AS)
- Zabur (Psalms) to Prophet Dawud (AS)
- Injeel (Gospel) to Prophet Eesa (Jesus, AS)
- Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Muslims believe that these divine texts were revealed by Allah for the guidance of humanity. However, most of these earlier revelations were lost or altered over time, blending with myths and personal interpretations. The Quran is unique in that it has been preserved in its original form since its revelation and will remain unchanged until the Day of Judgment.
The Four Revealed Books in Islam
Tawrat
This scripture was given to Prophet Musa (AS) by Allah. It is often associated with the Torah in Judaism and the Old Testament in Christianity. Unfortunately, the original text of the Tawrat has been lost. The Quran describes the Tawrat as follows:
“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.” (Quran 5:44)
Zabur
The Zabur was the holy book revealed to Prophet Dawud (AS). The term “Zabur” refers to songs or chants, which were part of this divine message. Like the Tawrat, the original text of the Zabur has been lost. The Quran confirms:
“And to Dawud, We gave the Zabur.” (Quran 4:163)
Injeel
The Injeel was revealed to Prophet Eesa (AS). Though it is sometimes mistakenly linked with the New Testament, the Injeel’s original text is no longer accessible. Muslims are discouraged from following the altered versions of the previous scriptures. The Quran conveys the essence of the Injeel.
Quran
The Quran is the final and most revered of the four holy books. Over 23 years, it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It remains in its original form, unchanged for over 1400 years. Written in Arabic, the Quran’s message is universal, and it consolidates the teachings of the previous revelations.
How many chapters are in the Quran?
The Quran contains 114 chapters, known as Surahs, each with its unique significance. The total number of verses is 6,236, and Surah Al-Baqarah is the longest with 286 verses.
The Quran’s Teachings on Creation
The Quran provides an account of the creation of the universe:
“Allah created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days.” (Quran)
Islam teaches that life on Earth began with Adam and Eve, and that Prophet Adam was the first Prophet.
The Quran’s Role in a Muslim’s Life
The Quran is the divine word of Allah, providing comprehensive guidance on how Muslims should live. It offers teachings on worship, charity, kindness, and humility. It provides specific supplications (duas) for various situations, such as eating, sleeping, traveling, and seeking forgiveness.
The Quran also emphasizes unity and discourages division:
“As for those who divide their religion and break into sects, you have no part with them in the least. Their affair is with Allah, and He will tell them the truth of what they did.” (Quran 6:159)
The Quran and Science
There is no conflict between Islam and scientific knowledge. The Quran contains numerous references to natural phenomena, urging Muslims to reflect on creation:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of the night and day, and in the sailing of ships through the seas… and in the change of winds and clouds… are signs for those who understand.” (Quran 2:164)
The Quran contains scientific insights related to astronomy, geology, and human creation.
Man’s Creation
The Quran describes the stages of human creation:
“We created man from an essence of clay, then placed him as a drop of sperm in a secure place. Then We made the drop into a clinging clot, and from the clot, We made a lump of flesh, and from that, We created bones, and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We made him into another being. So, blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” (Quran 23:12-14)
Conclusion
Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and unaltered word of Allah. It offers guidance on every aspect of life, from faith and worship to ethics and social justice. Its teachings have a profound influence on the daily lives of Muslims, providing wisdom and direction for all humanity.
