Islam recognizes a series of divinely revealed scriptures sent to various [prophets](/dashboard/wiki/iblis-shaytan-his-origin-fall-and-mission) throughout history. These scriptures collectively guide humanity toward monotheism and righteous living. The four primary revealed books acknowledged in Islam are the Tawrat, Zabur, Injil, and Quran. Each scripture was revealed to a specific prophet and addressed the needs of their respective communities. The Quran, revealed to [Prophet Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/prophet-muhammad), is considered the final and most complete revelation, confirming and preserving the core messages of the previous scriptures while correcting human alterations.
## The Tawrat: Revelation to Prophet Musa
The Tawrat, commonly identified with the Torah, was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses) as a comprehensive law and guidance for the Children of Israel. The Quran refers to the Tawrat as containing guidance and light, establishing justice and commandments for the people (Quran 5:44). It is described as a scripture that judges between right and wrong and confirms what came before it. The Tawrat is mentioned as a source of divine law and moral instruction, emphasizing monotheism and obedience to Allah. Islamic tradition holds that the original Tawrat was a pure revelation, but later human alterations affected its text.
## The Zabur: Revelation to Prophet Dawud
The Zabur, identified with the Psalms, was revealed to Prophet Dawud (David). It is described as a book of praises and supplications, containing spiritual songs and wisdom. The Quran acknowledges the Zabur as a divine scripture given to Dawud (Quran 4:163). Unlike the Tawrat and Injil, the Zabur is often characterized by its poetic and devotional nature. It served as guidance for worship and reflection, reinforcing the worship of Allah alone.
## The Injil: Revelation to Prophet Isa
The Injil, or Gospel, was revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus) as a message confirming the Tawrat and bringing new guidance. The Quran describes the Injil as containing light and guidance for the Children of Israel (Quran 5:46). It is portrayed as a scripture that calls to monotheism and righteousness, correcting deviations that had crept into earlier traditions. Muslims believe that the original Injil was a true revelation from Allah, though they hold that the current Christian Gospels do not fully represent the original text due to later human modifications.
## The Quran: Final Revelation to Prophet Muhammad
The Quran is the final and most complete revelation sent by Allah to [Prophet Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/prophet-muhammad). It confirms and supersedes previous scriptures, providing unaltered guidance for all humanity (Quran 3:3-4). The Quran is described as a criterion (furqan) that distinguishes truth from falsehood (Quran 5:48). It addresses previous scriptures and their followers, calling them to recognize the Quran’s message. Muslims believe the Quran is perfectly preserved, free from any corruption or alteration, and serves as the ultimate source of law, [theology](/dashboard/wiki/creation-of-the-heavens-and-earth), and morality.
## The Suhuf (Scrolls) of Ibrahim and Musa
In addition to the four major scriptures, the Quran mentions suhuf (scrolls) given to earlier [prophets](/dashboard/wiki/iblis-shaytan-his-origin-fall-and-mission) such as Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses) (Quran 87:18-19). These suhuf are understood as earlier revelations or scriptures that contained divine guidance. Though less detailed in the Quran, these scrolls indicate a broader tradition of revelation preceding the Tawrat and other major books.
## Concept of Tahrif: Corruption of Earlier Scriptures
Islamic [theology](/dashboard/wiki/creation-of-the-heavens-and-earth) holds that the original revelations given to Musa, Dawud, and Isa were true and pure. However, the concept of tahrif refers to the alteration, distortion, or corruption of these scriptures by human hands over time. The Quran criticizes some among the People of the Book for changing words or hiding parts of the scripture (Quran 2:75, 5:13). This belief underscores the Quran’s role as the preserved and final revelation, correcting errors and restoring the original monotheistic message.
## Ahl al-Kitab: People of the Book
The term Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book) refers to Jews, Christians, and sometimes Sabians who received earlier revealed scriptures. Islam recognizes their scriptures as originally divine but calls on them to accept the Quran as the final guidance (Quran 3:64). The Quran addresses the People of the Book with respect and invites dialogue, emphasizing common beliefs while also critiquing deviations. This concept forms the basis for Islamic jurisprudence regarding interfaith relations and religious tolerance.