You have likely heard that Muslims believe in the Quran, but perhaps you wonder how the Torah and the Gospel fit into Islamic faith. Maybe you have encountered the idea that Muslims reject the previous scriptures, or that believing in them is optional. These misunderstandings can cost you a full understanding of your own iman. The truth is that belief in the revealed books is one of the six pillars of faith, and it is not a mere intellectual assent but a practical reality that shapes how you read the Quran, how you relate to earlier prophets, and how you approach your daily worship. Let us begin where you are: with the questions that arise when you open the Quran and find it speaking about books you have never read.
What Does Belief in the Revealed Books Actually Mean?
When you say, « I believe in the books of Allah, » you are not simply acknowledging that they exist. You are affirming that Allah sent down scriptures to His messengers as guidance for humanity. This belief is part of the very definition of faith. In the Quran, Allah describes the believers as those who « believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time » (Q3). This means that your iman is incomplete if you accept the Quran but reject what was revealed before it.
The revealed books mentioned in the Quran include the Torah given to Moses, the Gospel given to Jesus, the Psalms given to David, and the Scrolls of Abraham and Moses. Muslims are required to believe in all of them as true revelations from Allah at the time they were sent. However, we also believe that the original texts have been lost or altered over time, and that the Quran is the final, preserved revelation that confirms and supersedes them. This is why, when you read the Quran, you find it addressing the People of the Book with respect and calling them to the same truth.
Why Are the Previous Books Mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran does not ignore the earlier scriptures; it repeatedly refers to them to establish a continuous line of guidance. For example, it says, « Those to whom We sent the Book before this,- they do believe in this (revelation) » (Q1). This tells you that the true followers of the earlier prophets recognized the truth when the Quran came, because it confirmed what they already had.
Moreover, the Quran challenges the People of the Book to live by their own scriptures. It says, « Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein » (Q9). This implies that the previous books, in their original form, were authentic and contained the same core message: submission to Allah alone. When the Quran speaks of the People of the Book, it distinguishes between those who remained faithful and those who distorted the message. For you, this means that you should not dismiss the earlier prophets or their books, but rather honor them as part of your own heritage.
How Does Believing in the Previous Books Affect Your Daily Life?
Believing in the revealed books is not a theoretical concept; it has practical consequences. First, it deepens your trust in Allah’s wisdom. Knowing that Allah sent guidance to every nation reassures you that He never left humanity without direction. Second, it shapes your attitude toward the People of the Book. The Prophet ﷺ taught that when the People of the Book tell you something, you should neither believe them blindly nor reject them outright, but rather say, « We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us » (H1). This balanced approach protects your faith while maintaining respect.
Third, it strengthens your commitment to the Quran. If you believe that the Quran is the final and most complete revelation, you will treat it as your primary source of guidance. You will read it, study it, and apply it. The Quran itself says, « Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied » (Q9). This verse is a call to you to engage deeply with the Quran, not just recite it, but to understand and live by it. You can start by reading a portion of the Quran with translation and tafsir each day, and you might find the Al Muslim Plus Quran feature helpful for this purpose.
What Is the Correct Attitude Toward the Torah and the Gospel Today?
You might wonder: since the original Torah and Gospel have been altered, how should we treat the current versions? The scholars explain that we cannot confirm or deny every detail in them. The Prophet ﷺ instructed us to neither believe nor disbelieve the People of the Book when they narrate from their scriptures, but to say, « We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us » (H1). This means you do not have to accept or reject every story in the Bible, because the original revelation is lost, and the current texts are a mixture of truth and distortion.
However, the Quran itself affirms that there were, and still are, sincere believers among the People of the Book. It says, « And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them » (Q7). This verse reminds you that faith is not confined to a single community; it is a matter of the heart. Your duty is to invite others to the truth with wisdom and kindness, not to judge them. The Quran also says, « The Religion before Allah is Islam » (Q5), meaning that the essence of all revealed religions is submission to Allah.
How Can You Strengthen Your Belief in the Revealed Books?
Strengthening this pillar of faith involves both knowledge and action. First, learn about the prophets and their scriptures. The Quran mentions many prophets, and studying their stories helps you appreciate the unity of the message. For example, the story of Prophet Yahya (John) illustrates how a prophet upheld the scripture of his time. You can read about him in the Al Muslim Plus prophets section. Second, reflect on the Quran as the final revelation. Every time you read it, you are engaging with the last and most complete book from Allah. Make a habit of reading a few verses daily with translation and tafsir.
Third, incorporate the belief into your supplications. For instance, the morning and evening adhkar include reminders of faith in Allah and His books. You can find a collection of duas for waking up and other occasions on Al Muslim Plus. Finally, remember that belief in the books is linked to belief in the messengers. The Quran says, « We make no distinction between one and another of His messengers » (Q2). This means you honor all prophets equally. By learning about them, you strengthen your iman and draw closer to Allah.
Still Have Questions?
Do Muslims believe in the Bible?
Muslims believe in the original revelations given to prophets like Moses and Jesus, which include the Torah and the Gospel. However, we believe the current Bible has been altered over time, so we do not accept it as entirely authentic. We honor the original messages and believe they were from Allah.
Which books are mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran mentions the Torah (Tawrat) given to Moses, the Gospel (Injil) given to Jesus, the Psalms (Zabur) given to David, and the Scrolls (Suhuf) of Abraham and Moses. It also refers to the Quran itself as the final revelation.
Is belief in the revealed books one of the pillars of faith?
Yes, belief in Allah’s books is one of the six pillars of iman. The Quran says, « Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before » (Q10).
Why did Allah send different books?
Allah sent different books to guide different nations at different times. Each book contained the same core message of monotheism, but the laws and details varied according to the needs of each community. The Quran is the final and universal revelation.
How should Muslims treat the People of the Book?
Muslims should treat the People of the Book with respect and justice. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to neither believe nor disbelieve their claims about their scriptures, but to say, « We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us » (H1). We can also engage with them in dialogue and invite them to the truth with wisdom.
What is the significance of the Quran being the final book?
The Quran is the final and most complete revelation, preserved from alteration. It confirms the truth in previous scriptures and provides guidance for all of humanity until the end of time. Believing in it is essential for every Muslim.
Belief in the revealed books is a vital part of your iman. It connects you to the long chain of prophets and scriptures, and it deepens your appreciation for the Quran as the final guidance. By understanding this pillar, you strengthen your faith and your relationship with Allah. To help you on this journey, explore the resources on Al Muslim Plus, such as the Quran with tafsir and the stories of the prophets. Download the app today and let it support you in living your faith every day.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Al-Qasas, verset 52
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 285
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 4
- Sourate Aal-i-Imraan, verset 19
- Sourate Aal-i-Imraan, verset 199
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 121
- Sourate An-Nisaa, verset 136
- Hadith n°65046 (Narrated by Bukhari) — grade : Authentic hadith