Belief in the Books of Allaah is the third article of faith. The Books of Allaah refer to the revelations that Allaah sent down to His messengers as a mercy and guidance to lead mankind to success in this life and happiness in the Hereafter.
The belief in the Books of Allaah comprises of four maters: First is to believe that those Books were truly revealed from Allaah Second is to specifically believe in the books mentioned in the Quran. They are: The Tawrah revealed to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) The Zaboor revealed to Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him), The Injeel revealed to Prophet Eesaa (peace be upon him) and The Quraan revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him) and also the Suhoof of Ibraheem and Musa (peace be upon them).
As regard the books that the Jews and the Christians possess today, which they call the Torah, Gospel and psalms, they (the books) may contain some of rose original revelations but there is no question that they have been distorted. Hence, to believe in the Torah of Musa (peace e upon him), for example, doe not mean -that a Muslim believes in the first five books of the Old Testament. The two are different books although the later may possess some of what was in the original Tawrah.
The Third matter is to believe in everything Allaah has revealed whether it be in the Quraan or in the previous books. For example if the Quraan states something, then the Muslim must believe in it. He has no choice in this matter.
If he rejects any statement in it, he has negated his beliefs in the Books of Allaah. Allaah says: "Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And A ten is not unaware of what you do." (Q2:85)
The fourth matter is t at one must act In accord with the non " abrogated revelation, which is the Quraan. One must be pleased with it and submit to it completely. This is so even ifthe person does not completely grasp the wisdom behind the command or statement. All of the previous revelations of Allaah have been abrogated by the final revelation, the Quraan. There is no need for any Muslim to turn tothe remnants of any of the previous scriptures.
Everything that he needs for his guidance is contained in the Quraan and what it points to, such as the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him). Allaah states in the Quraan: "And We have sent down to you [0 Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him)] the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed" (Q5: 48)
Unlike the previous revelations which were distorted by the earlier people, the Quraan, which is the guidance for all human beings and for all times until the day of Resurrection, as opposed to the earlier scriptures- has been guaranteed protection from any tampering, mistakes or distortions. Allaah says: "Verily It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)." (Q15:9)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited