The Quran and The Bible: A Comparison
The Quran and The Bible are two of the historical texts believed to have the most influence on people’s lives across the world. Both works are believed to be divine instructions from a higher power, and are regarded as spiritual guidance from the creator of the universe. But what does the Quran really say about the Bible?
The Quran is seen as the final revelation of God to mankind as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Quran stresses the importance of previous scriptures such as the Bible and affirms their origin in divine revelation. The Quran refers to the Bible as a record of God’s earlier revelations, which support the authenticity of the Quran.
In the Quran, it is made clear that the Bible has been changed and edited by humans. The Quran says “It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad) the Book (this Quran). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and Others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviance they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.)” (Quran 3:7).
This verse warns people from taking certain passages of the Bible as literal truth as parts have undoubtedly been altered and their true message has been distorted. The Quran stresses the importance of people accepting only those parts of the Bible which have retained its truthfulness, rather than blindly following what is written in the Bible.
On the other hand, the Quran makes it clear that the Bible cannot be rejected entirely either. This is because some parts of it are still found to be pious and true in nature. The Quran says “So judge between them by that which Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the Truth that has come to you.”[Quran 5:48]. This shows that despite the passages of the Bible being altered, it still contains some truth and should not be completely discarded.
The Quran in Context
It is important to understand the Quran in its correct context in order to truly understand what it is trying to say. The Quran is believed to suggest that the Bible contains teachings from God but has gone through human editing and interference, which has caused some of its original form and meaning to be changed. The Quran stresses the importance of taking only those parts of the Bible which are still true and avoiding seeking trials in it.
The Quran also places importance on looking at the Bible as a record of divine revelation and not dismissing it entirely, as some of its true content is still believed to be intact. It is thus important to study the Quran in its correct context and to take it’s teachings into consideration when looking at the Bible.
The Bible in Context
The Bible is the oldest and most influential book in recorded human history and is believed to contain divine revelations from God. Although evidence shows that the Bible has gone through numerous changes throughout history, it is still accepted and revered by many people across the world.
It is believed by many people that understanding and appreciating the history and context of the Bible is essential for being able to truly interpret its content and teachings. The Bible is said to be the living word of God and it is believed that its true message is best understood when it is read in its complete context.
Quranic Interpretation
The Quran is said to be the pinnacle of God’s revelations to mankind, and it is believed to supersede the teachings of the Bible. This is why the Quran tells readers to interpret the Bible in the context of the Quran. In the Quran it says “And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayman (trustworthy in high position and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge among them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you”[Quran 5:48].
This passage shows that the Quran is a beacon of truth and its guidance should be followed when interpreting the Bible, as it is believed to be the only source of true knowledge about God.
Biblical Interpretation
The Bible encourages readers to interpret its teachings in the spirit of peace and love. It is believed that this approach can help make sense of the contradictions in the Bible and bridge the gaps between its divergent passages. The Bible also encourages people to seek truth and to study the scriptures in context.
It is believed that the Bible’s authentic teachings are those that are in agreement with the teachings of the Quran. The Bible has been changed by human hands over the centuries and it is believed that only those parts that are still intact and adhere to the teachings of the Quran can be considered as true. Thus, it is important to look at the Bible in its complete context and to use the guidance of the Quran when interpreting its teachings.
Culturally Influenced Interpretations
It is also important to understand that the Quran and the Bible are interpreted differently in different cultures. This is because both books are seen as sources of divine guidance and different people in different regions have used them to come to their own conclusions about God, life and morality. Cultural influences have thus had an effect on the interpretation of the Quran and the Bible and these interpretations are best understood when looking at them in their own cultural context.
Conclusion
The Quran and the Bible are two of the oldest and most influential books in human history. The Quran and the Bible have both gone through changes over the centuries and it is important to pay attention to their correct context when interpreting them. The Quran stresses the importance of looking at the Bible in the context of the Quran when interpreting its teachings and it is believed that only those parts of the Bible which still adhere to the teachings of the Quran can be considered true. It is also important to consider cultural influences when interpreting the Quranic and Biblical teachings as these can have a big impact on the way the texts are interpreted.
