Kutub (Belief in Divine Books)

Revelation to Prophets: Muslims believe that God has sent divine books to different prophets throughout history. These books were revealed to guide and instruct humanity in matters of faith, morality, and conduct. Among the prophets to whom divine books were revealed are Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad.

The Quran: The Quran (القرآن) is the most significant and final divine book in Islam. Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril). It is considered the ultimate and complete source of guidance and law for Muslims.

Recognition of Previous Scriptures: Muslims also recognize the divine scriptures that were revealed to earlier prophets, including the Torah (Taurat), Psalms (Zabur), and Gospel (Injil). These scriptures are respected as previous revelations from God, but Muslims believe that they have been subject to alterations and interpretations over time.

Guidance and Moral Teachings: The divine books provide guidance on a wide range of topics, including theology, morality, ethics, and social justice. They contain stories of previous prophets and communities, offering moral lessons and examples for believers.

The Preservation of the Quran: Muslims believe that the Quran has been perfectly preserved in its original form since the time of its revelation. It is memorized by millions of Muslims worldwide, and its recitation plays a central role in Islamic worship.

Superseding Previous Scriptures: The Quran is believed to supersede and abrogate previous scriptures. Muslims regard the Quran as the final and most comprehensive revelation, rendering previous scriptures no longer applicable for guidance.

A Source of Law: The Quran serves as a primary source of Islamic law (Sharia). It provides guidance on matters of worship, ethics, family, commerce, and more. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) derives legal rulings from the Quran, supplemented by the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).

Belief in the Quran's Miraculous Nature: Muslims believe that the Quran is a miraculous book, both in its content and its linguistic style. It is often cited as proof of the prophethood of Muhammad due to its eloquence, depth, and unique qualities.

Respect and Care: Muslims treat the Quran and other divine scriptures with great respect and care. The Quran is usually kept in a clean and elevated place, and handling it is done with a sense of reverence.

Guidance for Humanity: Belief in divine books underscores the importance of divine guidance in the lives of Muslims. The Quran, in particular, is seen as a source of spiritual and moral guidance for individuals and communities.