Direct answer: Yes, Muslims believe Allah revealed earlier scriptures, including the Torah given to Musa, the Zabur given to Dawud, and the Injil given to Isa, peace be upon them. However, Muslims do not believe the Bible in its present form is fully preserved as the exact original revelation. Muslims believe the Quran is the final preserved revelation from Allah, revealed to Muhammad (PBUH).
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The short answer
Muslims believe in the original revelations that Allah sent before the Quran. This includes the Torah given to Musa, the Zabur given to Dawud, and the Injil given to Isa, peace be upon them. These revelations were guidance for their people.
At the same time, Muslims believe the Quran is the final revelation, preserved by Allah, and sent as guidance for all people until the Day of Judgment.
“He has sent down upon you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.”
Quran, Surah Ali Imran 3:3Revealed books in Islam
Belief in Allah’s revealed books is one of the six articles of faith. Muslims believe Allah guided humanity through revelation, not only through human opinion or philosophy.
| Revelation | Given to | Islamic understanding |
|---|---|---|
| Torah | Musa, peace be upon him | A revelation from Allah given to Prophet Musa. |
| Zabur | Dawud, peace be upon him | A revelation from Allah given to Prophet Dawud. |
| Injil | Isa, peace be upon him | A revelation from Allah given to Prophet Isa. |
| Quran | Muhammad (PBUH) | The final preserved revelation for humanity. |
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.”
Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285Helpful related article: What Are the Six Articles of Faith?
What do Muslims believe about the Torah?
Muslims believe the Torah was originally revealed by Allah to Musa, peace be upon him. It contained guidance, law, and instruction for the Children of Israel.
Muslims honour Musa as a great prophet and messenger. He is mentioned many times in the Quran, and his story teaches faith, courage, patience, trust in Allah, and standing against oppression.
“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”
Quran, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:44However, Muslims do not treat the present-day Torah text exactly as the original revelation in every word. The Quran is the final standard by which earlier scripture claims are understood.
What do Muslims believe about the Gospel?
Muslims believe the Injil, often translated as Gospel, was originally revealed by Allah to Isa, peace be upon him. Islam honours Isa as a prophet and messenger, born miraculously to Maryam, peace be upon her.
Muslims do not believe Isa was God or the son of God. Muslims believe he called people to worship Allah alone, just as the prophets before him did.
“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.”
Quran, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:46Helpful related article: Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
How Muslims view the Bible today
Muslims do not view the Bible today in exactly the same way Christians do. Muslims believe it may contain truth from earlier revelation, but also human transmission, interpretation, translation, editing, and theological claims that Islam does not accept.
Balanced Islamic view
Muslims neither accept every statement in the Bible as preserved revelation nor reject every statement as false. They judge religious claims by the Quran.
If something in earlier scripture agrees with the Quran, Muslims may recognise it as consistent with truth. If it contradicts the Quran, Muslims reject that contradiction. If the Quran does not confirm or deny a detail, Muslims avoid making it a foundation of belief.
Why the Quran is the final standard
Muslims follow the Quran because they believe it is the final revelation from Allah, preserved by Allah and revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) for all people. It confirms the truth of earlier prophets and corrects false beliefs that entered after them.
“And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it.”
Quran, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:48The Quran is called a criterion because it distinguishes truth from falsehood. It is the final standard for Islamic belief, worship, law, and guidance.
Helpful related article: What Is the Quran?
Respectful discussion with Jews and Christians
Muslims can discuss earlier scriptures respectfully with Jews and Christians while still being clear about Islamic belief. Respect does not mean pretending there are no differences. Clarity does not require insult or mockery.
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Acknowledge shared prophets.
Muslims honour Musa, Isa, Ibrahim, Nuh, and many other prophets, peace be upon them. -
Explain the Quran’s role clearly.
Muslims believe the Quran confirms truth and corrects falsehood. -
Avoid insulting scripture or people.
Speak with calmness and good manners. -
Return to tawhid.
The main Islamic message is worshipping Allah alone.
“And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best.”
Quran, Surah Al-Ankabut 29:46FAQ: Do Muslims Believe in the Bible and Torah?
Do Muslims believe in the Bible and Torah?
Muslims believe Allah revealed earlier scriptures, including the Torah given to Moses and the Gospel given to Jesus. However, Muslims believe the Quran is the final preserved revelation and the standard by which earlier scripture claims are judged.
Do Muslims believe the Bible today is unchanged?
Muslims do not believe the Bible in its present form is fully preserved as the exact original revelation. Muslims believe it contains some truth, but also human transmission, interpretation, and changes over time.
What books do Muslims believe Allah revealed?
Muslims believe Allah revealed scriptures including the Torah to Moses, the Zabur to David, the Injil to Jesus, and the Quran to Muhammad (PBUH).
Do Muslims reject Moses and Jesus?
No. Muslims honour Moses and Jesus as great prophets and messengers of Allah, peace be upon them. Rejecting them would contradict Islamic belief.
Why do Muslims follow the Quran instead of the Bible?
Muslims follow the Quran because they believe it is the final revelation from Allah, preserved and sent as guidance for all people until the Day of Judgment.