The heavenly scriptures revealed by Allah Almighty are eternal sources of guidance for humanity. These divine documents illuminated mankind wandering in darkness, distinguished truth from falsehood, and introduced people to the reality and purpose of life.
Throughout different eras, Allah revealed sacred scriptures through His chosen Prophets (عليهم السلام): the Torah, the Zabur, and the Injil. Finally, He revealed the Qur’an, which stands as the summary and the perfect completion of all previous scriptures.
Allah Almighty says:
لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ (Al-Hadid: 25)
“We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book.”
However, with the passage of time, alterations were made in the earlier scriptures, as nations changed them according to their own desires. Ultimately, Allah revealed the Qur’an and declared it as the final and authentic scripture, superseding all previous ones.
Allah Almighty says:
وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ (Al-Ma’idah: 48)
“And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and as a guardian over them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed.”
And We have revealed to you the true Book (the Qur’an), which confirms the scriptures that came before it and acts as their guardian. Therefore, judge between them by what Allah has revealed.
In this verse, the phrase “مُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ” means that the Qur’an has authority over the earlier scriptures. It confirms their original message while also correcting the distortions that were introduced over time. With the abrogation of all previous laws, the Qur’an stands as their renewed and final edition, and it alone is obligatory to follow.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
وَالَّذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ، لَا يَسْمَعُ بِي أَحَدٌ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ يَهُودِيٌّ وَلَا نَصْرَانِيٌّ، ثُمَّ يَمُوتُ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِالَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّارِ (Muslim)
“By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, any person from this nation, whether Jew or Christian, who hears of me and then dies without believing in that with which I was sent, will be among the people of the Fire.”
On one occasion, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) presented a scripture of the People of the Book before the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet became displeased and said:
أَمُتَهَوِّكُونَ فِيهَا يَا ابْنَ الْخَطَّابِ؟ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَوْ أَنَّ مُوسَى كَانَ حَيًّا، مَا وَسِعَهُ إِلَّا أَنْ يَتَّبِعَنِي (Musnad Ahmad, Bayhaqi)
“Are you in doubt, O Ibn al-Khattab? By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! If Musa (عليه السلام) were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me.”
After the blessed advent of the Prophet ﷺ, all previous divine scriptures were abrogated. It is obligatory upon all of humanity to regard only the Qur’an as their religion and guiding constitution—for it is perfectly preserved, free from every form of distortion.
Allah Almighty declares:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ (Al-Hijr: 9)
“Indeed, it is We who have revealed the Reminder (the Qur’an), and indeed, We will be its Guardian.”
Thus, the Qur’an alone remains the Book of Faith and the guiding framework of life. It is the only path to true guidance and ultimate success.
Allah Almighty says:
آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
(Al-Baqarah: 285)
“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, His angels, His books, and His messengers, saying, ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they said, ‘We hear and we obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our Lord; and to You is the final return.’”
The only path to Allah’s pleasure and eternal success is through the Qur’an. Whoever holds fast to it as a guide will find honor and salvation in both this world and the Hereafter.
Allah Almighty says:
ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
(Al-Baqarah: 2)
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who are mindful of Allah.”
Whoever sincerely seeks the straight path must cling to the Qur’an, for it is now the sole fountain of guidance through which the light of faith and divine knowledge can be attained.
Faith in the Divine Scriptures
Among the fundamental pillars of faith is belief in the Books of Allah. This means to firmly and wholeheartedly believe that Allah Almighty revealed divine scriptures and scrolls at different times in history for the guidance of His servants. These heavenly revelations illuminated humanity, showed the path to success, and established the foundations of righteousness.
Furthermore, a believer must be convinced that all these divine scriptures were revealed directly from Allah Almighty Himself.
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ… وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم بِعِيسَى ٱبْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ ٱلْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًۭى وَنُورٌۭ… وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ
(Al-Ma’idah: 44–48)
“Indeed, We revealed the Torah, in which was guidance and light, showing mankind the path of truth. Then We sent after them Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming what had come before him in the Torah. We granted him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light—a beacon for humanity, pointing to truth and righteousness. And then, O Prophet, We revealed to you this Book in truth—the Qur’an—confirming the scriptures that came before it and acting as their guardian.”
This means that all the divine guidance contained in the earlier scriptures has been gathered within the Qur’an. It alone now remains the ultimate guide for all of humanity.
The earlier scriptures were based on universal principles, providing light by which people could shape their lives. They taught truth and served as a shining lamp for mankind. However, nations later committed the grave sin of distorting this sacred inheritance.
They altered divine laws—especially those concerning the coming of the final Prophet, matters of lawful and unlawful, prescribed punishments, equality, and human rights—so that they could exploit religion to serve their own desires. Through such changes, they sought to elevate themselves as “superior” while reducing others to subjugation, ensuring that no obstacle stood in the way of their misguidance.
Allah Almighty says:
يُحَرِّفُونَ ٱلْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِ وَنَسُوا۟ حَظًّۭا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِ
(Al-Ma’idah: 13)
“They distort the words from their proper places and forget a significant portion of what they were reminded of.”
The scholars of Tafsir say:
حَرَّفُوا وَبَدَّلُوا وَغَيَّرُوا وَكُتِبَتْ التَّوْرَاةُ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ فَقَالُوا: هَذَا مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ
“The Jews altered, modified, and distorted the words of Allah, and then wrote the Torah with their own hands, claiming: ‘This is from Allah.’”
The Revelation of the Divine Scriptures
For the guidance of humanity, Allah Almighty revealed four major scriptures along with certain scrolls.
1. Torah
The Torah was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses, عليه السلام) and served as a source of guidance for the Children of Israel.
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ
(Al-Ma’idah: 44)
“Indeed, We revealed the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”
2. Zabur
The Zabur was revealed to Prophet Dawud (David, عليه السلام) and contained the praises of Allah as well as moral guidance and admonitions.
Allah Almighty says:
وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا
(An-Nisa: 163)
“And We gave Dawud the Zabur.”
3. Injil
The Injil was revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus, عليه السلام), confirming the Torah and providing further guidance and light for humanity.
Allah Almighty says:
وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ
(Al-Ma’idah: 46)
“And We sent after them Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming what had come before him in the Torah. And We granted him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.”
4. Qur’an
The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, confirming all previous scriptures and serving as the complete guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgment.
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
(Al-Qadr: 1)
“Indeed, We revealed it on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).”
Faith in the Qur’an
The Qur’an is the Word of Allah Almighty:
وَإِنَّهُ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
(Ash-Shu‘ara: 192)
“And indeed, it is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”
The Qur’an Is Protected from All Distortion
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ
(Al-Hijr: 9)
“Indeed, it is We who have sent down the Reminder (the Qur’an), and indeed, We will be its Guardian.”
The Qur’an Is a Guide for All Humanity
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
(Al-Baqarah: 185)
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind.”
Objectives of the Revelation of the Qur’an
The Qur’an was revealed so that people may understand it, reflect upon its verses, and take lessons from it.
Allah Almighty says:
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
(Sad: 29)
“It is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you so that they may ponder its verses and that those of understanding may take admonition.”
Guidance for Humanity
The primary purpose of the Qur’an is to guide humanity, enabling people to distinguish between right and wrong and to follow the straight path.
Allah Almighty says:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ
(Al-Baqarah: 185)
“The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan as guidance for all mankind, containing clear proofs of guidance and the criterion to distinguish between right and wrong.”
Legislative and Legal Guidance
The Qur’an presents a complete and comprehensive charter for social and communal justice, where Islamic Shariah and legal principles not only define the rights of individuals and society but also provide clear guidance for their practical implementation. This divine constitution addresses every aspect of human life, firmly establishes principles of justice and equity, and creates a balanced society in which every individual is fully aware of their rights and responsibilities, while the system of collective welfare is maintained.
Allah Almighty says:
وَنَزَّلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ
(An-Nisa: 105)
“And We have revealed to you the Book in truth so that you may judge between the people by what Allah has shown you.”
The Qur’an: The Perfect Code of Conduct
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ
(Al-Isra: 9)
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright.”
The Final Message
The Qur’an not only develops intellectual and spiritual awareness of faith but also prepares humanity practically for eternal life in the Hereafter, enabling people to live in accordance with Allah’s pleasure and attain true success in life.
Allah Almighty says:
هَٰذَا بَلَاغٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنذَرُوا بِهِ وَلِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
(Ibrahim: 52)
“This is a message for mankind, so that they may be warned through it, and so that they may know that He is the only God, and that those of understanding may take admonition.”
Belief in the divine scriptures revealed by Allah Almighty is a fundamental pillar of Islam.
The Qur’an is the final and preserved scripture, serving as a source of guidance for all humanity. After the abrogation of previous heavenly books, the Qur’an remains the sole source of guidance in thought, action, and moral conduct. Whoever lives according to its guidance will attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.
“O Allah, grant us success in that which You love and are pleased with.”