The Taurat and the Injeel: “…Guide to Mankind”!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Assalamu’ aleikum!
The Honored Qur’an tells us why we need to read the Taurat and the Injeel (the Bible Scriptures). Aal-E-Imran 3.3 tells us the following: “It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) [Taurat] and the Gospel (of Jesus) [Injeel] before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).”
That sura states plainly that the law and the gospel were given “as a guide to mankind.” The word “mankind” includes all people, not just a select few.
In addition, the Honored Qur’an teaches that through Isa al-Masih (Christ the Messiah), the son of Mary, the Gospel (Injeel) was sent. It was given to guide, enlighten, and admonish those who fear Allah:
“And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law [Taurat] that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel [Injeel]: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.” Sura 5.46 Al-Maeda.
The “admonition” (Injeel) warns against faults; it reproves for wrong practices. It gives instruction and direction while we are here on planet earth. It is counsel toward right thoughts, words, and acts. Men of sound wisdom, whose ears are willing to receive Allah’s instructions, will always heed admonition from Heaven, as did Moses, as recorded in the Injeel:
“They [the priests] serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: ‘See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’” Hebrews 8:5.
Allah has carefully guarded His words. As it is recorded in Sura 5.48 Al-Maeda, “To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the Scripture [the Bible] that came before it, and guarding it….” How comforting to know that Allah protects His words and guards them, that we today may have a sure guide as to what is right and wrong.
Taurat and Injeel Corrupted?
We should not find it amazing that there are so many positive things written about the Holy Books (Taurat and Injeel) in the Honored Qur’an. Despite that fact, though, some well-meaning people will tell you that those two books are corrupted! Imagine saying such a thing about the Holy Books sent down from Allah! It is an insult to Allah—as if He is not able to keep His words intact from evil minds! Yet these same sources that say the Holy Books of the Taurat and the Injeel have been altered or corrupted will freely quote from them when it serves their purposes, to prove their own understandings to others. They even memorize large portions of the Bible Scriptures, even though they claim the Holy Books are corrupted and tell you they are not the words of Allah! Friends, if what they say is true, why would they fill their minds with books which have been corrupted?
Others claim only portions are corrupted, and they will tell you they quote only from the uncorrupted parts. However, among themselves they disagree on what parts are corrupted! How, then, can they be sure that what they are quoting hasn’t been corrupted?
All of this should tell us that people’s minds have been heavily influenced by Iblis (Satan). But Allah knows what He is doing! Let us trust Him and rest upon the words sent down from Him and take these words for our own. Read again the words of Sura 5.46 Al-Maeda that the Injeel (Gospel) was sent through Isa al-Masih as guidance and admonition to those who fear Allah. Dear reader, do you fear Allah? Then these words are written for you!
Signposts…
People today need direction. How often those who travel on the many highways look to the signposts along the way to determine the directions and distance to their intended city. In this world, we all need signposts to tell us which way to travel safely, so that we can reach our Heavenly destination. The Holy Books (the Scriptures) are signposts (guidance) which will help to keep us from going astray. Surely no one enjoys going in the wrong direction. It is very frustrating, to say the least, and sometimes we never reach our destination. Today, unfortunately, far too many are traveling in life and not even realizing they are on the wrong highway.
The Honored Qur’an tells us to “believe in Allah and in His Messenger … and the Scripture which He sent to those before (him).” Sura 4.136 An-Nisa. All who refuse or deny “His messengers … His Books” have gone far, far astray. How few among the people of Allah really believe what is here written. Here is plain counsel not only to believe in Allah, but also in the Scriptures which He sent. Friend, is it not time to search for a Bible and begin reading the instructions sent down? Is it any wonder that most of the world has indeed gone far, far astray? People have rejected guidance and light which was sent down, and have chosen instead to remain in the darkness of this world. Iblis (Satan) has indeed blinded their eyes, but Allah in mercy and in compassion is inviting us to come to the glorious light of truth as found in the Scriptures (Bible).
The Honored Qur’an says that “the truth is from your Lord.” Sura 18.29 Al-Kahf. The importance of truth cannot be over-emphasized. It is through truth that Allah sanctifies His people. It is written in the Injeel, John 17:17: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Allah’s Word is truth. Most assuredly, Allah is wise enough and powerful enough to guard and protect His Words. Sura 6.115 Al-Anaam repeats those thoughts: “The Word of thy Lord doth find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: none can change His Words: for He is the one Who heareth and knoweth all.” God is interested in giving us truth. It has been stated that in “the Gospel (Injeel): therein was guidance and light and confirmation of the Law.”
Sura 5.46 Al-Maeda.
Why does the Honored Qur’an speak so positively, confirming that the Injeel and Taurat greatly benefit us today? Remember, it says that the Taurat and Injeel are a guide for “those who fear Allah.” Sura 5.46 Al-Maeda. Friends, if you fear Allah, then you will spend time in reading the Bible Scriptures, for it is true that they give guidance for mankind. In the Bible Scriptures, the Honored Qur’an says, is found the “Criterion” between what is right and what is wrong. Sura 3.3-4 Aal-E-Imran.
The dictionary tells us that “Criterion” is the “standard” or “rule” by which something is to be tested. Thus the Honored Qur’an teaches us that the Scriptures (Bible) are the “standard” by which all matters are to be tested, whether something is right or wrong. Everything must be judged by this standard, for the prophet Isaiah (Taurat) said in chapter 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” “To the Law” refers to the ten commandment law, and “to the testimony” refers to the testimony of Scripture. If anyone’s words or actions do not agree with what is written therein, then there is no light in them. Instead, they are in darkness. In the Injeel, Isa al-Masih reveals to us how we ought to live: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God [Allah].” Matthew 4:4. Is it not obvious why the Honored Qur’an gives so much counsel that refers us to the Bible Scriptures?
A Lamp and a Light…
In the Honored Qur’an, Sura 17.55 Al-Isra says that some prophets were given gifts. Daud (David) was given the gift of inspiration to write the Psalms (the Zabur). The Zabur says of Allah’s Word, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105. Did you ever try to walk in the darkness of night without a light? Did you find it impossible to walk without fear of falling or stepping somewhere where you would get injured or, even worse, fall from a high place? Morally, our world is in the darkness of moonless night. If ever there was a time when we needed a lamp for our feet, it is today. So many people have departed from the right path. They have discarded the “lamp” and “light” by which we may know the right way. Why is there so much crime, lawlessness, and moral decay today? Why is society everywhere on the brink of ruin? Have not the people denied Allah, His law, His books and His messengers? Sura 4.136 An-Nisa. Therefore, everyone is now urged, whoever you may be, to read the Bible Scriptures, which in mercy have come down to us from Heaven. It is surely the “criterion” for us, teaching us what Allah says is right or forbidden.
Lastly, an incredible ayat from the Honored Qur’an—indeed, a very profound text—leads Muslims to ask those who have the Book (the Bible Scriptures): “If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.” Sura 10.94 Yunus.
It counsels Muslims who are in doubt to consult with those who have the Bible! Amazing , but true. The Honored Qur’an points to the Bible, dear friends.
Before opening its pages, always ask (du’a) Allah to teach you the correct understanding as you read. Allah blesses those who sincerely are learners and seekers for righteousness. Taurat Jeremiah 29:13 contains Allah’s promise: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Those who seek Allah must seek with all the heart. May Allah bless you abundantly.
Text from DivineIslam's Qur’an Viewer software v2.913. Bible Texts from the King James Version unless otherwise posted.
The Taurat and the Injeel:
“…Guide to Mankind”!
Aal-E-Imran 3.3-4
R. M. Harnisch
Series no. 01
