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What does it mean to believe in the Books of Allah?
Praise be to Allah.
Belief in the Books of Allah implies four things:
“It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise.” [42:51]
“… and to Musa Allah spoke directly.” [4:164]
And Allah said concerning the Tawrat:
“And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation for all things.” [7:145]
Those which Allah has mentioned in general terms, we must believe in them in general terms, so we say concerning them what Allah and His Messenger have commanded us to say:
“…say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the noble Books…].” [42:15 – interpretation of the meaning]
“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures).” [5:48]
The commentators said that Muhaymin means trustworthy and a witness over the Books that came before it, and confirming them, i.e., confirming whatever is true in them and rejecting whatever alterations, distortions and changes have occurred in them, and ruling that the previous rulings have been abrogated – i.e., they are no longer applicable – and that new rulings and laws have been promulgated. Hence all those who were following previous books and who have not turned on their heels should submit to it, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And when it is recited to them, they say: We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims.” [28:52-53]
It is obligatory for all the ummah (followers of Muhammad) to follow the Quran both outwardly and inwardly, and to adhere to it, and give it its due, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And this is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah.” [6:155]
What is meant by adhering to the Quran and giving it its due is: regarding what it permits as permitted, regarding what it forbids as forbidden, obeying its commands, avoiding that which it prohibits, paying heed to its lessons, learning from its stories, understanding its clear and unambiguous texts, referring the exact meaning of its ambiguous texts to Allah, not overstepping its limits and defending it, whilst memorizing it, reciting it in a proper manner, pondering the meanings of its verses, reciting it in prayer night and day, being sincere towards it in all senses, and calling others to do likewise with understanding.
Belief in the Books of Allah will bear great fruit for a person, the most important of which is:
For more, please see this category: Belief in Divinely-revealed Books
And Allah knows best.
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