Tawrāh

The Tawrāh, commonly rendered in English as the Torah, is the divine scripture revealed by Allah to Moses (Mūsā AS). In Islamic belief, the Tawrāh constitutes one of the major heavenly books sent for the guidance of humanity and is regarded as a source of divine law, wisdom, and moral instruction for the Children of Israel. The Qurʾān repeatedly affirms the sacred origin of the Tawrāh and describes it as containing “guidance and light” (Qurʾān 5:44). Muslims therefore recognize the original revelation granted to Mūsā (AS) as authentic divine scripture, although Islamic theology also maintains that portions of earlier scriptures were altered or interpreted incorrectly over time.

The Qurʾān frequently mentions the Tawrāh alongside other revealed scriptures such as the Zabūr, Injīl, and the Qurʾān. It portrays the Tawrāh as confirming the message of monotheism taught by earlier prophets and as containing legal and ethical guidance for Banū Isrāʾīl (the Children of Israel). Islamic exegetes explain that the Tawrāh included commandments, laws, and teachings regulating religious worship, social conduct, and communal justice. The Qurʾān also states that the prophets and rabbis among the Israelites judged according to the Tawrāh (Qurʾān 5:44), emphasizing its role as a foundational scripture in Israelite religious life.

Classical Muslim scholars discussed extensively the relationship between the Qurʾān and the Tawrāh. While affirming the divine origin of the original revelation to Mūsā (AS), they distinguished between the authentic heavenly scripture and later textual or interpretive changes attributed to some followers. Islamic theology maintains that the Qurʾān came as a confirmation and guardian (muṣaddiq and muhaymin) over previous scriptures (Qurʾān 5:48). Consequently, Muslim scholars often approached Biblical materials selectively, accepting elements compatible with the Qurʾān and prophetic traditions while remaining cautious about reports considered altered or unreliable.

The Tawrāh occupies an important place in Islamic sacred history because it represents one of the earliest comprehensive revelations of divine law. Muslim theologians, jurists, and historians frequently referred to it in discussions of prophecy, revelation, legal traditions, and the continuity of monotheistic teachings. The Qurʾānic presentation of the Tawrāh underscores the unity of divine revelation and the succession of prophets who conveyed Allah’s guidance to humanity across different historical communities.