What Bible Do Muslims Use?
The question “What Bible do Muslims use?” may seem perplexing at first, as Islam and Christianity are two distinct religions with their own sacred texts. However, Muslims do use the Bible, albeit in a different context and with specific interpretations. This article will explore the role of the Bible in Islam and the particular version that Muslims refer to.
Understanding the Quran and the Bible in Islam
In Islam, the Quran is the central and most sacred text, believed to be the final revelation from God (Allah) to humanity. The Quran is considered to be the word of God, as it is believed to have been directly revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. The Quran is the primary source of Islamic teachings and is recited and studied by Muslims worldwide.
While the Quran is the primary religious text in Islam, Muslims also hold the Bible in high regard. However, it is important to note that Muslims do not use the Bible in the same way Christians do. Instead, Muslims refer to the Bible as the Injil, which means “Gospel” in Arabic. The Injil is considered one of the four primary scriptures in Islam, alongside the Quran, the Torah (Tawrat), and the Psalms (Zabur).
The Injil in Islam
The Injil that Muslims use is primarily the New Testament of the Christian Bible. However, it is important to note that Muslims do not accept the entire New Testament as it is. Instead, they only consider the original Gospel of Jesus Christ, as written by the apostles and their companions, to be authentic and true. This original Gospel is believed to have been corrupted and altered over time by various Christian denominations.
In Islam, the Injil is considered a divinely inspired book, but it is not considered to be the final word of God. Muslims believe that the Quran was sent to correct and complete the teachings of the previous scriptures, including the Injil. Therefore, the Quran is seen as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice for Muslims.
Interpretations and Use of the Injil
While Muslims hold the Injil in high regard, they approach it differently than Christians. Muslims study the Injil to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and to gain insight into his life and message. However, they do not consider the Injil to be a source of divine revelation in the same way they do the Quran.
In Islamic scholarship, the Injil is often studied alongside the Quran and other Islamic texts. Muslims may refer to the Injil to understand the context of certain Quranic verses or to gain a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings. However, the interpretations of the Injil in Islam are often different from those in Christianity, as Muslims focus on the original teachings of Jesus Christ as opposed to the later developments in Christian theology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Muslims use the Bible, specifically the New Testament, as one of the four primary scriptures in Islam. The Injil is held in high regard, but it is not considered the final word of God. Muslims study the Injil to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and to gain insight into his life and message, while always referring back to the Quran as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
