Do
Christians and Muslims believe that God gave the Torah to the Jewish people? If
so, do Muslims include this appellation among the 99 names of God? [read Tziporah's full post]
Yasmina:
Yes, the Quran mentions the
Torah as a book of guidance and criterion given to Moses for the Children of
Israel. This is consistent with one of the central tenets of Islam that many
nations were honored and chosen, and some were given Scriptures through other
illustrious and revered messengers of God.* I consider the long line of prophets from Adam to
Muhammad [Peace and Blessings be upon them] and the gradually increasing
complexity of their teachings as indicative of the evolution in societal
complexity. I believe that the final guidance “in the form of a book” was given
to Muhammad [Peace and Blessings be upon him]. The Quran upholds the importance
of all Scriptures sent by God, but it also places itself as a book whose
universal message and relevance evolves over time and extends to all places.
Therefore, I see the progressiveness of religion not as new revelation, but as
continued guidance from God.
The Guide, the One who
bestows continuous and kind guidance to help all humans in their life journeys,
is one of the names Muslims would call upon when seeking religious knowledge
and readjustment to their lifestyles to please God.
* “Indeed,
God chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran [father
of Mary] over the worlds.” (The Family of
Imran, 3: 33)
