Jumlah Kitab Suci dalam Islam: Sebuah Tinjauan Historis dan Teologis

The question of the number of holy books in Islam has been a subject of ongoing discussion and debate among scholars and theologians. While the Quran is universally recognized as the final and definitive revelation from God, the existence and status of other sacred texts, particularly those revealed before the Quran, have sparked diverse interpretations and perspectives. This article delves into the historical and theological context surrounding the number of holy books in Islam, exploring the significance of each text and the implications for understanding Islamic belief and practice.

The Quran: The Final Revelation

The Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of 23 years, holds the central position in Islamic scripture. It is considered the final and complete revelation from God, superseding all previous scriptures. The Quran's message encompasses a wide range of topics, including faith, worship, morality, law, and social justice. Its verses are believed to be the literal word of God, preserved in their original form and free from any alteration or corruption. The Quran's unique status as the final revelation is emphasized in numerous verses, such as Surah Al-Maidah 3: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."

The Pre-Quranic Scriptures: A Historical Perspective

Islam acknowledges the existence of previous divine revelations, including the Torah (given to Moses), the Psalms (given to David), and the Gospel (given to Jesus). These scriptures, collectively referred to as the "Books of the People of the Book," are considered to be divine in origin but are believed to have been altered or corrupted over time. The Quran itself refers to these scriptures, acknowledging their authenticity in their original form and highlighting the importance of their message. For instance, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:41 states, "And We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Holy Spirit."

The Theological Significance of Multiple Scriptures

The concept of multiple scriptures in Islam carries significant theological implications. It underscores the continuity of God's message throughout history, emphasizing the divine guidance provided to humanity across different eras. The Quran's affirmation of previous scriptures highlights the common ground shared by Islam with other Abrahamic faiths, emphasizing the unity of God and the fundamental principles of faith. However, it also emphasizes the unique and final nature of the Quran, which is believed to be the complete and perfect revelation for all humanity.

The Role of Interpretation and Context

Understanding the relationship between the Quran and pre-Quranic scriptures requires careful interpretation and consideration of historical context. While Islam acknowledges the divine origin of these earlier scriptures, it also recognizes the possibility of human intervention and distortion over time. The Quran itself provides guidance on interpreting previous scriptures, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding the context, and avoiding blind adherence to tradition.

Conclusion

The question of the number of holy books in Islam is a complex one, requiring a nuanced understanding of historical context, theological principles, and the Quran's own teachings. While the Quran is the final and definitive revelation, Islam acknowledges the existence and significance of previous scriptures, recognizing their divine origin and the continuity of God's message throughout history. The concept of multiple scriptures underscores the unity of God and the common ground shared by different Abrahamic faiths, while also emphasizing the unique and final nature of the Quran as the complete and perfect revelation for all humanity.