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Belief in the Books implies four things:
1– Firm belief that all of them were revealed from Allaah, and
that Allaah spoke them in a real sense. Some of them were heard
from Him from behind a veil, without there being any
intermediary from among the angels. Some were conveyed by an
angelic Messenger to a human Messenger. Some were written by
Allaah’s own Hand, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is not given to any human being that Allaah 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” [al-Shoora 42:51]
“and to Moosa (Moses) Allaah spoke directly” [al-Nisa’ 4:164]
And Allaah said concerning the Tawraat (Torah):
“And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from
all things and the explanation for all things” [al-A’raaf 7:145]
2– The Books that Allaah has mentioned by name, we must believe
in by name. These are the Books which Allaah has named in the
Qur’aan, i.e., the Qur’aan, the Tawraat (Torah), the Injeel
(Gospel), the Zaboor (Psalms), and the Scriptures of Ibraaheem
and Moosa.
Those which Allaah has mentioned in general terms, we must
believe in them in general terms, so we say concerning them what
Allaah and His Messenger have commanded us to say:
“…say: “I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book
[all the holy Books…]” [al-Shoora 42:15 – interpretation of the
meaning]
3– Believing whatever is true of what they say, such as what is
said in the Qur’aan, and whatever has not been altered or
distorted in the previous Books.
4– Believing that Allaah revealed the Qur’aan as a witness over
these Books and to confirm them, as Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this
Qur’aan) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it
and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it
(old Scriptures)” [al-Maa'idah 5:48]
The mufassireen 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they are no longer applicable – and that new rulings and laws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 Allaah 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 Allaah in Islam as
Muslims” [al-Qasas 28:52-53]
It is obligatory for all the ummah to follow the Qur’aan both
outwardly and inwardly, and to adhere to it, and give it its
due, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And this is a blessed Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent
down, so follow it and fear Allaah” [al-An’aam 6:155]
What is meant by adhering to the Qur’aan 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 Allaah,
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.
This belief will bear great fruit for a person, the most
important of which is:
1- Knowledge of Allaah’s care for His slaves, for He has
revealed to each people a Book by which they may be guided.
2- Knowledge of the wisdom of Allaah in the laws which He has
set out for each people, laws which are suited to their
circumstances as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way”
[al-Maa’idah 5:48].
3- Fulfilling the duty of giving thanks to Allaah for this great
blessing.
4- The importance of paying attention to the Qur’aan, by reading
it, pondering its meanings, understanding its meanings and
acting accordingly.
Source: Islam-QA.com
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