Belief in the Books

Kutub (books) is plural for Kitab (a book). They are called Kutub because they are written (maktoob). Books, here, means the Books that Allah sent down to His Messengers as a mercy and guidance for mankind. These Books are designed to lead mankind to what brings them happiness in this life and in the Hereafter.

There are four aspects of believing in the Books

1- To believe that they are truly sent down by Allah.

2- To believe in the Books that mankind were informed of, like the Quran, sent down to Mohammad, the Torah, sent down to Moses, the Injil (the Gospel), sent down to Jesus and the Zabur (the Psalms), sent down to David. We also believe in the other Books, sent down by Allah, even though we do not know their names.

3- To believe in whatever the Books contained, like whatever is contained in the Quran and sections of previous Books that have not been corrupted.

4- To implement the Commandments contained in these Books, unless Allah commanded to the contrary through Naskh (overruling). We must accept whatever these Books contained of Commandments, even if we do not know the wisdom behind them. All previous Books were overruled by the Quran. Allah said, what translated means, (And We have sent down to you (O Mohammad) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and dominant over it.) [5:48]. This means that the Quran is dominant over all other Books. Therefore, no Commandment contained in other than the Quran can be implemented unless it is in agreement with the Quran.

Benefits Of Believing In The Books

1- Knowing that Allah takes care of His slaves by sending down Books for their guidance.

2- Knowing Allah's Wisdom in whatever He commands. He commanded each nation with what is suitable for them, (To each among you, We have prescribed a Law and a Clear Way.) [5:48].

3- Thanking Allah for His bounties, because He sent down these Books to lead mankind to guidance.