How Do We Reconcile Quranic References to Past Scriptures If They Are Corrupted?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
How do we understand Quranic references to past scriptures in 10:94 and 7:157, given they are corrupted? How can the Prophet (peace be upon him) still be found in them, and why does the Quran suggest referring to them if they are not fully reliable?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
The Quran takes a distinct approach to previous scriptures. While it warns readers about potential distortions, it also recognizes that remnants of divine revelation and prophecies about the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) can still be found in these texts. Consequently, the Quran occasionally directs readers to earlier scriptures—not as final sources of guidance but as additional emphasizing evidence supporting its own truth.
Scholars like Qurtubi argue that while some scriptures were altered, essential prophecies about the final Prophet remained intact, as seen in references to the “Paraclete” in the Gospel of John and descriptions of an awaited prophet in the Torah.
Historical evidence suggests that some Jewish and Christian scholars, like Abdullah ibn Salam and Waraqa ibn Nawfal (Allah be pleased with them both), recognized these signs and accepted Islam.
[Qurtubi, Al-Jam’i li-Ahkam al-Quran, Shafi, Ma’rif al Quran]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
– previous scriptures Archives
– Quranic Studies Curriculum
I pray this helps answer your question.
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
