Page 1 of 12

The Qur'an shows a great deal of respect for the Bible, especially the teachings of Jesus. Now many religions have sacred books, but when the Qur'an speaks of the "people of the book", it is referring to Jews and Christians, because the Bible, and not other religious books, are recognized as from God.

As you look up these verses, remember that in different modern printings of the Qur'an the verse numbers are slightly different.

Sura 32:23 "We did indeed aforetime give the book to Moses. Be not then in doubt of its reaching (thee): and We made it a guide to the children of Israel."

Sura 3:64 "Say: O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves Lords and patrons other than Allah."

Sura 40:53 "We did aforetime give Moses the guidance, and we gave the book in inheritance to the children of Israel."

Sura 3:184 "Then if they reject thee, So were rejected messengers before thee, who came with clear signs, and the scriptures and the book of enlightenment." Yusuf Ali's footnote says that scriptures (zubur) may refer to all of the Bible or just Psalms.

"Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, Saying 'I give you a book and wisdom: then comes to you a messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render, him help.' Allah said: 'Do ye agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?' They said: 'We agree.' He said: 'Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.'" Sura 3.81.

Yet the following Qur'anic verse says the Bible was to be known and clear for all mankind. This is not a contradiction of the previous Qur'anic verse though, because it was initially a guide for Israel and then for all mankind.

"And remember Allah took a Covenant from the people of the book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!" in Sura 3:187. While this Sura criticizes some who were called people of the book, it does not in any way criticize the book God gave mankind.

"O ye People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was already with you, before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition,..." Sura 4.47.

Sura 29:46 "Dispute ye not with the people of the book, except in the best way, unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say, 'We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God is your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam)."

Sura 4:150-151 "Those who deny Allah and his messengers, and wish to separate between Allah and his messengers, Saying: 'We believe in some but reject others': and wish to take a course midway, (151) They are in truth unbelievers;..."