Early Islamic Commentators’ View of the Bible Being Changed

“The Bible has been changed!” We’ve probably heard this phrase before. Muslims doubt the authenticity of the Bible. Rather than accepting that, we should investigate to find the truth.

Many critics say the Bible is no longer authentic. However, what was the early Islamic commentators’ view of the Bible being changed? Has the Bible really been changed?

Does the Quran Say the Bible Has Been Changed?

According to Islam, Qs 2:75 talks about the Torah and Injil. It says, “Do you covet [the hope, O believers], that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they were knowing?” (Qs 2:75).

If we look closely, this verse says they distorted the meaning of the words, not actually altered the text. When we hear the Bible has been changed, we shouldn’t immediately believe it. Rather, we should ask questions to find the truth.

For example, “Who changed the Bible?” “Which part of the Bible was changed?” “When and where was the Bible changed?”

It’s written in the Quran, “And none can alter the words of Allah” (Qs 6:34). Muslims and Christians agree that humans cannot change the Word of Allah because Allah preserves his Word.

Do you agree with this? Explain your opinion here.

The Early Islamic Commentators’ View of the Bible Being Changed

Did the early Islamic commentators say anything about the Bible being corrupted?

In his commentary, Ibnu Katsir (died 1373 M) wrote, “This means they regionalized (explained) this with improper interpretation.”

Al-Qasimi also stressed that, “To say that the all the previous scriptures [Torah, Zabur and Injil] have been changed is a far-fetched thing.”

Therefore, it is not that the Bible was actually changed, rather the interpretation is inaccurate.

Evidence That Allah Preserves His Word

In 1946, there was a discovery of biblical manuscripts called the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Dead Sea, Palestine. These manuscripts were copied between 300-100 BC, over 700 years before Islam began. They have the exact same content with the Bible today!

Therefore, the Bible is pure. Allah preserves His Word forever!

The Authenticity of the Bible and Peoples’ Responsibility

The facts above prove the Bible was never changed. From before the coming of Islam until now, Allah preserves His Word.

The early commentators of the Quran were right about the Bible being authentic. Humans can never change the Word of Allah, can they? It is written, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Zabur 119:89).

Thus, we must study the Bible. The Bible teaches Isa Al-Masih has the power to forgive our sins. If you want to study more proofs that Allah preserves His Word, send us an email.

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW

We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:

1. What do you think about the early Islamic commentators’ view of the Bible being changed?
2. Based on the explanation above, what evidence is there that the Bible/Allah’s Revelation was not changed?
3. How should we respond to the Bible, Allah’s Revelation, which has never been changed? Please explain your answer.  

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