Quran vs Torah

The Quran and the Torah are two of the most significant scriptures in human history. Both are revered as divine revelations in Islam and Judaism, forming the foundation of spiritual, moral, and legal guidance for billions of people. Muslims believe that the Torah (Tawrah) was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses, عليه السلام), while the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final and preserved word of Allah.

This article provides a detailed comparison of the Quran and the Torah, exploring their origins, messages, preservation, similarities, and differences. Along the way, we will highlight important Quranic verses, Hadiths, and references, ensuring a clear understanding of how these scriptures connect yet differ.

The Quran

The Quran is believed by Muslims to be the direct word of Allah (God), revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over a period of 23 years through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is the final and complete revelation from Allah, sent to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Angel Jibreel. It is preserved word-for-word in Arabic and serves as a timeless guide for all of humanity in matters of faith, morality, and law.

Quranic Reference:

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ

Transliteration: Allāhu nazzala aḥsana al-ḥadīthi kitāban mutashābihan mathāniya

Translation: “Allah has sent down the best statement: a Book consistent in its oft-repeated themes.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:23)

This verse highlights the divine perfection of the Quran, describing it as the best statement revealed by Allah. Its verses are consistent, harmonious, and repeatedly guide believers toward reflection, faith, and righteous living.

The Quran is considered:

1. The final revelation.
2. Preserved word-for-word in its original Arabic.
3. A guide for all humanity until the Day of Judgment.

The Torah

The Torah (Tawrah) was revealed by Allah to Prophet Musa (Moses, عليه السلام). It contained divine laws, guidance, and commandments for the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il). It is a divine scripture for the guidance and light for the Children of Israel. It contained laws, commandments, and teachings, though Muslims believe its original form was later altered over time.

Quranic Reference:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ

Transliteration: Innā anzalnā at-tawrāta fīhā hudan wa nūr

Translation: “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:44)

This verse emphasizes that the Torah was a true revelation from Allah, providing guidance and light for the Children of Israel. It served as a source of divine law and wisdom before the Quran was revealed as the final scripture.

Muslims believe the original Torah was from Allah but over time, parts of it were changed, altered, or lost, as mentioned in the Quran.

Quranic Reference on Alteration:

فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَكْتُبُونَ الْكِتَابَ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ يَقُولُونَ هَـٰذَا مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ

Transliteration: Fa-waylun lilladhīna yaktubūna al-kitāba bi-aydīhim thumma yaqūlūna hādhā min ‘indi Allāh

Translation: “So woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands, then say, ‘This is from Allah.’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:79)

This verse warns against the corruption and alteration of divine scriptures, condemning those who change Allah’s words for personal gain. It highlights the seriousness of falsely attributing man-made writings to Allah.

Similarities Between the Quran and Torah

Despite differences, the Quran and Torah share important similarities:

• Divine Origin: Both are revelations from Allah.
• Monotheism: Both emphasize belief in One God.
• Moral and Ethical Guidance: Both contain divine laws regarding justice, honesty, charity, and worship.
• Prophets and Stories: Both scriptures mention prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
• Laws and Commandments: The Torah outlines the Mosaic law, while the Quran establishes Shariah.

Quran on confirming previous scriptures:

وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ

Transliteration: Wa anzalnā ilayka al-kitāba bil-ḥaqqi muṣaddiqan limā bayna yadayhi mina al-kitāb

Translation: “And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it of the Scripture.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:48)

This verse affirms that the Quran was revealed with truth, confirming the original guidance found in previous scriptures. It shows the Quran’s role as both a guardian and a final authority over earlier revelations.

Differences Between the Quran and Torah

While both come from Allah, there are key distinctions:

Preservation

Quran: Preserved word-for-word in Arabic since its revelation.

Torah: Altered over time, with different versions existing today.

Language

Quran: Revealed in Arabic.

Torah: Revealed in Hebrew.

Audience

Quran: For all of humanity until the end of time.

Torah: For the Children of Israel specifically.

Completeness

Quran: Final and complete message of Allah.

Torah: Part of earlier revelations, later replaced by the Quran as the final guidance.

Quranic Evidence:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ

Transliteration: Wa mā arsalnāka illā kāffatan lil-nās

Translation: “And We have not sent you except to all of mankind.” (Surah Saba 34:28)

This verse highlights that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a messenger for all of humanity, not just a specific nation. His message, through the Quran, is universal and timeless guidance for every people and generation.

Prophets in the Quran and Torah

Both scriptures highlight the role of prophets as messengers of God. Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) is central to the Torah, while Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final Messenger in the Quran.

Hadith Reference:

النَّبِيُّونَ إِخْوَةٌ لِعَلَّاتٍ، أُمَّهَاتُهُمْ شَتَّى، وَدِينُهُمْ وَاحِدٌ

Transliteration: Al-anbiyā’u ikhwatun li-‘allātin, ummahātuhum shattā, wa dīnuhum wāḥid

Translation: “The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

This hadith beautifully explains the unity of all prophets. Though they came at different times, places, and to different nations with varying laws, their core message was the same: the worship of Allah alone. It emphasizes the shared foundation of Tawheed (monotheism) among all revealed religions.

Concept of God in Both Scriptures

Both the Torah and the Quran emphasize strict monotheism.

Quran:

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

Transliteration: Qul huwa Allāhu aḥad. Allāhu aṣ-ṣamad.

Translation: “Say, He is Allah, One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-2)

Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4):

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.”

Both the Quran and the Torah emphasize the absolute oneness of God, rejecting any form of partners or equals. In Surah Al-Ikhlas, Allah is described as uniquely One and the Eternal Refuge, while the Torah in Deuteronomy also declares the oneness of the Lord. These verses highlight the shared foundation of monotheism between Islam and Judaism, showing that the core message of all prophets was the worship of a single, true God.

Honoring All Scriptures, Following the Final One

The Quran and the Torah both originate from Allah, guiding humanity towards worship, justice, and righteousness. The Torah was revealed to Musa (عليه السلام) for the Children of Israel, while the Quran is the final revelation for all of mankind, preserved in its original form.

Muslims are required to believe in all previous scriptures, including the Torah, as part of their faith. However, they hold the Quran as the ultimate and final word of God.

Here is a beautiful Quranic reminder:

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ

Transliteration: Āmana ar-rasūlu bimā unzila ilayhi min rabbihi wal-mu’minūn, kullun āmana billāhi wa malā’ikatihi wa kutubihi wa rusulihi

Translation: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285)