Welcome to the definitive guide on The Zabur (ٱلزَّبُور), one of the four principal divinely revealed Holy books in Islam. In the theology of Islam, the Zabur holds a place of profound reverence as the scripture bestowed by Allah (God) upon the noble prophet Dawud (David), peace be upon him.
For seekers of knowledge, whether exploring the deep roots of Islamic faith or investigating the continuity of divine revelation, understanding the Zabur is essential. It is more than just a historical text; it is a foundational component of the pillars of belief in Islam, confirming the universal call to monotheism (Tawhid) sent across different eras.
This comprehensive blog will draw directly from the Holy Quran and the authentic Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) to explore the meaning, significance, and legacy of this sacred book. Prepare for an in-depth look at what makes the Zabur an enduring testament to the wisdom and mercy of Allah, and why belief in the Psalms of David in Islam remains a core tenet for Muslims worldwide.
What is The Zabur?
The Arabic term Az-Zabur (ٱلزَّبُور) is the name of the divine book revealed to Prophet Dawud (David). The word itself is understood by scholars to mean “writing,” “inscription,” or “book.” It is one of the four principal divinely revealed books mentioned in the Holy Quran, alongside the Tawrat (Torah given to Moses), the Injil (Gospel given to Jesus), and the Quran (given to Muhammad, peace be upon them all).
In Islamic theology, acknowledging and believing in all of Allah’s revealed books, in their original, uncorrupted form, is a fundamental pillar of faith (Iman).
Key Facts about the Zabur
Below are some important facts about Zabur/Psalms:
- Prophet: Revealed on Dawud (David), peace be upon him.
- Nature: Primarily focused on praises of Allah, wisdom, admonitions, spiritual songs, and supplications (dua).
- Content: Islamic scholars, such as Al-Qurtubi, note that it contained no rulings on the lawful or prohibited (Halal and Haram) but was a book of immense spiritual guidance.
- Connection to Psalms: Muslim tradition identifies the Zabur with the Biblical Psalms of David, though Muslims believe the original divine text may have been altered or corrupted over time.
The Zabur in The Holy Quran
The importance of the Zabur is affirmed by its direct mention in the Quran in three distinct verses. These verses establish it as a divine revelation and part of the continuity of prophethood.
Mention 1:
Placing it Among Divine Books
The below verse places the Zabur within the context of the long line of prophets who received divine revelation, confirming its status as a sacred text.
Arabic: … وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا
Transliteration: …wa atayna Dawuda Zabura.
English Translation: “…and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].” – (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:163)
Mention 2:
Highlighting Prophet Dawud’s Status
The below verse highlights Prophet Dawud’s special status among the prophets and the gift of the Zabur, emphasizing Allah’s choice and favor upon His messengers.
Arabic: … وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا
Transliteration: …wa atayna Dawuda Zabura.
English Translation: “…And to David We gave the book [of Psalms].” – (Quran, Surah Al-Isra, 17:55)
Mention 3:
The Inheritance of the Earth
The below verse is perhaps the most famous and contextually rich reference, as it contains a direct quote (or its close parallel) from the original Zabur, a powerful message of divine justice and hope for the righteous.
Arabic: وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِن بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ
Transliteration: Wa laqad katabna fiz-Zaburi min ba’diz-zikri annal-arda yarithuha ibadiyas-salihun.
English Translation: “And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention that the land is inherited by My righteous servants.” – (Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:105)
The Zabur in the Hadith
The Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) provides further insight into the unique manner in which Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) was enabled to recite the Zabur. These narrations emphasize his deep devotion and the miraculous nature of the revelation.
The Swiftness of Dawud’s Recitation
A significant Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) describes the speed and ease of Prophet Dawud’s recitation of the Psalms.
Arabic: كَانَ يُقْرَأُ عَلَى دَاوُدَ الزَّبُورُ، وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ دَوَابَّهُ أَنْ تُسْرَجَ، فَيَفْرُغُ مِنَ الزَّبُورِ قَبْلَ أَنْ تُسْرَجَ دَوَابُّهُ
Transliteration: Kana yuqrau ‘ala Dawuda az-Zabur, wa kana yamuru dawabbahu an tusraja, fa yafrughu minaz-Zaburi qabla an tusraja dawabbuhu.
English Translation: “The reciting of the Zabur (i.e. Psalms) was made easy for David. He used to order that his riding animals be saddled, and would finish reciting the Zabur before they were saddled.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari 3417)
This Hadith illustrates:
- Divine Grace: The remarkable ease bestowed upon Prophet Dawud in his devotion.
- Recitation: It suggests the Zabur’s structure was conducive to a rapid, beautiful, and melodious recitation or chant, which is one interpretation of the term “psalm.”
Dawud: The Best of Worshipers
Another hadith highlights Prophet Dawud’s dedication to worship and his adherence to Halal sustenance.
Arabic: أَحَبُّ الصَّلاَةِ إِلَى اللَّهِ صَلاَةُ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ، وَأَحَبُّ الصِّيَامِ إِلَى اللَّهِ صِيَامُ دَاوُدَ، وَكَانَ يَنَامُ نِصْفَ اللَّيْلِ وَيَقُومُ ثُلُثَهُ وَيَنَامُ سُدُسَهُ، وَيَصُومُ يَوْمًا وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمًا
Transliterat1ion: Ahabbus-Salati ilallahi Salatu Dawuda alayhis-salam, wa ahabbus-Siyami ilallahi Siyamu Dawuda. Wa kana yanamu nisfal-layli wa yaqumu thuluthahu wa yanamu sudusahu, wa yasumu yawman wa yuftiru yawman.
English Translation: “The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of David, and the most beloved fasts to Allah are the fasts of David. He used to sleep for half the night, and pray for one third of the night, and then sleep for the last sixth of the night; and he used to fast on alternate days.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari 1131)
This Hadith, while not directly about the Zabur’s content, illustrates the righteous life and immense piety of the Prophet to whom the Zabur was revealed, providing essential context for the Zabur’s themes of devotion and worship.
Key Takeaways and Spiritual Significance
The Zabur remains an essential part of the Islamic worldview for several reasons:
- Continuity of Revelation: It confirms the belief that Allah sent divine guidance to all major nations and prophets. Believing in the Zabur validates the truth of Islam as the final and comprehensive religion in a long chain of revelations.
- Focus on Monotheism (Tawhid): Like all divine books, the original Zabur called for the worship of the One True God, Allah.
- Spiritual Wisdom: Its themes of praise, repentance, divine mercy, and the eventual triumph of the righteous offer timeless spiritual lessons for Muslims seeking a closer relationship with their Creator.
- Prophet Dawud’s Example: The narratives surrounding its recitation and Prophet Dawud’s life serve as a model of deep, consistent devotion, righteous rule, and self-sustenance through honest labor.
The Final Words
The exploration of the Zabur, the divine scripture revealed to Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him), firmly grounds it as a crucial element of Islamic faith and history. Its mention in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elevates it beyond a historical artifact, confirming its status as a foundational pillar of the concept of continuous divine revelation. The Zabur’s core message i.e. one of Tawhid (pure monotheism), righteous governance, fervent praise, and the ultimate inheritance of the earth by the salihun (the righteous servants) offers a timeless blueprint for piety.
For Muslims, believing in the Zabur is not just acknowledging a past scripture, but embracing the universal truth that Allah’s guidance has illuminated humanity across all ages. Ultimately, the Zabur stands as a powerful testament to the unity of prophethood, reinforcing the beautiful chain of divine wisdom that culminates in the final and complete message of the Quran.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Zabur
What is the Zabur, and to which Prophet was it revealed?
The Zabur (ٱلزَّبُور) is one of the four principal divinely revealed books in Islam, alongside the Tawrat, the Injil, and the Quran. It was revealed by Allah (God) to the noble prophet Dawud (David), peace be upon him. Its content primarily consisted of praises of Allah, spiritual songs, wisdom, and admonitions.
Is the Zabur the same as the Biblical Psalms?
Muslims believe that the original Zabur given to Prophet Dawud is the divine source for the text now known as the Biblical Psalms of David. However, Islamic belief maintains that the original text of the Zabur, like the Tawrat and the Injil, was either lost or altered over time. Therefore, while there are thematic overlaps, Muslims acknowledge the Zabur in Islam as the uncorrupted, original revelation.
Where is the Zabur mentioned in the Holy Quran?
The Zabur is explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran in three places. The most notable reference confirms its divine origin:
Arabic: …wa atayna Dawuda Zabura. English Translation: “…and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].” (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:163)
What was the nature of Prophet Dawud’s recitation of the Zabur?
The Hadith literature describes the Prophet Dawud’s recitation as miraculous and incredibly swift. He was granted a unique grace, allowing him to recite the entire Zabur in a short period. This swift, melodious recitation highlights the immense devotion and special favor granted to him by Allah.
What is the significance of the Zabur for Muslims today?
The Zabur holds great significance as a pillar of Islamic faith, teaching the importance of believing in all of Allah’s revealed books. It reinforces the themes of monotheism (Tawhid), worship, and repentance, and emphasizes the universal promise that the earth will ultimately be inherited by the righteous servants of Allah.
Did the Zabur contain laws (Halal and Haram)?
According to the scholarly consensus of early Muslim exegetes (like Al-Qurtubi), the Zabur did not contain detailed rulings on the lawful (Halal) or prohibited (Haram). It was primarily a book of spiritual guidance, praise, and wisdom, rather than a code of law like the Tawrat or the Quran.
