The Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim, Arabic: صُحُفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ) hold a deeply revered, yet specialized, place within Islamic theology. They are among the earliest known divine scriptures (Kutub ul-Lah) revealed by Allah (God) to a major prophet, predating the holy books i.e., Tawrat (Torah), the Zabur (Psalms), the Injil (Gospel), and the final revelation, the Quran.
For Muslims, belief in all of Allah’s books, including the Suhuf Ibrahim, is the third of the Six Pillars of Faith (Arkan al-Iman). While the content of these scrolls is not detailed extensively in the Quran or the widely transmitted Hadith, the revelation affirms the continuity of the monotheistic message (Tauhid) throughout history, linking the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad, back to the Patriarch, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them both.
This extremely detailed guide explores the significance, known content, and theological position of the Scrolls of Abraham within the context of Islamic belief, ensuring a comprehensive resource optimized for high search ranking.
The Scrolls of Abraham are mentioned in the Quran
The existence of the Scrolls of Abraham is confirmed directly in the Quran, often mentioned alongside the Scrolls of Moses (Suhuf Musa). This mention establishes their canonical status as authentic, primordial revelations from Allah.
Explicit Mention in the Quran
The most direct reference to the Scrolls comes in the Quran, placing them within the context of the eternal, unchanging truth shared by all prophets.
Arabic: أَمْ لَمْ يُنَبَّأْ بِمَا فِي صُحُفِ مُوسَى * وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ الَّذِي وَفَّى
Transliteration: Am lam yunabba bi-ma fi suhufi Musa. Wa Ibrahima alladhi waffa.
English Translation: “Or has he not been informed of what was in the scrolls of Moses, and [the scrolls of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations]?” – (Quran, Surah An-Najm, 53:36-37)
The phrase “Ibrahima alladhi waffa” (إِبْرَاهِيمَ الَّذِي وَفَّى) emphasizes Prophet Ibrahim’s unique characteristic of being utterly faithful and fulfilling every commandment and trust placed upon him by Allah. This underscores the purity and importance of the message he received.
Mention in Surah Al-Ala
The Quran also ends Surah Al-Ala by confirming that its essential messages concerning remembrance and the afterlife were already contained in the previous scriptures.
Arabic: إِنَّ هَذَا لَفِي الصُّحُفِ الْأُولَى * صُحُفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَى
Transliteration: Inna hadha lafi al-suhufi al-ula. Suhufi Ibrahima wa Musa.
English Translation: “Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” – (Quran, Surah Al-Ala, 87:18-19)
This verse is crucial as it creates a direct theological link: the core teachings of the Quran are not new, but are an affirmation of the primordial faith revealed to the earliest messengers. The Quran confirms that its core messages regarding remembrance of God and the afterlife were already present in the Suhuf al-Ula (the former scriptures). This direct affirmation solidifies the theological link between the Quran and the Scrolls of Abraham, demonstrating that the foundation of the faith is a single, continuous divine tradition. It highlights the universality and timelessness of God’s message from the earliest prophets to the final revelation.
The Known Content of the Scrolls
While the complete text of the Suhuf is not preserved in Islamic literature, the Quran itself reveals the central themes and contents of these scrolls, demonstrating that the essence of Islamic teaching is timeless.
The Everlasting Message: Priorities and Accountability
The verses immediately preceding the mention of the Scrolls in Surah An-Najm (53:38-42) are understood by scholars to summarize the main principles contained within them. These verses lay out the essential concepts of individual accountability and God’s sovereignty.
Arabic: أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى * وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَى * وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُ سَوْفَ يُرَى * ثُمَّ يُجْزَاهُ الْجَزَاءَ الْأَوْفَى * وَأَنَّ إِلَى رَبِّكَ الْمُنتَهَى *
Transliteration: Alla taziru waziratun wizra ukhra. Wa an laysa lil-insani illa ma sa’a. Wa anna sa’yahu sawfa yura. Thumma yujzahu al-jaza al-awfa. Wa anna ila rabbika al-muntaha.
English Translation: “That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another, and that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives, and that his effort is going to be seen – then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense – and that to your Lord is the final [all] going.” – (Quran, Surah An-Najm, 53:38-42)
These verses outline the principle of individual responsibility and the certainty of the Day of Judgment, concepts central to Islam. This confirms that even the earliest revelations contained the core message of justice and accountability.
Moral Themes from the Hadith
While less common, some narrations in Hadith literature, often attributed to Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari, further elaborate on the moral and wisdom teachings of the Scrolls. These narrations emphasize:
- Monotheism and the Fear of God: The primary message was devotion to the One God (Tauhid).
- Detachment from the World: Teaching that worldly life is temporary and focus should be on the Hereafter.
- Time Management and Accountability: Admonishing people to be aware of how they spend their time, as it is limited.
- Silence and Wise Speech: Encouragement to control the tongue except for necessary speech or remembrance of Allah.
Arabic (Concept derived from the narration) – Hadith Reference (Al-Tabarani, authenticated by some scholars):
عَلَى الْعَاقِلِ مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ مَغْلُوبًا عَلَى عَقْلِهِ أَنْ تَكُونَ لَهُ سَاعَاتٌ سَاعَةٌ يُنَاجِي فِيهَا رَبَّهُ وَسَاعَةٌ يُحَاسِبُ فِيهَا نَفْسَهُ
Transliteration (Concept derived from the narration): ‘Ala al-aqili ma lam yakun maghluban ‘ala aqlihi an takuna lahu sa’atun: sa’atun yunaji fiha rabbahu wa sa’atun yuhasibu fiha nafsahu.
English Translation (Conceptual): “It is incumbent upon the intelligent person, as long as he is not overcome by his intellect (madness), to have times [set aside]: a time in which he communes with his Lord, and a time in which he holds himself accountable.” (This is understood to reflect the wisdom teachings found in the Suhuf).
Hadith narrations suggest the Scrolls contained essential wisdom and ethical teachings for Prophet Ibrahim’s people. These themes emphasized personal accountability and the importance of self-reckoning, encouraging believers to dedicate time for communion with God and introspection over their actions. This ethical core reinforces the universal message of devotion, detachment from the temporary world, and wise use of one’s limited time.
The Theological Significance of Suhuf Ibrahim
The Scrolls of Abraham hold significant theological weight in Islam, extending beyond their literal content:
A. Proof of Continuity (Silsilah al-Risalah)
The Suhuf prove that the revelation began not with Moses, but with the Prophet Ibrahim, the father of the prophets and the figure revered by all three Abrahamic faiths. This continuity affirms that Islam (submission to God) is the original faith of mankind.
B. The Universal Message of Tauhid
The clear, concise nature of the message i.e. individual effort and ultimate return to God, shows that the fundamentals of monotheism and accountability have never changed. The essence of the faith has always been the same, regardless of the complexity of the law given to different nations.
C. Confirmation of the Quran’s Truth
By explicitly stating that the core message of the Quran is found in the ancient Suhuf, the Quran solidifies its own divine authenticity. It demonstrates that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought no new doctrines concerning the afterlife or justice, but reaffirmed the original covenant made with Ibrahim.
Conclusion
The Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim) represent a crucial link in the chain of divine revelation, confirming that the essential truths of Islam i.e. monotheism, individual accountability, and the Hereafter, were taught to humanity’s earliest messengers. Though the Scrolls themselves are not preserved for us to study today, the Quran has preserved their core ethical and theological message, making belief in them an essential part of the faith of every Muslim. They stand as a powerful testament to the unity of God’s message across time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does the term “Suhuf” mean?
The term Suhuf (صُحُف) is the plural of Sahifah (صحيفة), which literally means a scroll, page, or leaf. It refers to a collection of writings or sheets, implying that the revelation given to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was in the form of individual writings or scrolls, rather than a single, bound book like the Quran or the Tawrat (Torah).
Is the content of the Scrolls of Abraham preserved today?
No, the original, complete text of the Suhuf Ibrahim is not preserved today. Muslims believe the core, essential message of the Scrolls, particularly regarding individual accountability and the Hereafter, was confirmed and preserved within the final and comprehensive revelation, the Holy Quran. The existence and core teachings are affirmed, but the physical text is considered lost or corrupted.
Why the Scrolls of Abraham are often mentioned alongside the Scrolls of Moses (Suhuf Musa)?
They are often mentioned together (Suhuf Ibrahim wa Musa) in the Quran (e.g., Surah An-Najm, 53:36-37) because they represent the two most ancient and foundational revelations that preceded the later major books (Tawrat, Injil, Zabur). Mentioning them together emphasizes the continuity and consistency of the fundamental message across major prophets and historical eras.
What was the core message of the Suhuf Ibrahim?
The core message, as derived from the Quran (Surah An-Najm, 53:38-42), centers on individual responsibility and justice. The main principles are:
- No person shall bear the burden of another.
- Man will only receive the recompense for what he strives for.
- The ultimate destination of all things is to Allah.
Why is belief in the Suhuf Ibrahim important for a Muslim?
Belief in the Scrolls of Abraham is important because it is part of the Third Pillar of Faith (Belief in His Books). It confirms that Prophet Ibrahim was a true messenger of Allah and establishes the historical chain of revelation (Silsilah al-Risalah), affirming that the message of monotheism (Tauhid) is ancient and universal.
Is the Prophet Abraham mentioned in the Quran?
Yes, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is a highly revered figure in Islam. He is considered one of the five greatest Messengers (Ulul Azm min al-Rusul) and is mentioned frequently throughout the Quran. Muslims trace their spiritual lineage through him (via his son Ismail), and the major rites of Hajj are centered on his life and sacrifices.
