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      Islamic attitudes to holy books

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of the Qur'an and other holy books as sources of authority for Muslims.

      Key learning points

      1. A belief in holy books is one of the key beliefs in Islam.
      2. The Qur'an is the direct words of Allah and without error.
      3. Earlier holy books have been corrupted over time.
      4. Earlier holy books were the Scrolls, Torah, Psalms and Gospel.

      Keywords

      • Un/corrupted - not/altered from its original divine form

      • Gospel - holy book revealed to Isa (Jesus)

      • Qur’an - final holy book of Islam revealed to Muhammad

      • Scrolls - holy book revealed to Ibrahim (Abraham)

      • Torah - holy book revealed to Musa (Moses)

      Common misconception

      That the Torah and Gospels in the Jewish and Christian holy texts today are the same as those referenced in the Qur'an.

      Muslims believe these have been changed over time from their original form and that the Qur'an corrects those changes.

      Teacher tip

      Students can link to the understandings of the Torah and Gospels in Christianity and compare and contrast key aspects of this.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      In Islam, what is the purpose of Heaven (Jannah)?

      to punish those who reject faith
      Correct answer: to reward believers with eternal peace and happiness
      to offer a temporary place of rest
      to allow for continuous suffering

      Q2.
      In Islam, those who reject faith or live sinful lives without repentance will go to ...

      Correct Answer: Hell, hell

      Q3.
      In Islam, which of the following is believed to be found in Heaven (Jannah)?

      eternal punishment
      Correct answer: rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine
      suffering and pain
      fire and darkness

      Q4.
      What is the purpose of Hell (Jahannam) in Islam?

      to reward the faithful
      Correct answer: to punish those who reject faith or commit sinful acts
      to purify the soul through suffering
      to offer eternal rest

      Q5.
      In Islamic belief, how many levels are there in Heaven (Jannah)?

      1
      Correct answer: 7
      6
      10
      5

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a key belief in Islam?

      Correct answer: belief in holy books
      belief in reincarnation
      belief in multiple gods
      belief in astrology

      Q2.
      The Qur'an is regarded as the primary source of in Islam, guiding believers in all aspects of life.

      Correct Answer: authority, Authority

      Q3.
      In Islam, the earlier holy books include the , Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, all of which were revealed to earlier prophets before the Qur'an.

      Correct Answer: Scrolls, scrolls

      Q4.
      According to Islam, which of the following is true about the Qur'an?

      It was written by humans.
      Correct answer: It is the direct words of Allah and without error.
      It is one of many corrupted holy books.
      It is not considered a holy book.

      Q5.
      In Islam, earlier holy books, such as the Scrolls, Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, are believed to have been over time, unlike the Qur'an.

      Correct Answer: corrupted, Corrupted

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