How we read the Scriptures
We do not read a verse in isolation from its context. We consider whom it addresses, when the instruction was given, to which circumstances it applies, and what other revelations say about it.
The Tanakh serves as the starting point for the promises, commandments and structure examined in this Manifesto. The Gospels are considered where they confirm the Jewish Scriptures and the prophetic tradition. The Qur’an confirms that God also provided guidance before its revelation, through His prophets and through the scriptures He bestowed upon earlier communities. Faith in the Qur’an therefore also entails acknowledging these earlier revelations as originating from the same One God.
This relationship is explicitly described in Qur’an 5:43–48. The Torah and the Gospel are acknowledged as guidance and light, while the Qur’an is described as a confirmation of, and a guardian over, the preceding Scripture. Qur’an 5:43–48 5:43 How come they unto thee for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers. 5:44 Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers. 5:45 And We prescribed for them therein: The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation. But whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. 5:46 And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). 5:47 Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed; such are evil-livers. 5:48 And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ.
The confirmation of the earlier Scriptures means that their divine origin is not denied. In doing so, the Qur’an also acknowledges the prophets and the guidance that God provided before its revelation.
As a guardian, the Qur’an also has a role in protecting and examining. It confirms what originates from God and guards against His earlier revelations being disregarded, distorted or set aside. This responsibility calls for respect for the Scriptures and for the communities to whom they were given.
A distinction must therefore be made between differences ordained by God Himself and deviations arising from human actions. The Qur’an explicitly speaks of a distinct law and way for different communities. Their differing commandments therefore need not contradict their common divine origin. Each community is called upon to do justice to what God has given her.
Within the Islamic faith, the Qur’an is regarded as the final revelation and the highest authority for Muslims. This does not diminish the recognition of the earlier Scriptures. Rather, it places a particular responsibility upon Muslims to treat them with reverence, not to erase their significance on their own authority, and to speak with others about God’s word in the best possible manner.
The final judgment concerning each person's faith and obedience belongs to God. It is for human beings to sincerely seek the truth, to act justly, and to vie with one another in good deeds.
For each subject, we therefore distinguish between what is stated directly in Scripture, what can reasonably be derived from it, and what constitutes a human measure for putting it into practice. Only the first carries, without further qualification, the authority of a direct commandment.