The Shariah Ruling on Reading Scriptures of Other Religions
Reference: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 211
❖ Question
Is it permissible in Islam to study the books of other religions, such as the Torah, Zabur, and Injil? Please explain in the light of the Qur’an and Hadith.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Studying the scriptures of other religions is permissible, provided strict conditions are observed. The diversity of languages is among the signs of Allah, as He says:
﴿وَمِن ءايـتِهِ خَلقُ السَّمـوتِ وَالأَرضِ وَاختِلـفُ أَلسِنَتِكُم وَأَلونِكُم إِنَّ فى ذلِكَ لَءايـتٍ لِلعـلِمينَ ﴿٢٢﴾ (al-Rūm: 22)
"Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and colors. Indeed, in this are signs for those of knowledge."
Evidences from Hadith
① Incident of Zayd ibn Thābit (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to learn the Jewish script for correspondence. He mastered it within half a month.
This proves that learning languages and even engaging with scriptures of other nations is permissible when necessary.
② Narration regarding Banī Isrāʾīl:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Convey from me, even if one verse; relate from the stories of Banī Isrāʾīl, and there is no harm; but whoever deliberately attributes a lie to me, let him take his seat in the Fire."
This shows that narrating beneficial stories for admonition and lessons is allowed.
Conditions for Studying Scriptures of Other Religions
The study is only allowed for a Muslim who:
➊ Has firm knowledge of Islamic creed and rulings.
➋ Believes Islam is the complete and final code of life.
➌ Considers all other religions and their scriptures as abrogated, altered, and invalid.
➍ Reads them with the intent of establishing the superiority of Islam, not out of admiration or flattery.
➎ Does not intend to promote or encourage false religions.
➏ Seeks admonition and lessons only.
Otherwise, studying such texts is not permissible.
Incident of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA)
When he requested permission to write down some sayings from the Jews, the Prophet ﷺ became displeased. This indicates that taking their laws and rulings is strictly forbidden, as all past laws have been abrogated by Islam.
Scholarly Explanation
Scholars clarify:
- Narrating stories and strange events from past scriptures is permissible if it serves as a lesson.
- However, quoting their laws and rulings is prohibited since they have been nullified by the Shariah of Muhammad ﷺ.
Summary
✿ Reading the scriptures of other religions is permissible with conditions.
✿ Their laws and rulings cannot be taken as guidance.
✿ A Muslim must approach them only for knowledge, admonition, or to demonstrate Islam’s superiority — not to adopt their teachings.
ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب
