Why Even Though We Have the Quran, We Still Need to Refer to the Old Testament Which Has Been Altered and Is No Longer Preserved

The words of Allah Himself have already become the clearest bridge for opening this discussion, namely وَقَضَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ in Al-Isra’ verse 4. Allah Himself states that this decree had already been conveyed to Bani Israel in al-Kitab. When Allah uses the term al-Kitab in the context of Bani Israel, then we know that their original reference is the Torah. On that basis, we cannot reject the need to revisit the traces of that covenant in the Old Testament that exists today.

This does not mean in any way that we place the Bible on the same level as the Quran. Rather, it is because Allah Himself has linked this verse to the earlier revelation that had once been given to Bani Israel. Therefore, in order to understand what was commanded, what was altered, and what was concealed, we do in fact need to open the Old Testament as a source for examination, and then reassess it through the preserved majesty of the Quran.

Generally speaking, these are the 10 specific reasons why we must refer to The 10 Commandments.

1. Because Allah Himself Connects It in the Quran

This is the most basic matter that must be understood first. We are not arbitrarily trying to connect the Quran with the Torah or the Old Testament. Rather, Allah Himself connects them in the Quran. So when Allah opens that connection in His words, we cannot then close it merely because we personally feel that the earlier scripture has already been altered. The One connecting these two matters is not our human opinion, but Allah Himself as our Lord.

2. Because “Fi al-Kitab” Shows That There Is a Reference to an Earlier Revelation

When Allah says that this matter had already been stated to Bani Israel “fi al-kitab,” then this shows that there was an earlier revealed reference already given to them. In the historical context, that command had been given to Bani Israel through Prophet Musa a.s. in the event at Mount Sinai. So in order to understand what Allah means, we need to revisit the original source of that covenant in its historical chronology.

3. Because the Torah That Is No Longer Preserved Can Still Be Traced in the Old Testament

Although the original Torah is no longer fully preserved, people today can still identify part of its traces in what is known as the Old Testament in the Bible. This does not mean that we place the Old Testament on the same level as the Quran. What it means is that we recognize the historical correspondences and the remaining textual traces, so that we know where the parts that once came from the revelation of Allah are located, and where alteration, addition, or concealment has taken place. The Quran remains our primary reference.

4. Because the Quran Came Not Only to Repeat, But Also to Expose and Correct

Allah did not merely repeat the content of those commandments in the Quran. Allah also exposed the deviation that took place. This is where the great wisdom lies. When Allah retells those commandments in the Quran, Allah is not merely giving a new reminder, but also uncovering the secret of Bani Israel’s deception. There it becomes clear what was concealed, what was changed, and what was no longer mentioned honestly, especially in the matter of punishment. That punishment will take place in our time.

5. Because Without Referring to the Original Contract, We Will Not See Where the Changes Took Place

If we do not refer to Allah’s original covenant with Bani Israel, then on what basis are we going to say that the scripture has been altered. To prove that something has been amended, we must have at least its original form, original trace, or original framework for comparison. That is why referring to the earlier scripture is not for taking beliefs from it, but for assessing the extent of the alteration when compared with the correction that Allah sent down in the Quran.

6. Because the Quran Preserves the Original Version and Becomes the Standard of Judgment

When Allah repeats the contents of The 10 Commandments in the Quran in a preserved form, then the Quran becomes the معيار, the measure that distinguishes between true revelation and revelatory text that has been mixed and corrupted. In that way, present-day Bani Israel are not left by Allah in confusion. Allah does not leave mankind in bewilderment. Rather, Allah gives us the Quran as the decisive criterion, the clarifier, and the exposer of deception. Whoever they are, regardless of race or nation, can assess this matter.

7. Because Bani Israel of the Past and Bani Israel of the Later Time Remain Bound by That Covenant

Bani Israel in the past upheld tawhid to Allah through the law of Prophet Musa a.s. Then when Prophet Muhammad SAW was sent, whoever among Bani Israel truly submitted to Allah was obliged to enter into the law of Prophet Muhammad SAW. This means that the covenant with Allah does not become void just because times have changed. Tawhid remains the same. Obedience is still demanded. The commandments still stand. What changes is only the law according to the messenger sent in that era.

8. Because the Punishment Mentioned Is Still Tied to the Same Covenant

This is where many people fail to see the connection. That covenant is not merely an old story that has already ended. It still carries legal effect and consequences. When Allah states that violating those commandments leads to punishment, then we need to understand that the punishment arises from the same contract. That is why the commandments and the punishment cannot be separated.

9. Because the Promised Land Still Remains the Stage Upon Which That Punishment Will Unfold

If the covenant is still valid in terms of Allah’s teaching and punishment, then the land tied to it is also no small matter. It is there that purity will later be restored. Before purification takes place, punishment must come first. That is why understanding the original contract, understanding the content of the commandments, and understanding the changes made to the earlier scripture are all crucial for having guidance regarding the events to come.

10. Because All of This Shows How Meticulously Allah Protects Humanity From Being Deceived

This is a very great beauty. Allah does not only give commandments. Allah also gives record. Allah also exposes deviation. Allah also repeats the preserved version. Allah also shows the consequences of violation. All of this is a sign of how meticulously Allah protects mankind so that they are not deceived by claims, distortions, and falsifications.

Conclusion

That is why, even though we already have the Quran, in the context of tracing Bani Israel’s covenant with Allah, we still need to refer to the earlier scripture in the places that Allah Himself has linked to it. Not to take religion from a scripture that has been altered, but to see the traces of the original covenant, identify the sections that have been distorted, and witness how the Quran comes as the corrector, exposer, and preserver of the truth.