204. This emphasizes that Muhammad (peace be on him) did not introduce any innovations, and that his essential message was no different from the earlier revelations. What Muhammad (peace be on him) expounded was the same truth which had previously been expounded by the earlier Prophets in various parts of the world and at different periods of time. Wahy means 'to suggest; to put something into someone's heart; to communicate something in secrecy; to send a message'.
205. The 'Psalms' embodied in the Bible are not the Psalms of David. The
Biblical version contains many 'psalms' by others and they are ascribed to their
actual authors. The 'psalms' which the Bible does ascribe to David do indeed
contain the characteristic lustre of truth. The book called 'Proverbs', attributed
to Solomon, contains a good deal of accretion, and the last two chapters, in
particular, are undoubtedly spurious. A great many of these proverbs, however,
do have a ring of truth and authenticity. Another book of the Bible is ascribed
to Job. Even though it contains many gems of wisdom, it is difficult to believe
that the book attributed to Job could in fact be his. For the portrayal of Job's
character in that book is quite contrary to the wonderful patience for which
he is applauded in the Qur'an and for which he is praised in the beginning of
the Book of Job itself. The Book of Job, quite contrary to the Qur'anic portrayal
of him, presents him as one who was so full of grievance and annoyance" with
God throughout the entire period of his tribulation that his companions had
to try hard to persuade him that God was not unjust. In fact Job is shown in
the Bible as one whom even his companions failed to convince that God was just.
In addition to these, the Bible contains seventeen other books of the Israelite
Prophets. The greater part of these seem to be authentic. In Jeremiah, Isaiah,
Ezekiel, Amos and certain other books, in particular, one often encounters whole
sections which stir and move one's soul. These sections without doubt have the
lustre of Divine revelation. While going through them one is struck by the vehemence
of moral admonition, the powerful opposition to polytheism, the forceful exposition
of monotheism, and the strong denunciation of the moral corruption of the Israelites
which characterize them. One inevitably senses that these books, the orations
of Jesus embodied in the Gospels, and the glorious Qur'an are like springs which
have arisen from one and the same Divine source.
206. Revelation in the case of other Prophets meant either that they heard a voice or received a message from an angel. The privileged treatment accorded to Moses was that God communicated with him directly. This communication was similar to one that takes place between two persons, as is fully illustrated by the conversation reported in (Surah Ta Ha 20: 11 ff). This unique privilege of Moses is mentioned in the Bible as well, and in much the same manner. It mentions that the Lord used to speak to Moses 'face to face, as a man speaks to his friend' (Exodus 33: 11).
207. It is emphasized that the essential function of all the Prophets was the same: to announce good tidings of salvation and felicity to those who believe in the teachings revealed by God and mend their conduct accordingly, and to warn those who persist in false beliefs and evil ways that they will have to face dire consequences.
208. God's purpose in sending the Prophets was to establish His plea against mankind. God did not want criminals to have any basis on which to plead that their actions were done in ignorance. Prophets were therefore sent to all parts of the world, and many Scriptures were revealed. These Prophets communicated knowledge of the Truth to large sections of people, and left behind Scriptures which have guided human beings in all ages. If anyone falls a prey to error, in spite of all this, the blame does not lie with God or the Prophets. The blame lies rather with those who have spurned God's message even after having received it, and with those who knew the Truth but failed to enlighten others.