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.