ABSTRACT

Relating the Qurʾān to other scriptures and subject matter known from prior to the time of Muḥammad (d. 632) is a sensitive subject. The Qurʾān speaks of itself as a complete book (Q 6:38, allusion in 9:111), as one “revealed in clear Arabic” (Q 12:2, 16:103), and when citing the previous holy figures (in Islam mostly called messengers or prophets) speaks of books associated with them (e.g., Q 41:45, 53:36, 87:19). These “books,” however, are said to be superseded by the revelation of the Qurʾān. But there is said to be a relationship between these holy figures, such as Jesus, and Muḥammad, as in Q 61:6:

And (remember) when Jesus, son of Mary, said: “Sons of Israel! Surely I am the messenger of God to you, confirming what was before me of the Torah, and bringing good news of a messenger who will come after me, whose name will be Ahmad.” 1