Fatwaa ID: 617

Question:
Assalamu alaikum Sheikh,

Is it permissible to read the Bible?

My reasons being that in order to properly address Christian claims against Islam I want to understand their scripture and what they are required to believe. Another reason is in the Quran it is said that there are several references to the Prophet (saw) in the previous scriptures, and I want to see these references myself.

I was also wondering if reading philosphical/religious works in general is also permissible.

Thank you.

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

1. A person is affected by what he reads. A Muslim should not read the Bible until he is educated and firm in his beliefs as a Muslim. When he does read or look through the Bible after learning his fundamental Islamic beliefs, then this should be under the guidance of scholars to whom he may refer to should questions arise. In the enquired situation, we suggest you refer to books written by Muslims regarding the Bible, such as the works of Ustaadh Ahmad Deedat. You may start with his magnum opus, The Choice. This is a form of assisted reading that should be of benefit for both the purposes you have referred to in your query. Non-assisted readings may be harmful to a person’s imaan.
2. Reading philosophical and religious works should be avoided unless one is well-grounded in his own beliefs and theology. When reading such works, it should be under the guidance of a competent scholar who may answer and questions or concerns that may arise.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

07/26/1444 AH – 02/17/2023 CE | AMG1-2811

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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