What Is Sahifa? Understanding the Divine Suhuf in Islam

What Is Sahifa? Understanding the Divine Suhuf in Islam

Allah Almighty sent divine revelations to guide humanity toward truth, righteousness, and the worship of the One Creator. Before the revelation of the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty sent scriptures and smaller revealed writings to certain of His Prophets (peace be upon them). These smaller writings are known as Suhuf, the plural of Sahifa.

Belief in the divine books and scriptures is an important part of Islamic faith. These revelations provided guidance to people and taught them about faith, good character, and their responsibilities in life.

What Is Sahifa?

Answer: A Sahifa is a sheet, page, or written document. In Islamic religious usage, Suhuf refers to smaller revealed scriptures or pages that Allah Almighty sent to certain of His Prophets before the revelation of the Holy Quran. They contained teachings, glad tidings, admonitions, and guidance to help people live righteous lives.

These revelations reminded people of their duty toward Allah Almighty and encouraged them to practice goodness, justice, and obedience.

The Purpose of the Suhuf

The purpose of divine revelations was to guide humanity away from wrongdoing and toward a life of faith and righteousness. The Suhuf conveyed important spiritual and moral teachings, including:

• Faith in Allah Almighty:
• Recognizing and worshipping the One Creator.
• Good character: 
• Practicing honesty, kindness, patience, and justice.
• Moral guidance:
• Avoiding wrongdoing and fulfilling one's responsibilities.
• Glad tidings and warnings: 
• Encouraging righteous conduct and warning against sinful actions.
• Preparation for the Hereafter:
• Reminding people that their deeds matter and that they are accountable to Allah Almighty.

Through divine guidance, people were taught to distinguish right from wrong and to live according to the commands of Allah.

Mention of the Suhuf in the Holy Quran

The Holy Quran refers to the earlier scriptures given to the Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses), peace be upon them.

Allah Almighty says:

“The Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.”

(Surah Al-A'la, 87:19)

This verse establishes the Quranic reference to these earlier scriptures. Muslims believe that Allah Almighty sent revelations to His Prophets to guide their respective peoples.

The Difference Between Sahifa and the Holy Quran

A Sahifa refers to a page or written sheet, while Suhuf is its plural and can refer to collections of revealed pages or scriptures. The Holy Quran, on the other hand, is the final revealed Book sent to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Muslims believe that the Holy Quran confirms the truth of the original divine revelations and serves as the final source of divine guidance for humanity.

Conclusion

Sahifa and Suhuf are important terms in Islamic teachings concerning divine revelation. They remind us that Allah Almighty sent guidance to humanity through His Prophets before the revelation of the Holy Quran.

Every Muslim should believe in the divine revelations sent by Allah Almighty and learn from the lessons of faith, righteousness, and good character taught by His Prophets.

May Allah Almighty grant us beneficial knowledge, strengthen our faith, and enable us to follow the guidance of the Holy Quran in every aspect of our lives. Aameen.