Mohammed is asking the Muslims to turn to Christians to get the truth (as mentioned in Surah 10 Yunus, verse 94)
Quran 10:94 reads: "So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters."
The idea that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked Muslims to turn to Christians for the truth is not supported by any authentic Islamic texts. Instead, Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should seek guidance primarily from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). Rather there are instances in the Quran where it is mentioned that the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) had knowledge of previous revelations and that some among them were aware of the coming of a new prophet, and yet the hide it for it would have underscored their faith. Remember, the chain of Divine Scriptures and commandments continued from Prophet Adam, and with each Book, the same theme was carried forward with amendments and add on for the Divine Commandments were gradually revealed.
However, when it comes to mention of a prophet who was yet to come, the priests and religious scholars suppressed such information to uphold their faith as final. Quran mentions in Quran 2:146:
"Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it]."
There are many such verses in Qur'an that indicate that people of the previous scriptures had knowledge that could recognize the truth in the message brought by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). However, this is not an instruction for Muslims to seek the truth from them, but rather it acknowledges that the previous scriptures contained prophecies and signs about the coming of Muhammad (ﷺ).
While Muslims are encouraged to understand the messages of previous prophets and respect the People of the Book, the primary sources of truth and guidance in Islam remain the Quran and the Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not direct Muslims to seek religious truth from Christians or Jews, but rather to acknowledge the shared heritage and to follow the final revelation given in the Quran.
This verse is addressed primarily to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) but also has a broader implication for all believers. Here are some key points to understand this verse:
This verse is part of Surah Yunus (Jonah), which deals with themes of divine guidance, the truth of the Quran, and the consequences of accepting or rejecting that guidance. The verse addresses the idea of doubt and reassurance of the truth of the Quran.
The verse acknowledges the possibility of doubt, which is a natural human experience. However, it reassures that the revelation given to Muhammad (ﷺ) is true and from Allah.
It suggests that if there is any doubt, one should refer to those who have knowledge of previous scriptures (i.e., the Torah and the Gospel) because the Quran confirms the core messages found in those earlier revelations.
"Ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you" implies that people knowledgeable about the Torah and the Gospel could verify that the Quran's message aligns with the prophecies and teachings found in earlier scriptures.
This serves to confirm that the Quran is part of the same divine tradition and is consistent with previous revelations.
The verse reassures the Prophet and believers that the truth has come from Allah. It emphasizes that the revelation of the Quran is certain and should not be doubted.
The mention of doubt is not to suggest that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself doubted, but it serves as a general principle for believers who might encounter doubts.
- Affirmation of Faith: The verse encourages believers to seek confirmation of their faith by understanding the continuity and consistency of divine messages throughout history.
- Respect for Previous Scriptures:
- It emphasizes respect for the Torah and the Gospel and acknowledges the shared heritage between Islam and the previous Abrahamic faiths.
- Muslims are encouraged to recognize the connections and confirmatory nature of the Quran with previous scriptures.
- Addressing Doubts: The verse provides a method for addressing doubts by seeking knowledge and understanding, reinforcing the importance of knowledge in strengthening faith.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.