Comparative Study of the Quran and the Scriptures Regarding Celestial Beings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Member of the academic board and vice president of research at the Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education

2 Graduated with a master's degree in Quranic sciences

10.22034/jqopv.2025.10056

Abstract

Comparative examination of topics shared between the Qur’an and the Biblical scriptures represents one of the most effective methods for addressing the claim that the Qur’an borrowed from earlier scriptures. Furthermore, exploring the Qur’an’s scientific references revealed through such comparative studies continues to captivate researchers worldwide and prompts every fair-minded individual to reflect on the origin of these miraculous insights. This study undertakes a comparative investigation of the concept of celestial beings in the Qur’an and the Bible, outlining the structural and substantive similarities and differences between these two texts. The findings show that while certain attributes ascribed to angels in the Bible resemble those found in the Qur’an, there are also notable differences. For example, the Bible often portrays God as equal to the angels, whereas the Qur’anic verses are entirely free from such polytheistic implications. A fundamental distinction is that, unlike the Bible which only mentions angels as celestial beings, certain Qur’anic verses (such as references to dabbah) contain indications of material, living creatures in the heavens. Moreover, based on linguistic, exegetical analyses and traditions interpreting these verses, expressions like “man fi al-samawat” and “al-‘alamin” suggest the existence of intelligent communities in other worlds — entities humanity has yet to encounter. 

Keywords


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