Tahrif

Tahrif (تحريف) in Islamic contexts refers to the alteration, distortion, or misrepresentation of religious texts, particularly the scriptures of Judaism and Christianity, and sometimes even the Quran itself (though the possibility of Quranic tahrif is largely rejected by mainstream Islamic theology).

The concept of tahrif is often invoked to explain perceived discrepancies between the Quran and the Jewish and Christian scriptures (Torah and Gospels). Muslims who believe in tahrif argue that these texts have been corrupted by human intervention over time, thus no longer representing the original, unaltered divine revelation. This belief is often used to explain differences in doctrines, narratives, and prophecies between Islam and the other Abrahamic faiths.

There are varying interpretations of the nature of tahrif. Some understand it as textual alteration, meaning that the actual written words of the scriptures have been changed. Others interpret it as interpretational alteration, meaning that while the text itself might be preserved, its meaning has been distorted through misinterpretation and incorrect application of the scriptures' principles.

The debate over tahrif is significant in interfaith dialogue, as it touches upon the authenticity and reliability of different religious texts.