Allah’s revelation to humanity is a continuous chain of guidance sent through noble prophets, all calling to the same fundamental truth.
As the final link in this chain, Islam holds a unique position, and it does not simply discard what came before; but it acts as a divine criterion, confirming the original, pure message given to prophets like Moses while decisively correcting the errors and alterations that were later introduced by man.
I will explore the Islamic position on the Ten Commandments through this lens, demonstrating how the Qur’an affirms their original principles while purifying belief from flawed concepts, establishing the absolute perfection of the Creator.
Does Islam Believe in the 10 Commandments?
The short answer is yes, Islam believes in the core principles of most of the commandments given by Allah to the Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him).
However, Muslims do not believe in the versions of these commandments as they exist today in their entirety, because the scriptures containing them have been altered.
The Qur’an is the final, perfectly preserved revelation, and it serves as the ultimate standard to judge the authenticity of previous texts.
And the most critical role of the Qur’an is to correct falsehoods attributed to Allah.
For instance, the Old Testament claims that God tired after the act of creation. In the Book of Exodus (31:17), it is said: “for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.”
This attribution of human weakness (fatigue and the need for rest) to the Creator is a theological corruption that Islam categorically rejects. Allah directly refutes this concept in the Qur’an with majestic finality:
“And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness.”
The Arabic word lughūb (لُّغُوبٍ) means fatigue, weariness, or exhaustion. This powerful verse re-establishes the perfect nature of God.
Therefore, while Muslims honor the original revelation to Moses, we adhere exclusively to the Qur’an, which presents the truth free from such distortions.
Prophet Moses and the Tablets in the Qur’an
The Prophet Moses, Musa (peace be upon him), is one of the most revered prophets in Islam.
The Qur’an narrates his story with profound respect, confirming that he was a chosen messenger who spoke directly to Allah and received divine tablets of guidance for his people.
In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah says:
“And We wrote for him on the tablets [something] of all things – instruction and explanation for all things, [saying], ‘Take them with determination and order your people to take the best of them.’ I will show you the home of the defiantly disobedient.”
Islam affirms this event as a historical reality. However, our belief in this event is based on the Qur’anic account: the one that is pure, preserved, and presents a concept of God consistent with His Majesty.
We believe the guidance on those tablets was perfect and true, but the texts available today mix that original truth with human error.
Are the Ten Commandments Mentioned Explicitly in the Qur’an?
No, the Qur’an does not list the Ten Commandments in a single passage as found in the Bible.
Quran’s purpose is not to be a historical record of other books, but to be the final, guarded word of Allah. Quran re-establishes the core principles of all divine messages in their purest form.
Instead of a list, the underlying truths of the original commandments are integrated into the Qur’an, expanded upon, and placed within a complete framework for life.
Islam’s “Ten Commandments” in Surah Al-An’am
There is a passage in the Qur’an that many Islamic scholars have referred to as the “verses of the ten commandments in Islam”. These are verses 151-153 in Surah Al-An’am.
This passage does not retell the revelation to Musa, but rather delivers a universal set of divine prohibitions and commands directly to humanity through the Prophet Muhammad
These verses are considered one of the most comprehensive summaries of the moral code of Islam, outlining the major principles that govern a believer’s relationship with Allah and society.
Allah begins this passage with a powerful invitation: “Say, ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you…'” .
Let us examine these profound commandments, which resonate with the core of the message given to Musa and all prophets:
1. Prohibition of Shirk (Polytheism)
The verses begin with the single most important principle in Islam: “That you not associate anything with Him.”
This is the foundation of monotheism (Tawhid), the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah.
It is the core of the first commandment given to Musa and the central message of every prophet.
2. Kindness to Parents
“And to parents, good treatment.” This commandment is placed second only to the worship of Allah alone, highlighting the immense importance of honoring, respecting, and caring for one’s parents.
3. Prohibition of Killing Children for Fear of Poverty
“And do not kill your children out of poverty; We provide for you and for them.” This was a specific practice in pre-Islamic Arabia but stands as a universal law protecting the most vulnerable and affirming trust in Allah as the Ultimate Provider.
4. Avoidance of Open and Secret Indecencies
“And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed.” This is a comprehensive command to maintain modesty and purity in public and private, prohibiting acts like adultery, fornication, and anything that leads to them.
5. The Sanctity of Life
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right.” This affirms the sacredness of human life, a principle shared with the original commandments. Islam permits capital punishment only through a just legal system for the most severe crimes.
6. Protecting the Orphan’s Property
“And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity.” This establishes a vital principle of social justice, safeguarding the rights of the weakest members of society.
7. Justice in Weights and Measures
“And give full measure and weight in justice.” This command establishes fairness and integrity in all business and financial dealings, forbidding any form of cheating or fraud.
8. Justice in Speech
“And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative.” This upholds the principle of absolute truth and justice, free from nepotism or personal bias, even when it is difficult.
9. Fulfilling the Covenant with Allah
“And the covenant of Allah fulfill.” This is a reminder to adhere to the commitments a believer makes with Allah—to worship Him alone and obey His commands.
10. Following the Straight Path
The passage concludes with the ultimate commandment that encompasses all others: “And [saying], ‘This is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.'” This is a call to adhere to the clear, preserved, and complete path of Islam as the only way to achieve salvation.
Where Islamic Law and the Ten Commandments Converge
It is clear that the moral and ethical principles underlying the Ten Commandments are not foreign to Islam. In fact, they are at its very heart.
Core Morals in the Ten Commandments and Islam
The convergence is undeniable. Both the commandments given to Musa and the guidance in the Qur’an demand:
- The worship of the One True God.
- The prohibition of idolatry.
- Respect and honor for parents.
- The sanctity of human life.
- The prohibition of theft.
- The prohibition of adultery.
- The importance of truth and justice.
This shared foundation is no coincidence. All truth and all true guidance come from a single, divine source: Allah.
The message of all His prophets was fundamentally the same—to call humanity to worship the Creator alone and to live with justice and morality.
Why the Qur’an is the Preserved and Final Criterion (Al-Muhaymin)
The example of Allah’s “rest” is a clear proof of why a final, perfectly preserved revelation was necessary. When human hands alter divine texts, they introduce concepts that dishonor Allah.
For this reason, Allah describes the Qur’an as Muhaymin—a guardian, a witness, and the final criterion over all previous scriptures.
Quran’s purpose is not just to confirm past truths, but to actively correct falsehoods and guard the divine message forever.
“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it.”
That Brings Us to the Conclusion That…
Islam holds the revelation given to Prophet Moses in high esteem and firmly believes in the core principles of the most of the commandments he received.
The core principles of the Ten Commandments—worshipping one God, honoring parents, protecting life, and upholding justice—are not just accepted in Islam; they are foundational pillars powerfully affirmed and beautifully detailed throughout the Holy Qur’an.
The verses of Surah Al-An’am provide a parallel but more comprehensive set of divine commandments that form the ethical bedrock of a Muslim’s life.
And Muslims follow the Qur’an as the final, preserved, and perfected guidance from Allah, which fulfills and completes the timeless message sent to all prophets. The truth is one, and its source is one.
We invite you to explore the pure and authentic principles of Islam from reliable sources, away from the influence of biased media and propaganda that often obscure the truth. To continue your journey of discovery, we encourage you to explore the other trusted resources on our blog.
