Question Summary:
What is the best way to learn the divine scriptures and Bible-related text terminology?

Question Detail:

I live in the U.S.A. and only read and speak English.

I want to ask you what is the best way to learn holy text/Moses's writings/Bible-related text terminology.I come from a religious background, but when growing up questioned most or entirely everything I was ever taught, and do not affiliate myself with any religious denomination.In wanting to know the answers to the big questions in life ("Why am I here?", "What happens after I die?", etc), I've decided to use as the starting point for my search to lifes answers the Bible, since for one thing it was what I grew up on and it's what much of my beliefs, views, and attitudes, etc are centered around (it is also the foundation for some of the world's major religions).I think in order to know the content of the Bible, the first thing to learn and understand the Bible's terminology (truth, faith, righteousness, etc).How can one know the contents of a text without first knowing its terminology?I understand that Islam's main religious text is the Quran but that, if correct, that it also holds other religious texts like that of Moses's writings, which are included in other religions as part of what is called the Old Testament books of the Bible.I am interested to know how Muslims approach the issue arising from language/translation when studying and understanding the specific religious texts like Moses' since most Muslims, if correct, read and speak the aramaic language while Moses's writings were, if correct, originally written in Hebrew.I would appreciate you offering me input on the best way of how to learn such religious text terminology, as I'm a total layman when it comes to scriptural text as far as academic education goes (like attending seminaries/ synagogues/mosques, etc) but am some one who is seeking to "know the truth".A fellow truth seeker,

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
We commend you on your desire to search for the truth. We pray and hope that the Almighty guides you towards the straight path.
In the quest of the truth, the correct approach is most important. Reading shapes one’s mind and actions. If one feeds the mind with the correct and authentic information, the mind will be directed on the correct path.
Accordingly, we advise you to study the Holy Quran only as the other Devine scriptures have been distorted and are not in the original form as revealed by the Almighty. This is a well-known fact. For that you may read Sheikh Ahmed Deedats book, is the bible god’s word? Be objective and open hearted in your reading.
The Holy Quran, is the prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between the Almighty and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.
The Almighty has himself stated in the Holy Quran that he has made the Quran easy and simple. So to learn it one does not need to dive into its technicalities. Buy a translation of the Quran and read it with the yearning of searching for the truth. If you have any questions then do not hesitate to contact us and we will advise you appropriately.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Huzaifah Deedat
Student Darul Iftaa
Lusaka, Zambia
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.