Question:
If we look into the Qur’an verse 5:110, where Allahﷻ says that He taught Prophet Isa (Jesus, Alaihissalam ) the Book, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel. The question is: since Torah and Gospel are already mentioned, what does the word “Book” refer to?
Answer:
In that verse, Allahﷻ is speaking directly to Isa (Alaihissalam), saying: “I taught you the Book, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel.” Torah was given to Musa (Moses), and Gospel was given to Isa. So why is “Book” mentioned separately?
The word “Book” here refers generally to the previous scriptures given to earlier prophets. Each prophet was taught not only the scripture revealed to him but also the teachings of earlier revelations. For example, in the Bible, many prophets are mentioned with their own scriptures or revelations — like the Psalms given to Dawood (David). So prophets would know earlier revelations as well.
Therefore, “Book” refers collectively to all previous divine scriptures. Torah and Gospel are mentioned separately because of their special importance. Similar usage exists in the Qur’an when Allahﷻ mentions angels generally and then specifically mentions Jibreel and Mikaeel to highlight their importance.
Some commentators interpreted “Book” here as literacy or writing ability, but that explanation is unnecessary. The more direct meaning is that Allahﷻ taught Isa the earlier divine scriptures along with wisdom, Torah, and Gospel.