Are the Ten Commandments mentioned in the Quran?

The Quran does not list the Ten Commandments verbatim as in the Bible. However, it confirms that Prophet Moses (Musa) received divinely inscribed Tablets (Alwah) with guidance (Quran 7:145). Islamic scholars widely teach that the core principles are affirmed and expanded upon in verses 6:151-153 and 17:22-39 of the Quran.

What are the main commandments for Muslims in the Quran?

The most comprehensive set of commandments, often called the 'Wasaya of the Quran,' is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:151-153). These include: worshipping only Allah, being good to parents, not killing children for fear of poverty, avoiding immorality, not killing unjustly, protecting the orphan's property, giving full measure and weight, being just in speech, and fulfilling God's covenant.

What was written on the Tablets given to Moses in Islam?

According to the Quran (7:145), the Tablets given to Prophet Musa contained 'instruction concerning all things and an elaboration of all things.' Islamic commentators like Ibn Kathir explain this included admonitions, details of lawful and unlawful matters, and the core principles of the Torah.

Ten Commandments in Islam: The Tablets of Musa & Quranic Parallels

Ten commandments

الوصايا العشر

Explore Verses Related to Ten commandments

🕌Al-Baqarah2:53 🕋Al-A'raf7:145

At a Glance

According to search-discovered Islamic scholarship, the 'Ten Commandments' as a specific list is not enumerated in the Quran. However, the Quran unequivocally confirms that Prophet Musa (Moses) was given divine law inscribed on 'Tablets' (Alwah) on Mount Sinai, which served as a criterion for guidance (Quran 2:53, 7:145). Classical commentators like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that these tablets contained comprehensive guidance and moral principles. Islamic scholars universally identify verses in Surah Al-An'am (6:151-153) and Surah Al-Isra (17:22-39) as the Quran's definitive parallel, presenting a detailed and universal ethical code. These verses, sometimes called the 'Wasaya (Commandments) of the Quran,' affirm the core message given to Musa—Tawheed (monotheism), justice, kindness to parents, sanctity of life—and present it within the final, perfected revelation for all humanity. This establishes a theme of divine continuity, where the foundational moral laws are consistent across revelations.

📖 Quranic Context

The theme represents the continuity of divine revelation, where the fundamental moral laws given to previous prophets are confirmed and perfected in the Quran. It establishes a universal ethical framework for humanity.

References: Key verses confirming the Tablets are 2:53 and 7:145. However, Islamic scholars identify Surah Al-An'am (6:151-153) and Surah Al-Isra (17:22-39) as containing the most comprehensive set of divine commandments parallel to the Ten Commandments.

💭 Theological Perspective

These commandments align with the pure human nature (Fitrah) to recognize a single Creator and adhere to universal moral truths.

Adherence to these principles is considered essential for spiritual health, purifying the heart, and achieving inner peace.

They form the core of divine law (Shari'ah), providing clear boundaries for human conduct and the foundation of a just society.

Living by these commandments is a fundamental aspect of Taqwa (God-consciousness) and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) affirmed the principles within the commandments. A narration from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud suggests that verses 6:151-153 were like the will and testament of the Prophet, highlighting their immense importance.

The prohibition of the seven great destructive sins (al-Mubiqat) which overlap significantly with these commandments.
Numerous hadith on kindness to parents, the sanctity of life, and fulfilling trusts.

There is a universal consensus among Islamic scholars that the moral and ethical principles of the Ten Commandments are integral to Islam, with the Quranic verses in Surah Al-An'am and Al-Isra being the most explicit parallel.

💎 Deeper Insights

Search grounding reveals that many companions, like Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, viewed Surah Al-An'am 151-153 not just as laws, but as the very 'will and testament' of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), upon which he placed his seal. This elevates these verses from mere rules to the core legacy of the Prophet's mission.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Tirmidhi

While Judaism and Christianity discuss the Ten Commandments, Islam's parallel presentation in the Quran is unique. It is not presented as a numbered list but as a flowing narrative of divine 'Wasaya' (injunctions) that seamlessly integrate theology (Tawheed), family ethics (parents), social justice (orphans, fair trade), and personal integrity, culminating in the call to follow the unified 'Straight Path'.

— Contemporary Islamic Scholars