—the Quran and the Sunnah have established and over which the entire Muslim community is unanimous: the existence of the angels. Allah is surely able to create a complete realm that human beings cannot detect through their customary senses. The jinn are a case in point: they exist beyond any dispute, yet our physical senses do not perceive them as they do visible objects. Truly, Allah—exalted is He—acts in wondrous ways within His creation.

As for the phrase “and His Books,” this constitutes the third pillar. The term kutub is the plural of kitab, and what is meant here is the Scripture that Allah revealed to each Messenger. Every Messenger received a Book, as the Exalted says: “Allah is the One who has sent down the Book in truth and the Balance” (al-Shura 42:17); and He also says: “We certainly sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance so that people might uphold justice” (al-Hadid 57:25).

Some of these Books we know by name, while others we do not. The Torah, which Allah revealed to Moses—peace be upon him—is known. The Gospel, which Allah revealed to Jesus—peace be upon him—is known. The Scrolls of Abraham—peace be upon him—are mentioned in the Quran, as are the Psalms of David—peace be upon him—and the Scrolls of Moses—peace be upon him—if they are distinct from the Torah. Whatever Allah has named in the Quran we are required to affirm specifically and by name, and whatever He has not named we affirm in general.

Accordingly, we believe that Allah sent down to Moses—peace be upon him—a Book called the Torah, to Jesus—peace be upon him—a Book called the Gospel, and to David—peace be upon him—a Book, namely