Are Mormons considered Ahl-ul Kitab?

The classification of Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as Ahl-ul Kitab (People of the Book) is a matter of scholarly debate within Islamic discourse. The term Ahl-ul Kitab traditionally refers to the followers of the revealed scriptures recognized in Islam, primarily Jews and Christians, who are regarded as having received divine guidance through earlier prophetic revelations.

The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of belief in the scriptures sent down to various prophets. For instance, it states, Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which was revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord 2:136. This verse illustrates the Islamic principle that believers should respect all prophets and the scriptures associated with them.

Islamic scholars have historically included Jews and Christians in the category of Ahl-ul Kitab, as they possess scriptures (the Torah and the Bible) recognized in the Qur'an. However, the status of Mormons is less clear, as they believe in additional scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon, which are not acknowledged by traditional Islamic teachings.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that the essence of being part of Ahl-ul Kitab is based on the acknowledgment of previous revelations and the unity of God. This view is echoed in Al-Mizan, which emphasizes the need for divine guidance and the role of prior scriptures in shaping theological beliefs. Given that Mormons have a unique theological framework that deviates significantly from traditional Christian doctrines and do not adhere to the Qur'an's teachings, many scholars conclude that they do not fit within the traditional definition of Ahl-ul Kitab.

In summary, while Mormons may share some common beliefs with Christians and have their own scriptures, they are generally not considered Ahl-ul Kitab in the Islamic tradition due to the distinctiveness of their beliefs and the absence of recognition of the Qur'an and previous scriptures as authoritative.