Was there a Bible in Prophet Muhammad's time?
During the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there were indeed previous scriptures, including the Torah and the Gospel, which were part of the religious heritage of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). The Qur'an refers to the existence of these earlier scriptures, indicating that they were acknowledged in the Islamic tradition.
For example, the Qur'an states: A messenger from Allah, reading purified pages
98:2. This verse emphasizes the role of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a messenger who brings forth a revelation that is distinct and pure compared to previous scriptures.
Furthermore, the Qur'an also discusses the covenant made with previous prophets, as illustrated in the verse: When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess
3:81. This indicates that the earlier scriptures were known, and the Qur'an serves to confirm and complete the messages delivered through those prophets.
Overall, while the Bible in its current form may not have existed as we know it today, the teachings and revelations that preceded the Qur'an were present during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and he was aware of them.
Sources
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98:2 · Al-Bayyina
98:2 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
رَسُولٌۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ يَتْلُوا۟ صُحُفًۭا مُّطَهَّرَةًۭ
A messenger from Allah, reading purified pages
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3:81 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:81 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ لَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُكُم مِّن كِتَٰبٍۢ وَحِكْمَةٍۢ ثُمَّ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌۭ مُّصَدِّقٌۭ لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ لَتُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهِۦ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُۥ ۚ قَالَ ءَأَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَخَذْتُمْ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُمْ إِصْرِى ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَقْرَرْنَا ۚ قَالَ فَٱشْهَدُوا۟ وَأَنَا۠ مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ
When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.
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