pühakirjad

Pühakirjad is a term used in Estonian to refer to sacred texts or scriptures. These are writings that are considered by a religious group to be holy, divinely inspired, or to hold ultimate truth. The concept of holy scripture is central to many religions worldwide, providing a foundation for their beliefs, practices, and moral codes.

Different religions have distinct sacred texts. For instance, Christianity regards the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, as its primary scripture. Judaism's central sacred texts include the Torah, the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings), collectively known as the Tanakh. Islam's holy book is the Quran, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Hinduism has a vast collection of scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita. Buddhism's sacred texts, often referred to as the Tripitaka or Pali Canon, contain the teachings of the Buddha.

The importance of Pühakirjad extends beyond their theological content. They often serve as cultural touchstones, influencing literature, art, law, and social structures within a community. The interpretation and study of these texts are crucial aspects of religious life for many, shaping individual identity and collective understanding of the world and one's place within it. Preservation, translation, and dissemination of these sacred writings have been significant historical endeavors across various civilizations.