Quran, is it the 19th scripture?

We read in the Quran that the prophets of God are sent with the Scripture:

[2:213] The people used to be one community when GOD sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes. Ironically, those who received the scripture were the ones who rejected any new scripture, despite clear proofs given to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. GOD guides those who believe to the truth that is disputed by all others, in accordance with His will. GOD guides whoever wills in a straight path.

The term "Scriptures" is consistently associated with "prophets" in the Quran (also confirmed in 3:81).

The Quran notes 20 prophets by name, with 2 sharing the same scripture (Moses & Aaron).

But does that mean the Quran is the 19th scripture?

The Common Argument

Individuals tend to quote 6:83-86 to justify 18 prophets, then 19:56 & 33:40 to further solidify 20 prophets, 19 scriptures. Going over how Hud, Saleh, Shu'aib are just messengers. Adam, Ezekiel, & Luqman are separate categories, not related to prophethood.

And while this would be an outstanding miracle of the Quran being the 19th scripture, it's simply not true.

The Missing Prophet

Let's look at a verse where God actually notes another prophet besides those 20:

[2:247] Their prophet said to them, "GOD has appointed Taloot (Saul) to be your king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than him, and he is not even rich?" He said, "GOD has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with an abundance in knowledge and in body." GOD grants His kingship to whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

If we count this prophet, an individual given prophet-status by God as far as the Quran is concerned, we actually run into 21 prophets.

But just who is the prophet in 2:247?

Identifying the Prophet

As we can see in 2:246, this is a prophet after Moses.

[2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors.

This, however, doesn't give us all the details alone. Thankfully, we have God's previous scripture (5:44-47) that we can refer to.

1 Samuel 9:15-16

Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: "Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel.

The entirety of 1 Samuel chapter 9 & 10 describe this very event with Saul in great detail.

Prophet Samuel, the prophet of 2:247, must be equally considered in this list of prophets, bringing the count to 21 prophets, and 20 scriptures.

Beyond the 20

So, while the idea of the Quran being the 19th scripture revealed would've been an amazing visual to call out, it simply isn't true. We can also consider the prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Malachi, etc, since they are previous prophets told in the previous scripture.

Conclusion

The above information confirms that God has sent more than 19 scriptures to mankind, and that the Quran, even though it isn't the 19th one, it is His final scripture to us.

Praise be to God.