📖 Understanding INJĪL (انجيل): The Gospel in Islamic Context
Definition:
Injīl (انجيل), from the Greek “Εὐαγγέλιον” (Evangel), refers to the Gospel or the revelation given by God to Jesus (ʿĪsa ibn Maryam) as mentioned within Islamic theology. This term is frequently discussed within the Qurʾān and later Islamic theological and exegetical works.
Etymology:
The term Injīl derives from the Greek word Εὐαγγέλιον (Evangelion), meaning “good news” or “gospel.” In Arabic usage, it specifically denotes the revelations bestowed upon Jesus by God.
Background:
The word Injīl appears twelve times within the Qurʾān across various Sūrahs, suggesting its prominence in the Islamic narrative of Jesus’ prophethood. Unlike the Christian understanding, which attributes the Gospels to the works of the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Islamic tradition holds that the genuine Injīl was a singular divine book provided directly to Jesus.
Qur’anic References:
Here are some specific Qurʾānic references to the Injīl:
- Sūrah iii. 3-4: “He sent down the Scripture to you in truth, confirming what came before it, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel, previously, as a guide to mankind…”
- Sūrah v. 46: “And in their footsteps, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah that had come before him, and We gave him the Gospel having guidance and light…”
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
Injīl in Islam aligns with the Judaic and Christian traditions in acknowledging Jesus as a profound Prophet who brought divine revelation. However, Muslims believe the Injīl was corrupted over time, unlike the Torah and Qurʾān that are meticulously preserved in their original forms. Christian narratives carry the notion of the Injīl or Gospels from the perspectives of multiple disciples and focus heavily on the concept of Jesus’ Divinity and salvation bestowed through him, which is contrary to Islamic monotheism.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
- Synonyms: Gospel, Evangelion, Revelation to Jesus
- Antonyms: Corrupted literature, Non-divinely inspired texts
Related Terms:
- Taurāt (توراة): The Torah or instruction revealed to Moses.
- Zabūr (زبور): Psalms, revealed to David.
- Al-Qurʾān (القرآن): The Islamic holy book revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
- ʿĪsa (عيسى): Jesus in Islamic traditions.
- Aḥmad (أحمد): Another name for Prophet Muhammad, suggested to be prophesized in Christian texts as the “Paraclete.”
Exciting Facts:
- There exists a character named Waraqah ibn Naufal in Islamic tradition who was educated in Judeo-Christian scriptures and fits a link between biblical and Qurʾānic traditions.
- Some classical Islamic scholars assert that the Injīl originally came in the Syro-Aramaic language before being seen in its Greek forms.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Al-Baiẓāwī (Anwāru ʾt-Tanzīl) explains that although the Qurʾān mentions certain aspects of the Gospels, there are claims of the texts being altered by followers through addition and misinterpretation.
Suggested Literature for Further Studies:
- “The Qurʾān and the Bible: Text and Commentary” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “Jesus and the Gospel in Islam” by Nehemiah Levi
- “Commentary on the Holy Qurʾān” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- “Qurʾānic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation” by John Wansbrough
Quiz Section:
Inspirational Note:
In exploring religious studies, we extend our understanding across traditions and build bridges of respect and knowledge. Let the light of wisdom guide your quest towards enlightenment. 📚🚩
Author: Amina Al-Fahad
Publishing date: 2023-10-02
