📖 Exploring the New Testament: Arabic al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd (العهد الجديد)
Comprehensive Definition
The New Testament, known in Arabic as al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd (العهد الجديد), represents the collection of Christian canonical books, including the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Apocalypse (Revelation). It focuses on the life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian church’s development and doctrinal writings.
Etymology
The phrase al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd translates directly from Arabic to “The New Covenant” or “The New Pact,” similar to the meaning carried in English. The term aims to signify the new relationship and agreement between God and humanity as revealed through Jesus Christ.
Background & Cultural Differences
Islamic Perspective: In Islam, the New Testament or Injīl is perceived not as the Christian Bible per se, but as a divine book bestowed upon Jesus (Isa in Arabic). The Qur’an references this book but suggests Muhammad never had direct access to it.
Qur’anic Mention: Quranic Surah 57:27 acknowledges the Injil, placing it among divine revelations from God, alongside Noah and Abraham’s ideals, emphasizing love, kindness, and compassion.
Christianity Perspective: For Christians, the New Testament is an integral part of the Bible, detailing not only theological doctrines but also Jesus’s moral teachings, miracles, parables, and the institutional foundation of the church.
Notable New Testament Characters in the Qur’an
- Jesus (Isa): Revered as a prophet, messenger, and the Messiah.
- Mary (Maryam): Acknowledged for her piety and miraculous conception.
- Zacharias (Zakariya): The father of John the Baptist (Yahya).
- John (Yahya): Known as John the Baptist, important for heralding Jesus’s arrival.
- Gabriel (Jibreel): The angel who brought the revelation to Muhammad as well.
Synonyms
- Injil (إنجيل)
- Christian Scripture
- Christian Bible (in the context of the New Testament portion)
Antonyms
- Qur’an (قرآن)
- Torah (التوراة) (when specifying Hebrew Bible/Old Testament)
Related Terms
- Gospels: The first four books of the New Testament chronicling Jesus’s life.
- Apostles: Early Christian missionaries and writers of the Epistles.
- Epistles: Letters written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John to early Christian communities.
- Revelation: The final book of the New Testament, prophesying the end times.
Exciting Facts
- Variety of Books: The New Testament contains 27 books, compiled over the mid-1st century to early 2nd century.
- Jesus in the Qur’an:
- Jesus is mentioned in 93 verses.
- Believed by Muslims to perform miracles by God’s permission.
- Universal Appeal: Despite doctrinal differences, Jesus is a pivotal figure in both Islam and Christianity.
Quotations from Notable Writers
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Kenneth Cragg: “The Quranic evidence shows that the name Injil denotes a single, integral source divinely given, not a composite scriptural compilation like those possessed by Christians.”
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Reza Aslan: “Both Islam and Christianity have used their sacred scriptures to challenge the hegemony of previous covenants and establish a new world order.”
Suggested Literature
- “The Qur’an and the Bible: Text and Commentary” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “Jesus and the Islamic Tradition” by Tarif Khalidi
- “Muhammad and the Biblical Tradition” by Ella Landau-Tasseron
- “The Cross and the Crescent: Christianity and Islam from Muhammad to the Reformation” by Richard Fletcher
Quizzes to Test Your Knowledge
Farewell Note:
“Understanding the tapestry of interconnected beliefs in the world’s great religions enriches our communal and individual spirits. Dive deep and explore with open minds and hearts.” – Layla Hussein
