Gabriel - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islam

Gabriel - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islam

Introduction

Gabriel (Arabic: جبرائيل, Jibrāʾīl), also known as Jibrīl (جبريل) in the Qur’an, is a significant angelic figure in Islamic tradition. He is renowned as the medium through which God’s revelation was transmitted to the Prophet Muhammad. This article elucidates Gabriel’s role in Islamic theology, his mention in the Qur’an, and various titles attributed to him within Islamic scholarship.

Etymology

The name Gabriel is derived from the Hebrew name גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gavri’el), meaning “God is my strength.” In Arabic, it is rendered as Jibrāʾīl (جبرايل) or Jibrīl (جبريل).

Role in the Qur’an

Major Mentions

Gabriel is named explicitly twice in the Qur’an:

1. Sūrat al-Baqarah (2:97): “Whoso is the enemy of Gabriel—for he hath by God’s leave caused to descend on thy heart the confirmation of previous revelations…”
2. Sūrat at-Taḥrīm (66:4): “God is his Protector, and Gabriel.”

Implied Mentions

Gabriel is also believed to be referenced indirectly through multiple titles:

1. The Holy Spirit (Rūḥu ʾl-Qudus): Mentioned in Sūrat al-Baqarah (2:81), (5:109); Sūrat an-Naḥl (16:104).
2. The Faithful Spirit (ar-Rūḥu ʾl-Amīn): Sūrat ash-Shu’arā (26:193).
3. One Terrible in Power (Shadīdu ʾl-Quwā): Sūrat an-Najm (53:5).

Gabriel’s First Appearance to Muhammad

The initial encounter between Gabriel and Muhammad is crucial in Islamic tradition. According to the account:

• Muhammad used to retreat to Mount Ḥirā annually.
• One night during Ramadan, Gabriel appeared and commanded Muhammad to “Recite” (Iqra’), initiating the revelation with the verses that emphasized God as the Creator.

Christian-Muslim Relations

Gabriel’s conflation with the Holy Spirit in Islamic tradition can be a point of interest in Christian-Muslim relations. Early misunderstandings and theological interpretations, such as those mentioned by Sir William Muir, underscore the complexity of cross-religious understanding.

Titles of Gabriel in Islamic Literature

Gabriel is assigned several honorary titles within Islamic texts to emphasize his importance:

• ar-Rūḥu ʾl-Aʿz̤am (The Supreme Spirit)
• ar-Rūḥu ʾl-Mukarram (The Honored Spirit)
• Rūḥu ʾl-Īlqāʾ (The Spirit of Casting Into)
• Rūḥu ʾl-Qudus (The Holy Spirit)
• ar-Rūḥu ʾl-Amīn (The Faithful Spirit)

Suggested Readings

For those interested in delving deeper into the theological and historical aspects of Gabriel in Islam, the following books are recommended:

• “The Angels in Islam” by Stephen F. Dale
• “Gabriel Said Reynolds’s The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext”
• “Major Themes of the Qur’an” by Fazlur Rahman
• “Islamic Angels and their Mission” by Muhammad Shafiq

Takeaways and Conclusion

Gabriel (Jibrāʾīl) is a pivotal figure in Islamic doctrine, playing a central role as the intermediary of divine revelation. His mentions in the Qur’an and various noble titles depict his esteemed position in Islamic belief. Understanding Gabriel’s role enhances comprehension of Islamic theology and its intersections with other Abrahamic faiths.