Injīl (انجيل)
Definition and Significance
The term Injīl (انجيل) refers to the revelations made by God to Jesus Christ (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) according to Islamic belief. Mentioned twelve times in the Qur’an, it is often understood in Islamic theology as the holy scripture given to Jesus, part of the continuum of divine guidance that includes the Torah (Taurāt) and the Qur’an itself. However, in more recent Islamic discourse, Injīl is also applied to the New Testament, the Christian holy scriptures.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: Injīl (انجيل)
- Turkish: İncil
- Greek: Εὐαγγέλιον (Evangelion)
- Latin: Evangelium
The word “Injīl” is derived from Greek “Εὐαγγέλιον,” which translates to “Good News” or “Gospel.”
Qur’anic References
The Qur’an mentions Injīl in various contexts, emphasizing its role as divine guidance given to Jesus. Here are a few key verses:
- Sūrah Al-A’raf (7:156): “Who follow the Apostle—the illiterate Prophet, whom they find written down with them in the Law (Taurāt) and the Gospel (Injīl).”
- Sūrah Al-e-Imran (3:2): “He has sent down upon you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.”
- Sūrah Al-Hadid (57:27): “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, and We gave him the Gospel.”
Islamic Perspective
In Islamic theology, it is believed that the Injīl given to Jesus has been altered over time. However, the original revelation is still regarded as divinely inspired. According to Islam, Muhammad received teachings that cleared misconceptions introduced over time, thereby restoring the pure monotheistic message of all previous revelations.
Scholarly Discourse
Muslim scholars often differentiate between the original Injīl given to Jesus and the current New Testament. Classical texts and scholars such as al-Baizawi and Hajji Khalifah have discussed the differences, stressing the belief that the current Gospels are not the same as the original Injīl. Some writers argue that the original message has been lost or altered.
Key Quotes and Interpretations
The Qur’an frequently uses Injīl to validate the prophethood of Jesus:
- Sūrah Al-Ma’idah (5:46): “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.”
The term is used to establish continuity between the Torah, Injīl, and the Qur’an as successive stages of divine revelation.
Articles of Interest
Corruption of Scriptures
Discussions on the perceived corruption of the Injīl are found under the rubric “CORRUPTION OF THE SCRIPTURES,” where Islamic scholars have articulated why Muslims believe the New Testament differs from the original Injīl.
Non-Muslim Perspectives
Some Islamic texts reference non-Muslim views, such as those recorded in the “Tuḥfatu ’l-Adīb” by ʿAbdu ’llāh, asserting that the New Testament writers introduced contradictions and alterations.
Further Reading
For an expansive understanding of the Islamic view on the Injīl and its theological implications, consider the following books:
- “Islam and Christianity” by William Montgomery Watt
- “The Islamic Jesus” by Mustafa Akyol
- “The Cross and the Crescent: The Dramatic Story of the Earliest Encounters Between Christians & Muslims” by Richard Fletcher
Takeaways
- The Injīl is a significant scripture in Islam, believed to be the divine revelation given to Jesus.
- Islamic tradition holds that the original Injīl has been altered, but the Qur’an affirms its original divine guidance.
- Islamic views often distinguish between the Injīl given to Jesus and the current New Testament.
Conclusion
In the complex tapestry of Islamic theology, the Injīl stands as an essential element linking Jesus’s message to the broader narrative of monotheistic faith traditions. Understanding the Islamic perspective on the Injīl offers avenues to appreciate the theological and historical discourse that informs Muslim-Christian relations.
By delving into the term Injīl, we gain not only an academic understanding of its place within Islamic canon but also a richer insight into interfaith dialogues and theological discourses stretching back centuries.
