New Testament (Arabic: al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd, العهد الجديد)
Definition
The New Testament, known in Arabic as al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd (العهد الجديد), refers to the collection of Christian scriptures that include the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. It is composed of the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.
Etymology
- Arabic: العهد الجديد (al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd)
- العهد (al-ʿAhd) means “the covenant” or “the testament.”
- الجديد (al-Jadīd) means “new.”
The New Testament in Islam
In the context of Islam, the Christian scriptures are broadly referred to as the Injīl (إنجيل), derived from the Greek term εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), meaning “Good News” or “Gospel.” The Qur’an and Hadith do not provide clear evidence that Prophet Muhammad was directly acquainted with the New Testament in the form known to Christians.
Qur’anic References
The Qur’an acknowledges the Injīl as a revelation given to Jesus (Isa), as seen in Sūrah al-Hadid (57:27):
<p>“We caused our Apostles to follow in their footsteps (i.e., of Noah and Abraham), and We caused Jesus, the son of Mary, to follow them, and We gave him the Injīl, and We put into the hearts of those who followed him kindness and compassion; but as to monastic life, they invented it themselves.”</p>
This passage indicates that the Qur’an views the Injīl as a divinely given scripture, akin to the Qur’an, but does not detail its contents as extensively as it does the Torah and Psalms.
Characters from the New Testament in the Qur’an
The Qur’an mentions several key figures from the New Testament by name, including:
- Jesus (Isa)
- Mary (Maryam)
- Zacharias (Zakariya)
- John (Yahya)
- Gabriel (Jibril)
However, there are no direct references to specific sacraments such as Baptism or the Eucharist, nor to the detailed miracles or parables of Jesus.
Comparative Note
While the Old Testament narratives and figures frequently appear in the Qur’an, the New Testament and its entire context are less thoroughly covered. This theological and historical distinction underscores the unique interfaith perspectives between Islam and Christianity regarding their sacred scriptures.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring the intersection of Islamic and Christian scriptural understanding, the following books offer comprehensive insights:
- “The Cross and the Crescent” by Colin Chapman
- “Jesus: A Very Short Introduction” by Richard Bauckham
- “The Bible in Arabic: The Scriptures of the ‘People of the Book’ in the Language of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith
Key Takeaways
- Injīl and al-ʿAhdu ʾl-Jadīd: The terms used in Islamic and Christian contexts reflect a shared heritage but distinct theological views.
- Limited Mention: The Qur’an acknowledges the existence of the Injīl but does not extensively detail the New Testament.
- Interfaith Understanding: Knowledge of both Islamic and Christian perspectives on the New Testament facilitates deeper interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Understanding the New Testament’s Arabic translation and its significance in Islam enhances the comprehension of interfaith dynamics. It highlights how closely related yet distinct the Islamic and Christian scriptural traditions are, fostering a deeper appreciation for both religious texts.
