Prophethood & Prophets · Quran topic

The Gospel

الإنجيل · Injeel

The divine revelation given to Jesus, confirming past guidance and heralding the final Messenger.

49 verses · 7 parts · 8 min read

Study guide based on

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

«الإنجيل» · Volume 3

At a glance

In the Quran, the Gospel (al-Injeel) is revealed as the holy scripture granted by Allah to Isa (Jesus), son of Mary, to guide the Children of Israel. It came confirming the divine origins of the Torah before it, bringing illuminating clarity to spiritual rulings and reviving pure faith. The Quran honors the original Gospel as an essential revelation containing spiritual guidance, divine light, and profound moral admonition.

Belief in the divine scriptures sent to previous messengers is an indispensable pillar of Islamic faith. The Quran stands as a guardian and witness over these prior revelations, confirming their core message of pure monotheism while correcting the subsequent corruptions, alterations, and human interpolations that entered their written traditions over centuries.

Furthermore, the Gospel held a pivotal prophetic role by explicitly foretelling the advent of the final prophet, Muhammad, and painting a vivid portrait of his virtuous companions. Studying the Gospel through the Quranic lens enables you to appreciate the seamless continuity of Allah's divine messages and the profound moral virtues demonstrated by true disciples of Christ.

Key verses

Al-Hadid 57:27: Allah notes that He sent Isa and bestowed upon him the Gospel, instilling compassion and mercy within the hearts of his true followers, while distinguishing sincere devotion from later invented monasticism.
Al-Ma'idah 5:46: The Quran identifies the five essential qualities of the Gospel: it contains guidance, light, confirmation of the previous Torah, renewed direction, and an admonition for the God-conscious.
Al-Ma'idah 5:82: The verse highlights that sincere Christians, due to their humble priests and devoted monks who lack arrogance, were especially receptive, gentle, and close in affection to the believers.
Al-Baqarah 2:146: The People of the Book recognized Prophet Muhammad from his precise descriptions in their scriptures as clearly as they recognized their own children, yet a faction deliberately concealed that truth.

Words to know

الإنجيل al-Injeel

The divine scripture revealed by Allah to Isa (Jesus), linguistically meaning good tidings or joyful news, and used in the Quran specifically for the book given to him.

القرآن al-Quran

The literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Jibril, miraculously preserved, recited in worship, and serving as the final, overriding criterion over prior scriptures.

التوراة at-Tawrah

The holy scripture revealed by Allah to Musa (Moses) as guidance and radiant light for the Children of Israel.

الزبور az-Zabur

The divine revelation inspired by Allah to His prophet Dawud (David) to convey to his people.

Root: ز ب ر

الصحف as-Suhuf

The written divine sheets or leaves of revelation granted to the prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses).

Root: ص ح ف

الحواريون al-Hawariyyun

The elite, sincere disciples and devoted helpers of Isa who affirmed their faith and supported Allah's cause.

Belief in the divine scriptures

From the paper: «الإيمان بالكتب السماوية»

A foundational pillar of Islamic faith is the absolute belief in all scriptures revealed by Allah to His messengers, including the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and early scrolls Al-Baqarah 2:285, An-Nisa 4:136. To reject any single divine revelation is tantamount to disbelieving in them all, as they all share a singular divine origin Al-A'raf 7:40.

Believers are obligated to affirm that the original Gospel was sent down to Isa (Jesus) to guide the Children of Israel back to divine commands and herald the coming of Prophet Muhammad Al-Ma'idah 5:46. The Quran frequently mentions the Gospel paired alongside the Torah, as both were directed specifically to the Children of Israel Ali 'Imran 3:50.

Because all authentic scriptures emanate from the same Creator, their essential creed and moral foundation perfectly harmonize Al-Anbiya 21:25, Ali 'Imran 3:3. The Quran confirms the true core of earlier revelations while acting as a trusted guardian and witness (muhaymin) over them Al-Ma'idah 5:48. Consequently, while the Quran affirms the authentic divine origin of the Gospel in general, it exposes and rejects the alterations, fabrications, and doctrinal deviations introduced by human hands over subsequent generations.

«واعلم أن الكفر بشيء من هذه المذكورات كالكفر بجميعها؛ لتلازمها وامتناع وجود الإيمان ببعضها دون بعض».»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Granting of the Gospel to Jesus

From the paper: «إيتاء عيسى عليه السلام الإنجيل»

The Quran repeatedly underscores that Allah granted the Gospel directly to Isa through divine revelation as an immense honor for him and a profound mercy for his community Al-Ma'idah 5:46, Al-Hadid 57:27. This divine grant was accompanied by clear proofs and reinforcement with the Holy Spirit (Ruh al-Qudus) Al-Baqarah 2:87, Al-Baqarah 2:253.

Scholars discussed the exact meaning of Isa's statement in the cradle that Allah had given him the scripture. Some noted it referred to Allah decreeing it or teaching him the scripture, while commentators such as al-Qurtubi affirmed that it directly meant the Gospel.

Regarding the clear proofs (al-bayyinat), scholars like al-Razi noted that they encompass both extraordinary miracles confirming his prophethood and the Gospel that outlined his law. Concerning the Holy Spirit, classical authorities held varying views, identifying it as the angel Jibril, the supreme name by which Isa revived the dead, or the Gospel itself, because the Gospel brought life and revival to divine legislation.

ووجه تسمية الإنجيل بالروح القدس عند من فسره به أن «الإنجيل سببٌ لظهور الشرائع وحياتها».

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Attributes of the Gospel in the Quran

From the paper: «صفات الإنجيل في القرآن»

The Quran ascribes five distinct, venerable qualities to the original Gospel granted to Isa Al-Ma'idah 5:46:

Guidance (huda): It guided people out of misguidance, correcting creed and deeds, teaching pure monotheism, and calling to the revival of Allah's laws Ali 'Imran 3:3-4.
Light (nur): It served as an illuminating beacon clarifying legal rulings, moral responsibilities, and dispelling the blindness of ignorance.
Confirmation (musaddiqan): It explicitly affirmed the divine validity of the preceding Torah while rectifying minor differences Ali 'Imran 3:50.
Renewed Guidance (wa hudan): It guided people specifically toward the upcoming prophethood of Muhammad by containing clear glad tidings of his coming, which al-Alusi notes was strongly emphasized due to its immense significance.
Admonition (maw'izah): It imparted moving spiritual exhortations and stern warnings against sins, softening rigid hearts for those who revere Allah.

فيتضح من هذه الآية «أنه تعالى وصف الإنجيل بصفاتٍ خمسةٍ فقال: فيه هدىً، ونورٌ، ومصدقًا لما بين يديه من التوراة، وهدىً، وموعظةً للمتقين ».

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Legal rulings in the Gospel

From the paper: «الأحكام التشريعية في الإنجيل»

Allah placed substantive legislation within the Gospel, commanding the followers of Isa to govern by what was revealed therein before the arrival of the final message Al-Ma'idah 5:47. Although the Gospel upheld the broad legal foundations of the Torah, it carried independent legislative force, easing certain previous restrictions Ali 'Imran 3:50.

The Quran confirms that Isa was charged with key acts of worship, notably prayer and charity throughout his life Maryam 19:31. Commentators note that fasting was likewise prescribed for prior communities, which definitively included the Christians Al-Baqarah 2:183. The Gospel further commanded high moral character, filial piety, honesty, and kindness, while forbidding murder, theft, and deceit.

Addressing the command for the People of the Gospel to judge by what Allah revealed, scholars explain that it referred to obligations prior to the Quran, to adherence to uncorrupted prophecies concerning Prophet Muhammad, or as a rebuke against altering divine text. Had they truly upheld the Torah, the Gospel, and subsequent revelation, Allah promised that He would have showered them with abundant blessings from above and below Al-Ma'idah 5:66, Al-A'raf 7:96.

«والآية تدل على أن الإنجيل مشتمل على الأحكام، وأن عيسى عليه السلام كان مستقلًا بالشرع مأمورا بالعمل بما فيه من الأحكام قلت أو كثرت لا بما في التوراة خاصة، وأن اليهودية منسوخة ببعثة عيسى عليه الصلاة والسلام.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Followers of Jesus in the Quran

From the paper: «أتباع عيسى عليه السلام في القرآن»

The Quran honors the sincere disciples (al-Hawariyyun) who rallied to Isa when his people rejected him Ali 'Imran 3:52-53. Linguistically signifying purity, whiteness, or steadfast assistance, they were the elite, faithful companions who declared themselves submitters (Muslimun) to Allah Al-Ma'idah 5:111.

Allah commanded believers of this Ummah to emulate their total dedication to the divine cause As-Saff 61:14. Among the primary virtues praised in Isa's followers are:

Sincere submission, obedience, and following their messenger Ali 'Imran 3:53.
Gentle hearts filled with compassion and mercy (ra'fah and rahmah), in stark contrast to harshness Al-Hadid 57:27.
Proximity in affection to Muslims, especially evident among humble priests and monks devoted to worship without arrogance Al-Ma'idah 5:82.
Deep receptivity to divine truth, shedding tears upon hearing the Quran and embracing Islam without hesitation Al-Ma'idah 5:83-84, Al-Qasas 28:52-55.

While praising their compassion, the Quran notes that monasticism was an invented asceticism that many later failed to observe properly Al-Hadid 57:27.

«والتشبيه بدعوة عيسى ابن مريم للحواريين وجواب الحواريين تشبيه تمثيلٍ، أي كونوا عندما يدعوكم محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم إلى نصر الله كحالة قول عيسى ابن مريم للحواريين واستجابتهم له، والتشبيه لقصد التنظير والتأسي، فقد صدق الحواريون وعدهم وثبتوا على الدين، ولم تزعزعهم الفتن والتعذيب».

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Distortion of the Gospel

From the paper: «تحريف الإنجيل»

Over the centuries following the ascension of Isa, the original Gospel revealed by Allah was largely lost and eclipsed by biographical records written by human authors decades later. These writings came to form the four canonical Gospels, which lack unbroken chains of transmission and were selected by church councils centuries later.

The Quran directly addresses how portions of the original covenant and revelation were neglected, concealed, or altered Al-Ma'idah 5:14-16, Al-Baqarah 2:146. Most critically, monotheistic doctrine was distorted into concepts of the Trinity, divine sonship, and incarnation, all of which the Quran emphatically refutes Al-Ma'idah 5:17, Al-Ma'idah 5:72-73.

The Quran establishes the true humanity of Isa and Mary, reminding readers that both were mortals who required nourishment Al-Ma'idah 5:75. It also corrects historical distortions concerning Isa's end, affirming that he was neither killed nor crucified, but raised by Allah in honor An-Nisa 4:157-158, Ali 'Imran 3:55.

«فمن فهم ما قلناه في الفرق بين عرف القرآن وعرف القوم في مفهوم التوراة والإنجيل يتبين له أن ما جاء في القرآن هو الممحص للحقيقة التي أضاعها القوم، وهي ما يفهم من لفظ التوراة والإنجيل، ويصح أن يعد هذا التمحيص من آيات كون القرآن موحًى به من الله.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Attributes of the Prophet and his followers in the Gospel

From the paper: «صفات الرسول وأتباعه في الإنجيل»

The Quran confirms that the Gospel explicitly heralded the mission of Prophet Muhammad. Isa directly announced to the Children of Israel the coming of a messenger after him whose name is Ahmad As-Saff 61:6. Scholars note that Ahmad signifies the one who praises Allah most intensely, an attribute that preceded his recognition among creation as Muhammad.

Prophet Muhammad was described in earlier scriptures with vivid characteristics Al-A'raf 7:157: an unlettered prophet who commands good, forbids evil, makes lawful wholesome things, prohibits foul things, and relieves burdensome yokes. So vivid was this description that knowledgeable People of the Book recognized him instantly, like their own kin Al-Baqarah 2:146.

Furthermore, the Gospel depicted the Prophet's companions with an inspiring parable: like a tender shoot that sprouts, strengthens, thickens, and stands firmly upon its stem, filling the sower with wonder and delight Al-Fath 48:29. This portrayed their humble beginnings in Makkah, their mutual solidarity, and their rapid, majestic growth into a righteous, unshakable community.

«أي: فكذلك أصحاب محمدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم آزروه وأيدوه ونصروه، فهم معه كالشطء مع الزرع».

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Takeaways

Respect the Continuity of Divine Guidance
Your faith is not isolated from human history. Believing in all previous scriptures and messengers connects you to an unbroken chain of divine truth that culminated in the Quran.
Cultivate Compassion and Softness of Heart
The Quran praises the early followers of Isa for having compassion and mercy embedded in their hearts. Let your personal conduct reflect gentleness, care, and the removal of malice.
Embrace Truth with Sincere Humility
True righteousness requires discarding arrogance. When sincere hearts recognize the truth of Allah's words, they respond with tearful humility and prompt obedience, just as the upright among the Christians did.
Support Goodness Like a Growing Seed
The Gospel's parable of the companions reminds you that great righteous endeavors often start small and fragile. Through steadfast faith, patience, and mutual support, goodness grows strong and steadfast.

Reflect

When you encounter divine reminders, does your heart soften with humility, or do worldly habits create barriers of hesitation?
How can you actively cultivate the praised qualities of mercy and compassion within your family and daily interactions?
What steps can you take to support righteous initiatives in your community so that they grow strong like the shoot depicted in the Gospel's parable?

Go deeper

Linguistic meaning

Linguistically, al-Injeel is an Arabized word, most evidently derived from Greek or ancient tongues, meaning glad tidings, good news, or joyful announcement.

«وقد اختلف العلماء في أصله اللغوي وهل هو عربي أو معرب، والراجح هو أن كلمة الإنجيل معربة، وإن اختلف في أصلها هل هي سريانية أو عبرية أو رومية أو يونانية، وهو الأظهر كما ذهب الطاهر بن عاشور رحمه الله وهي تعني: البشارة، أو الخبر الطيب، أو الخبر السار.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

Technical meaning

In technical usage, it carries two senses: primarily, the original divine revelation sent down by Allah upon Isa (Jesus) to guide his people, and secondarily, the historical biographical books held and revered by Christians today.

الأول: الكتاب المنزل من عند الله تعالى على المسيح عليه السلام، وهو مفقود، ولم يبق منه إلا نتف قليلة مما بين أيدي النصارى الآن، قال الطاهر بن عاشور في تعريفه بهذا المعنى: «اسمٌ للوحي الذي أوحي به إلى عيسى عليه السلام فجمعه أصحابه» .

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 3

How it differs from related terms

القرآن The Quran: Both the Quran and the Gospel are heavenly scriptures revealed by Allah, but the Quran was sent to Muhammad as the final, perfectly preserved criterion over all previous revelations, whereas the Gospel was revealed to Isa for the Children of Israel.
التوراة The Torah: Both are divine books sent to the Children of Israel, but the Torah was revealed to Musa containing the comprehensive primary legal code, while the Gospel was revealed to Isa to confirm the Torah, resolve points of dispute, and ease certain restrictions.
الزبور The Psalms: Both are heavenly revelations, but the Psalms (az-Zabur) were inspired by Allah to Dawud, while the Gospel was granted directly to Isa.
الصحف The Scrolls: Both are divine speech, but the Scrolls specifically designate the early written sheets revealed to Ibrahim and Musa, whereas the Gospel was the comprehensive revelation given to Isa.