Welcome to the definitive, in-depth study of The Injil (ٱلْإِنجِيل) also known as the Bible, one of the most significant and misunderstood of the four principal Holy books in Islam. For Muslims globally, the Injil is the sacred scripture divinely revealed by Allah (God) to the noble Prophet Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), peace be upon him.
Belief in the Injil is not optional but is a core pillar of belief (Iman), cementing the universal truth that Allah’s guidance has been continuous across all ages. While the contemporary Christian Gospels are recognized as accounts of the life of Jesus, Islamic theology strictly holds that the original Injil was a single, pure, and luminous revelation intended to confirm the previous Law (Tawrat) and re-establish the message of absolute Tawhid (Monotheism).
This detailed analysis will guide you through the Injil’s profound significance, exploring its direct mentions in the Holy Quran, its role in the chain of prophecy, and the essential spiritual lessons it imparts. Understand why the Gospel in Islam stands as a crucial link leading directly to the final and complete revelation: the Holy Quran.
What is The Injil?
The Arabic term Al-Injil (ٱلْإِنجِيل) is the name of the scripture Allah revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus). The word is generally understood to be derived from the Greek Evangelion, meaning “Good News” or “Gospel.”
In Islamic theology, belief in the Injil, in its original, pure, and uncorrupted form, is an essential component of Iman (faith). It stands alongside the Tawrat (Torah given to Moses), the Zabur (Psalms given to David), and the Quran (given to Muhammad) as a divinely revealed source of guidance.
Key Facts About the Injil
Here are some significant facts about the Injil (Bible or Gospel):
- Prophet: Revealed upon Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), peace be upon him.
- Nature: Primarily focused on moral guidance, confirmation of the previous scripture (the Tawrat), wisdom, and calling people back to the worship of the One True God (Tawhid).
- Content: The Injil contained light, guidance, and a standard for the righteous, emphasizing spirituality, mercy, and compassion.
- Connection to Gospels: Muslims believe the Injil is the single, original revelation to Prophet Isa, distinct from the four canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) found today, which are seen as biographies or accounts written by followers.
The Injil in The Holy Quran
The Injil’s divine origin and its purpose are repeatedly affirmed in the Quran, placing it within the continuous chain of prophecy.
Mention 1:
Confirmation and Guidance
This key verse establishes the Injil as a source of light and a confirmation of the Tawrat that came before it.
Arabic: وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةً لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
Transliteration: Wa qaffayna ala atharihim bi Isa ibn Maryama musaddiqal lima bayna yadayhi minattawrah. Wa ataynahul Injila fihi hudan wa nurun wa musaddiqal lima bayna yadayhi minattawrah wa hudanw wa mawizatal lilmuttaqin.
English Translation: “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him of the Torah; and We gave him the Injil, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which was before it of the Torah as a guidance and an admonition for the righteous.” – (Quran, Surah Al-Maidah, 5:46)
Mention 2:
The Final Covenant
This verse places the Injil alongside the Tawrat and the Quran, forming a unified, three-part covenant that confirms the consistency of Allah’s promise.
Arabic: إِنَّ اللَّهَ اشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَيَقْتُلُونَ وَيُقْتَلُونَ وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّا فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنجِيلِ وَالْقُرْآنِ
Transliteration: Inna Allaha ishtara minal muminina anfusahum wa amwalahum bi anna lahumul jannah. Yuqatiluna fi sabilillahi faynaquluna wa yuqtalun. Wa’dan alayhi haqqan fit Tawrati wal Injili wal Quran.
English Translation: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise binding upon Him in the Torah and the Injil and the Quran.” – (Quran, Surah At-Tawbah, 9:111)
Mention 3:
Descriptions of the Prophet Muhammad
The Quran states that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was foretold in both the Tawrat and the Injil.
Arabic: الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الرَّسُولَ النَّبِيَّ الْأُمِّيَّ الَّذِي يَجِدُونَهُ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنجِيلِ
Transliteration: Alladhina yattabiuna arrasula annabiyyal ummiyyalladhi yajidunahu maktuban indahum fit Tawrati wal Injil…
English Translation: “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written about with them in the Torah and the Injil…” – (Quran, Surah Al-Araf, 7:157)
The Injil in the Hadith
The Sunnah confirms the belief in the Injil as a divine book, reinforcing its place among the essential elements of faith.
The Pillar of Faith
A famous Hadith, known as the Hadith of Gabriel, explicitly lists belief in the revealed books as a pillar of Iman.
Arabic: الْإِيمَانُ أَنْ تُؤْمِنَ بِاللَّهِ، وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ، وَكُتُبِهِ، وَرُسُلِهِ، وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ، وَتُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ
Transliteration: Al-iman an tuminu billah, wa malaikatihi, wa kutubihi, wa rusulihi, wal yawmil akhir, wa tuminu bilqadari khayrihi wa sharrihi.
English Translation: “[Iman] is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books (including the Injil), His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Divine Decree, both the good and the bad of it.” – (Sahih Muslim 8)
The phrase “His books” (kutubihi) includes the Injil, confirming that acknowledging its divine origin is mandatory for every Muslim.
Comparing the Tawrat and the Injil
In Islamic theology, the Tawrat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel) are viewed as two sequential parts of a unified divine message, each serving a specific purpose for its time and community. The Quran clarifies their relationship, emphasizing both their connection and their distinct legal and spiritual focuses.
1. The Tawrat (Torah)
The Tawrat, revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, is characterized primarily as a book of detailed law.
- Focus: It contained specific legal rulings on various aspects of life, outlining Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited) for the Children of Israel. It established a firm foundation of Shariah (divine law).
- Quranic View: It is referenced as the primary source of judgment and rules for the Jewish community.
Arabic: إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا…
Transliteration: Inna anzalnat Tawrata fiha hudanw wa nur. Yahkumu bihan nabiyyunalladhina aslamu lilladhina hadu…
English Translation: “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews…” – (Quran, Surah Al-Maidah, 5:44)
2. The Injil (Gospel):
The Injil, revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, came after the Tawrat and did not abolish it entirely, but rather confirmed its core principles and provided spiritual and ethical refinement.
- Focus: It emphasized spiritual purity, ethical conduct, mercy, and compassion. Crucially, it eased certain strict legal burdens imposed in the Tawrat, signaling a move towards greater spiritual inwardness.
- Quranic View: It is described as containing “guidance and light” and confirmation of the preceding book.
Arabic: وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ
Transliteration: Wa liuhilla lakum ba’dal ladhi hurrima alaykum. Wa jitukum bi ayatin mir Rabbikum. Fattaqullaha wa atiun.
English Translation: “And [I have come] to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me.” – (Quran, Surah Ali Imran, 3:50)
3. Key Differences in Function
Below is a table that highlights the key differences in Tawrat (Torah) and Injil (Gospel:
| Feature | Tawrat (Torah) | Injil (Gospel) |
| Prophet | Musa (Moses) | Isa (Jesus) |
| Primary Content | Comprehensive legal code, detailed commandments. | Spiritual guidance, ethical teachings, easing of certain laws. |
| Relationship to Predecessor | Foundation of Law (first major law book). | Confirmed the core Tawrat; eased certain legal burdens. |
4. The Unifying Factor: Tawhid
Despite their differences in legal focus, both the Tawrat and the Injil shared the same overarching and non-negotiable message delivered by every prophet: the absolute oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and the command to worship Him alone. This unity is why believing in both scriptures is a non-negotiable element of Islamic belief in revealed books.
Key Takeaways and Spiritual Significance
The Injil’s importance in Islam transcends mere historical recognition; it holds profound theological weight:
- Unity of God’s Message: It demonstrates that all prophets, from Moses to Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), delivered the same core message of Tawhid (Monotheism).
- Prophet Isa’s Status: Belief in the Injil validates the revered status of Prophet Isa (Jesus) as one of the great messengers (ulu al-azm) and confirms the miraculous nature of his life and message.
- Ethical Foundation: The original Injil’s emphasis on mercy, compassion, and spiritual purity serves as a model for moral conduct, echoing the highest ethical teachings of Islam.
The Legacy of the Injil
The Injil remains an indispensable part of the Islamic worldview. By affirming its divine origin, Muslims embrace the continuity of Allah’s plan and the universal message delivered by all prophets. The belief in the Injil serves as a bridge, reminding Muslims that Islam is the ultimate confirmation of all sincere truths revealed throughout history. This legacy confirms the wisdom and mercy of Allah, who never left humanity without a guiding light, culminating in the perfect preservation of the Holy Quran.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Injil
What does ‘Injil’ mean?
The term Al-Injil (ٱلْإِنجِيل) is generally translated as “Gospel” or “Good News.” It is the divine scripture revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus) by Allah.
Do Muslims read the current Bible’s Gospels?
While Muslims respect the current Gospels as texts associated with Prophet Isa, they do not read them as the exact, preserved, and uncorrupted word of God. Muslims believe the original Injil was a single, pure revelation that has since been altered or mixed with human accounts.
What was the main focus of the Injil?
The Injil’s main focus was to bring guidance and light to the Children of Israel, confirm the previous scripture (the Tawrat), and renew the call to worship the One True God, stressing spiritual purity and the laws of mercy.
What is the difference between the Injil and the Quran?
The Injil was a revelation specific to Prophet Isa and the Children of Israel, while the Quran is the final, complete, and perfectly preserved revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for all of humankind until the Day of Judgment. The Quran contains the complete law and is protected from alteration.
