Gospel in the Qur’an
Within Islam, the Gospel has the name Injil (Arabic: إنجيل). In Islam, it is one of the four books that can be related to the Bible. This differs from Christianity, where the Gospel consists of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. At the time of Muhammad, there were other books with stories about Jesus, they are called apocryphal gospels. There are many references to the Gospel and apocryphal gospels in the Qur'an.
Gospel as book of Jesus
- “And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah" (Qur’an 5:46).
- “And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,” (Qur’an 3:48)
- “Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.” (Qur’an 57:27)
Gospel as continuation of the Torah
- “(I have come to you), to attest the Torah which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me” (Qur’an 3:50).
- "Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe” (Qur’an 2:97).
Gospel as sent from God
- “It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution” (Qur’an 3:3-4).
- “And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.” (Qur’an 5:46)
- “If you (Mohammed) doubt what we have revealed to you ask those that have read the Scriptures before you.” (Qur’an 10:94)
Possible references to Muhammad
“"Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper."” (Qur’an 7:157)
Dialogue between Muslims and Christians
- “Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?” (Qur’an 3:65)
- “Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.” (Qur’an 5:47)