In the Name of Allah

Jesus, Prophet Mohammad and the Holy Spirit

By: Freda Staffer

 

Quran and Etrat Internet University

Course: Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HF) - Fall 2009

 

 

Abstract:

Jesus foretold the coming of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh & hf) in the bible. A discussion of this action calls for a comparison of the Islamic and Christian concepts of the Holy Spirit’s identity.  In the Qur'an the identities of the Holy Spirit and the Messenger Angel, Gabriel, are one and the same. In other words, the only difference between the Christian concept of the Holy Spirit and the Islamic concept of him is that the Qur'an tells us that the Holy Spirit has a name, it is Gabriel. It was Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, who delivered the Quranic message to Prophet Mohammed, it was also Gabriel who supported Jesus. The Holy Spirit, in other words, was already present on earth at the time of Jesus. Therefore, the comforter who would come after he left was a separate person.

 Key words: Angel Gabriel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Prophet Muhammad


 Introduction:

The primary goal of this article is to provide a basic background knowledge of the verses that cite the coming of Mohammed in one of the most widely canonized versions of the contemporary Christian scriptures, the King James version. Each point taken from the Bible is supported with evidence directly from the Qur’an. In order to discuss this topic thoroughly it is also necessary to take a look at the Christian and Muslim concepts of the Holy Spirit. This article will rely on the two most important texts in Christianity and Islam, the Qur’an and the Bible. This is a non-denominational, non-sectarian discussion; it is based on the most readily available primary resources used by Christians and Muslims, the Quran and the Bible. The English translations of the Qur’an are best understood when more than one translation is compared, for this reason three different translations are given each time an ayat from the Qur’an is cited. Finally, a brief comparison of the Christian versus the Muslim concept of baptism seal the mission of this article. In other words, the Christian scriptures foretell the coming of Mohammed, both religions contain concepts of the Holy Spirit, only in Islam he actually has a name, which is Gabriel. The concept of baptism, which is so important in contemporary Christian liturgical traditions, is also completed in the Qur’an, however, in a slightly different context.

 

The description of subject:

Some synonyms for the Christian word Holy Ghost are: Comforter, Dove, Intercessor, Paraclete, Spirit, presence of God, spirit of God, and spirit of Truth.(1) Knowing this, one may ask, then what are some synonyms of the Greek word Paraclete? They are: advocate, aider, comforter, consoler, and intercessor.(3)   Comforter is the word that Jesus used to foretell the coming of Muhammad. What is its definition, according to Christians? According to Your Dictionary it is an idiom that refers to the Holy Spirit.(4) Gabriel, on the other hand is considered to be an angel, the etymology of his name, Gavriel, from Hebrew roots, means “man of God” or Gavril meaning ‘man’ and el meaning ‘God.’(5)  With all of these different definitions it is no wonder there are so many different beliefs in Christianity. 

 The following three ayah prove that the Holy Spirit and the Angel Gabriel are indeed one and the same entity, because he is the one who delivered the Quranic revelations to the Prophet of Islam (swat). Furthermore, they prove that anyone who rejects this entity is no friend of God’s. For the sake of clarity, three different translations of the Qur’an are provided since it is nearly impossible to translate Arabic into English verbatim without losing much of its subtleties and idioms. Three opinions are; therefore, better than one when seeking to get the best idea of the meanings of Quranic verses.

Surah 2, Ayat 97
YUSUFALI: 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,-
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;
SHAKIR: Say: Whoever is the enemy of Jibreel-- for surely he revealed it to your heart by Allah's command, verifying that which is before it and guidance and good news for the believers.(6)

Surah 2, Ayat 98
YUSUFALI: Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His messengers and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.(7)

 

Surah 16, Ayat 102
YUSUFALI: Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.
PICKTHAL: Say: The holy Spirit hath delivered it from thy Lord with truth, that it may confirm (the faith of) those who believe, and as guidance and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
SHAKIR: Say: The Holy spirit has revealed it from your Lord with the truth, that it may establish those who believe and as a guidance and good news for those who submit.(8)

   Moreover, the following Bible verses indicate that a Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost will succeed Jesus in the mission of spreading peace and God-consciousness throughout the world. For example some verses in the first chapter of Luke, verses 35 and 41, mention the presence of the Holy ghost on earth even before Jesus was born.(9) Once, when Mary was informed that she would be impregnated by the Holy Ghost, and when she informed her barren older cousin, Elisabeth, that she was also pregnant. These two examples prove that the Holy Ghost was already present on earth before Jesus was even born. Knowing that the word Holy Ghost also means intercessor, and that he was already on earth since before the time Jesus was here, we can tell that when he talks of “another comforter,” he is referring to someone who has not been here yet.

 

John 14:16
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;(10)
 

John 14:
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.(11)
 

John 15:
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (12)

 

   Here is an ayat proving that the Prophet of Islam did indeed testify of Jesus, based on what the Angel Gabriel revealed to him. He stated clearly who Jesus was and what his mission was.

 

Surah 5, Ayat 110
YUSUFALI: Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favor to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou

bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic.'
PICKTHAL: When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee the Scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead by My permission; and how I restrained the Children of Israel from (harming) thee when thou camest unto them with clear proofs, and those of them who disbelieved exclaimed: This is naught else than mere magic;
SHAKIR: When Allah will say: O Isa son of Marium! Remember My favor on you and on your mother, when I strengthened you I with the holy Spirit, you spoke to the people in the cradle and I when of old age, and when I taught you the Book and the wisdom and the Taurat and the Injeel; and when you determined out of clay a thing like the form of a bird by My permission, then you breathed into it and it became a bird by My permission, and you healed the blind and the leprous by My permission; and when you brought forth the dead by My permission; and when I withheld the children of Israel from you when you came to them with clear arguments, but those who disbelieved among them said: This is nothing but clear enchantment.(13)

    The following verse, John 16:7, from the bible states Jesus’ promise that although he is going away, he will send another to continue the mission in his absence. Not the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, who was already on earth, one who will come after him.

 

John 16:7
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.(14)

 

Here are also a few verses that describe the effect of the Holy Spirit on the people who hear him. The angel Gabriel had not yet recited the message to Mohammed, but those who truly believe in Jesus will recognize it when they receive it. In other words, they began to speak differently when they felt the presence of the spirit.

 

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (15)
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.(16)

 

   This excerpt from the bible gives an excellent explanation about the difference between things that humans understand naturally and things that need to be revealed by God’s Spirit.

   This verse is especially eloquent in its declaration of which kind of person loves and accepts Jesus. It also shows the interchangeability of the terms Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost, which may also be understood as an intercessor.

1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.(18)

 

   Here is also an ayat proving the respect Muslims have for Jesus and that the Holy Spirit assisted him in his mission (pbuh). This is what we have been taught by the Holy Spirit, the intercessor between humankind and God, the angel Gabriel:
 

Surah 2, Ayat 87
YUSUFALI: We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
PICKTHAL: And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), and We supported him with the Holy spirit. Is it ever so, that, when there cometh unto you a messenger (from Allah) with that which ye yourselves desire not, ye grow arrogant, and some ye disbelieve and some ye slay?
SHAKIR: And most certainly We gave Musa the Book and We sent messengers after him one after another; and We gave Isa, the son of Marium, clear arguments and strengthened him with the holy spirit, What! whenever then a messenger came to you with that which your souls did not desire, you were insolent so you called some liars and some you slew.(19)


    These few verses, below, say exactly the same thing about Prophets, apostles, and the promise of intercession. One of the Christian definitions of the Holy Spirit is ‘intercessor’ and the Qur’an agrees with what it says about this power of intercession or “Holy Spirit of promise.” Only those are given this power who receive special permission or promise of Allah, the Creator, the God of us all. If we substitute the word intercessor each time any of the other synonymous words are used, it makes perfect sense. By doing this, a pattern of agreement emerges, that is the same from beginning to end, from Adam all the way through the Old Testament, or Torah, the New Testament or Christian scriptures and the Qur’an through Muhammad. Regarding intercession, the fifth verse below shows that even the messengers were given permission to act as intercessors between us and God.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,(20)
 Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (21)

1 Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (22)

019.087


YUSUFALI: None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.
PICKTHAL: They will have no power of intercession, save him who hath made a covenant with his Lord.
SHAKIR: They shall not control intercession, save he who has made a covenant with the Beneficent Allah.(23)

004.064
YUSUFALI: We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Allah's leave. And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah, and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: And We did not send any messenger but that he should be obeyed by Allah's permission; and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had (also) asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Oft-returning (to mercy), Merciful.(24)

 

   As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Holy Spirit is Gabriel, and it was him who revealed the Quran to our Holy Prophet, Muhammad. He therefore revealed to Muhammad this ayat, which states that Jesus was given signs and was also strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
 

Surah 2 Ayat 253

YUSUFALI: Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan.
PICKTHAL: Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had so wiled it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Allah had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another; but Allah doeth what He will.
SHAKIR: We have made some of these messengers to excel the others among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many degrees of) rank; and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them, but they disagreed; so there were some of them who believed and others who denied; and if Allah had pleased they would not have fought one with another, but Allah brings about what He intends.(25)

Another topic which is related to the Holy Ghost is the concept of Baptism. The verse below is where Christians got the idea of baptizing their members with water.
Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.(26)

Although Muslims do not physically  get baptized with water, there is a Holy Ayat which says Allah baptized us with His religion, which was revealed to us through the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel.

 

002.138
YUSUFALI: (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship.
PICKTHAL: (We take our) colour from Allah, and who is better than Allah at colouring. We are His worshippers.
SHAKIR: (Receive) the baptism of Allah, and who is better than Allah in baptising? and Him do we serve.(27)

 

Conclusions:

In the bible the separate terms Ghost and Spirit are used interchangeably. Sometimes it says the Holy Ghost filled someone with the Spirit, and in other spots, the Spirit delivered the Holy Ghost. The Qur’an, on the other hand, never uses the term Ghost, rather it only uses the term Spirit. Therefore tracing its meaning in the Qur’an is a somewhat simpler project. Although there are many different synonymous terms in the Christian Bible that refer to the Holy Spirit, one thing is indubitable. Jesus promised that will be sent  someone in his place,  a comforter, who was not previously on earth, which turned out to be our Prophet Muhammad. The Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, and/or Angel Gabriel were already familiar terms, and present on earth, while Jesus was still physically with his followers. While most Christians put a lot of faith in physically baptizing themselves with water, the Qur’an says that Allah baptized us with Islam. This symbolizes a kind of seal, or completion of the divine message. All in all, it is an easy task to prove that Jesus promised the coming of someone after him, who would testify of him, and who was a separate entity from the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit who was already present on earth at that time. Moreover, both the bible and the Qur’an speak sternly against folks who reject Jesus. Peace be upon all the prophets, from Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, to Jesus, to Muhammad and his family.

References:

(1) Holy Ghost. (n.d.). Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved   November 07, 2009, from Thesaurus.com website:          http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Holy Ghost

(2) Holy spirit. (n.d.). Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved    November 07, 2009, from Thesaurus.com website:          http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy spirit

(3) paraclete. (n.d.). Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved November 07, 2009, from Thesaurus.com website:          http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paraclete

(4) Comforter. Your Dictionary. Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc.,     Cleveland, Ohio. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved           November 7, 2009, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/index.php/comforter

(5) Gabriel. Your Dictionary, Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland,    Ohio. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/index.php/gabriel

Pickthal, Shakir, and Yusuf Ali, translators. The Holy Quran. Compendium of Muslim      Texts. Retrieved on November 7, 2009 from  http://www.usc.edu/, website:              http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/engagement/resources/texts/muslim/qura   n/

          (6) Surah 2, Ayat 97

          (7) Surah 2, Ayat 98

          (8) Surah 16, Ayat 102

          (13) Surah 5, Ayat 110

          (19) Surah 2, Ayat 87

          (23) 019.087  

          (24) 004.064

          (25) Surah 2 Ayat 253

          (26) 002.138

 King James Version. Bible. Bible Gateway. Retrieved on November 7, 2009from biblegateway.com website:             http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=holy+ghost&searchtype=all&ver            sion1=9&spanbegin=1&spanend=73

          (9) Luke 1:35, 41

          (10) John 14:16

          (11) John 14:26

          (12) John 15:26

          (14) John 16:7

          (15) John 7:39

          (16) Acts 2:4

          (17) 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

          (18) 1 Corinthians 12:3

          (20) Ephesians 1:13

                21. Ephesians 3:5

                22. 1 Thessalonians 4:8

                27. Mark 1:8

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