The True Holy Spirit!
In Islam, belief in angels is a core tenet, underscoring the connection between Allah and humanity. Among all angels, Jibril (Gabriel) holds a pivotal role as the true Holy Spirit—referred to in the Quran as Ruh al-Qudus. His unique mission as Allah's messenger transcends time and connects all of humanity through divine revelation. Jibril’s role is not limited to being a bearer of messages but also as the Holy Spirit, a title that affirms his spiritual significance in Islam. He is the trusted messenger sent to deliver guidance to all prophets, from Prophet Musa (Moses) to Prophet Isa (Jesus) to the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Jibril’s mission spans all divine scriptures, connecting the messages of past prophets with the final revelation of Islam. In Surah Maryam, Jibril appears to Maryam (Mary), bringing the glad tidings of the birth of Isa (Jesus), saying: "I am only a messenger of your Lord to announce to you the gift of a pure son" (19:19). Here, Jibril is referred to as the Holy Spirit, symbolizing Allah’s mercy and guidance. This role is reinforced by the Quranic verses in which Jibril’s identity as the Ruh al-Qudus is clear: "And We gave Moses the Book and followed up after him with messengers, and We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs, and supported him with the Holy Spirit" (2:87). This connection establishes Jibril as the true Holy Spirit in Islam, a role that is not confined to any single prophet but extends across the entire lineage of divine messengers.
In Medina, Jibril’s central role in delivering the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years highlights his function as the Holy Spirit in Islam. Surah An-Nahl states: "Say, the Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth" (16:102). Through Jibril, Allah’s message was conveyed with purity and precision, shaping the Islamic way of life and laying the foundation for the jurisprudence and ethical principles that would guide the Muslim community. Jibril’s role as the Holy Spirit ensures that the message of Islam is preserved and untainted.
One of the most profound moments in Islamic tradition occurred when Jibril appeared to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in human form to ask about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan, as recorded in Sahih Muslim. The Prophet (PBUH) defined Islam as submission to Allah, Iman as belief, and Ihsan as excellence in worship. Jibril’s presence in this moment as the Holy Spirit reinforces his role not just as a messenger, but as a guide to understanding the essence of faith.
The Quran and Hadith firmly establish that Jibril is the true Holy Spirit, as demonstrated in multiple verses, such as: “Say (O Muhammad) Ruh al-Qudus [Jibril] has brought it down from your Lord with truth” (al-Nahl 16:102). Scholars, including Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, affirm this identification, asserting that Jibril is the Ruh al-Qudus, the trusted and pure spirit who conveys Allah’s word.
In Medina, Jibril’s presence as the Holy Spirit affirmed the unity of believers through the divine guidance he delivered. His role connects the prophets—Musa, Dawud (David), Isa, and Muhammad (PBUH)—as bearers of the same message from the one true God, Allah. Jibril's mission transcends time and space, constantly guiding believers toward a deeper understanding of their covenant to worship Allah alone.
