Angel Gabriel is one of the most significant angels in the Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. While each faith has its own understanding of Gabriel’s role, they all recognize him as a divine messenger who delivers important revelations from God.
This article explores how Angel Gabriel is viewed in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, highlighting both the similarities and differences.
1. Angel Gabriel in Islam (Jibreel – جبريل)
Name in Arabic: Jibreel
Status: One of the four archangels in Islam (alongside Mika’il, Israfil, and Azrael)
Key Roles in Islam:
✅ Revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
- Angel Jibreel brought the words of Allah to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years.
- He was the bridge between the heavens and the Prophet, delivering every verse of the Quran.
📖 Quran:
“Say, the Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth…” (Quran 16:102)
“The Trustworthy Spirit (Jibreel) has brought it down upon your heart [O Muhammad]…” (Quran 26:193-194)
✅ Delivered messages to other Prophets:
- Jibreel also communicated with Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and others.
✅ Accompanied the Prophet on the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj):
- Guided the Prophet through the heavens to meet previous prophets and reach the Divine Presence.
✅ Bringer of Strength and Support:
- In battles such as Badr, Jibreel led angelic armies to support the Muslims.
2. Angel Gabriel in Christianity
Name in English: Gabriel
Status: An archangel in Christian theology
Mentioned In: New Testament, especially in the Gospel of Luke
Key Roles in Christianity:
✅ Announced the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him):
- Gabriel appeared to Mary (Maryam) to inform her of her miraculous pregnancy.
📖 Bible:
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
✅ Announced the birth of John the Baptist (Yahya):
- Gabriel told Zechariah (Zakariyya) that his wife would have a son, John (Yahya).
✅ Messenger of Revelation and Visions:
- Gabriel is seen as a messenger of God’s divine plan, not only in delivering news but also in strengthening and guiding believers.
✅ Interpreting Prophetic Visions:
- In the Book of Daniel, Gabriel interprets dreams and visions, playing a role as a heavenly guide.
3. Angel Gabriel in Judaism
Name in Hebrew: Gavri’el (גַּבְרִיאֵל)
Meaning: “God is my strength”
Status: An archangel and messenger in Jewish tradition
Mentioned In: The Book of Daniel and Jewish mystical writings
Key Roles in Judaism:
✅ Messenger and Interpreter:
- In the Book of Daniel, Gabriel explains visions and prophecies to Daniel.
📖 Tanakh:
“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel… came to me in swift flight… and said, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.’” (Daniel 9:21-22)
✅ Protector and Warrior Angel:
- In later Jewish tradition, Gabriel is seen as a defender of Israel, participating in spiritual battles.
✅ Associated with Justice and Power:
- Gabriel is often paired with Michael (another archangel), where Michael represents mercy and Gabriel represents justice or severity.
4. Comparison of Angel Gabriel Across the Three Faiths
| Aspect | Islam (Jibreel) | Christianity (Gabriel) | Judaism (Gavri’el) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language/Name | Jibreel (جبريل) | Gabriel | Gavri’el (גַּבְרִיאֵל) |
| Role | Revealed the Quran and supported Prophets | Announced births; Messenger of God | Interpreter of visions and messages |
| Visited Whom? | Muhammad, Maryam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa | Mary, Zechariah, Daniel | Daniel, mentioned in apocryphal texts |
| Viewed As | Chief angel of revelation | Archangel, announcer of good news | Archangel, defender and revealer |
| Scripture | Quran, Hadith | Bible (Luke, Daniel) | Tanakh (Daniel), Talmud, Midrash |
5. Shared Themes About Gabriel
✅ Messenger of God: In all three faiths, Gabriel delivers divine messages from God to chosen individuals.
✅ Bringer of Revelation: He is a key figure in revelation, especially when announcing major events or divine guidance.
✅ Serves God’s Will, Not Worshipped: Gabriel is always seen as a servant of God, not divine himself.
Conclusion
Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) is a central figure in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—a symbol of divine communication, strength, and truth. While the details vary across traditions, his role as a trusted messenger of God is universally respected.
In Islam, he is revered as the agent of the Quran’s revelation, making him one of the most honored angels in existence.
“Say, the Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth…” (Quran 16:102)
