MISCONCEPTION 11: Jibril (AS) Never Appeared to Muhammad (SAW)

Angel Wings

Point: There is not a single place in Islamic scripture where Jibril (AS) told Muhammad (SAW) “I am Jibril”.


REFUTATION

This ‘point’ is raised only by people who doubt the prophet hood of Muhammad (SAW) and assert that it was a devil that kept appearing to Muhammad (SAW) and not an Angel. The point is raised mostly by members of the other Abrahimic faiths; Christians and Jews. The idea they try to establish is that for an individual to be called a prophet, Angel Gabriel (Jibril) must appear to him and say ‘I am Gabriel’. They mention instances in the bible where Angel Gabriel told some men of God “I am Gabriel”. For instance, in (Luke 1:19), it is reported that Gabriel told Zakariah (AS), “I am Gabriel”. But, there are at least 23 people agreed upon by all Abrahimic faiths to be prophets; from Adam to John the Baptist. Christians and Jews are however unable to give account of where and when Angel Gabriel told every single one of these men that he was Gabriel. For example, does the bible tell us where and when Angel Gabriel told Enoch, Noah, Hud or even Abraham that he was indeed Gabriel? Does that mean that they were not prophets? Zakariah (AS) is the only prophet that the bible is able to prove heard the statement ‘I am Gabriel’ directly from Gabriel himself.
 
          As Muslims, the statements of ALLAH and the final Messenger, Muhammad (SAW) are sufficient for us as evidence. ALLAH (SWT) tells us in the Miraculous Qur’an: "Say: Whoever is the enemy to Jibril - for indeed he (Jibril) revealed it (Qur'an) to your heart by ALLAH's permission, confirming that which is before it (co-existent) and a guidance and glad tidings for the believers". Suratul Baqarah (2:97) In this verse, ALLAH informs Muhammad (SAW) and the world that indeed it is Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) who brings down revelations to Muhammad (SAW). If ALLAH says it is Jibril (AS) then he (Jibril) needs not mention it to Muhammad again. In addition, Jibril (AS) was mentioned three times in the Qur’an therefore, Muhammad (SAW) understood fully who Jibril (AS) was.

          Muhammad (SAW) himself gave account of his various encounters with Jibril (AS) all of which form the core of a Muslims faith. It was reported by Umar bin Khattab, “One day when we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (upon him blessing and peace), there came to us a man whose clothes were of exceeding whiteness and whose hair was of exceeding blackness. There were no signs of travel upon him although none of us knew him. He sat down knee to knee opposite the Prophet (upon him blessing and peace), upon whose thighs he placed the palms of his hands saying, “O Muhammad, tell me, what is Islam (Submission)?” The Messenger (SAW) answered him saying, “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, to perform the prayer, pay (the charity of) Zakat, fast (the month of) Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the Holy House (Ka’ba) – if you can.” He said, “You have spoken truthfully.” We were amazed that, having questioned him (SAW), he should corroborate him. Then he said, “Tell me, what is Faith (Iman)?” He (SAW) answered, “To believe in Allah, His Angels, His books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe that no good or evil comes but by His Providence.” “You have spoken truthfully,” the stranger said again, and then said, “Tell me, what is Excellence (Ihsan)?” He (SAW) answered, “To worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, yet He sees you.” “You have spoken truthfully,” the stranger said, and then added, “Tell me of the Hour.” He (SAW) answered, “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said, “Then tell me of its signs.” He (SAW) answered, “That the slave-girl shall give birth to her mistress, and those who were but barefoot, naked, needy herdsmen shall build buildings ever higher and higher.” Then the stranger went away, and I stayed a while after he had gone, and the Prophet (SAW) said to me, “O Umar, do you know the questioner, who he was?” I said, “ALLAH and His Messenger (SAW)know best.” He (SAW) said, “It was Jibril (Gabriel). He came to teach you your religion.”

Aisha (RA) once asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whether he had experienced a day more difficult than that of the Battle of Uhud, he reminded her of his return from Ta’if and said: “When I recovered, I raised my head and saw a cloud which had cast its shadow on me, with Gabriel in it. Gabriel told me that so long as I wished, the angel who could destroy the people of Makka was given to my command. This angel approached me. But I replied, ‘I rather wish that God will raise from among their descendants’ people who will worship the One God, and who will not ascribe partners to Him (in worship).’”

There are several other instances detailing the encounters of Muhammad (SAW) with Jibril (AS). Conclusively, Jibril (AS) appeared and conversed with Muhammad (SAW) as confirmed by Verses of the Qur’an and statements of Muhammad (SAW) himself. Hence, to say that Angel Gabriel never appeared to Muhammad (SAW) is a misconception.