Who is Jibril in Islam?
Jibril (Gabriel) is the greatest of the angels in Islam, the one Allah chose to bring His revelation to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is the same angel known as Gabriel in the Jewish and Christian traditions, and believing in him is part of believing in Allah's angels.
The angel of revelation
Jibril's main role is carrying Allah's words to His messengers. The Quran calls him "the Trustworthy Spirit" (ar-Ruh al-Amin) who brought the Quran down (Quran 26:193), and the "Holy Spirit" (Ruh al-Qudus) in several verses.
He first came to the Prophet ﷺ in the cave of Hira with the words "Read!" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3), and kept bringing revelation for about 23 years. Every Ramadan, Jibril met the Prophet ﷺ each night to review the Quran with him (Sahih al-Bukhari 6). See Who wrote the Quran?
What he looks like
Angels are created from light and usually unseen. Jibril often came in human form, sometimes looking like a handsome Companion named Dihyah al-Kalbi. Twice the Prophet ﷺ saw him in his true form, filling the horizon, and he described him as having six hundred wings (Sahih al-Bukhari 3232).
In the famous "Hadith of Jibril", he came as a stranger in very white clothes and asked the Prophet ﷺ about Islam, iman, ihsan and the Last Hour, then left. The Prophet ﷺ explained, "That was Jibril, who came to teach you your religion" (Sahih Muslim 8).
Gabriel in other faiths
Many converts recognise Jibril from the Bible. In the Quran, he is the angel Allah sent to Maryam to announce the birth of Isa (Jesus), appearing to her as a well-formed man (Quran 19:17). Muslims see this as part of one continuous line of revelation through the same angel. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Unlike some popular ideas, Muslims don't pray to Jibril or any angel. Angels are honoured servants who only act by Allah's command, and all worship goes to Allah alone.
His other roles
- He supported the Prophet ﷺ in key moments, including the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj).
- He descends with the angels on Laylat al-Qadr (Quran 97:4).
- When Allah loves a servant, He tells Jibril, who then loves that person too and announces it to the angels in the heavens.
To learn more about angels in general, see Do Muslims believe in angels?
- Jibril is the angel of revelation who brought the Quran (Quran 2:97, 26:193).
- He is the same angel as Gabriel in Jewish and Christian scripture.
- The Prophet ﷺ saw him in his true form with 600 wings.
- Muslims honour him but never pray to him; worship is for Allah alone.
People also ask
Can I listen to Quran while working out?
Yes, you can listen to the Quran while working out. No wudu is needed; use headphones, listen with attention and pause it in changing rooms.
Read the full answer →What is the Preserved Tablet in Islam?
The Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) is the heavenly record where Allah wrote all that will happen and where the Quran is kept safe.
Read the full answer →Can I read the Quran in bed or lying down?
Yes, you can read the Quran in bed or lying down. The Prophet ﷺ recited while reclining; sitting up is better, not required.
Read the full answer →Can I give a Quran to a non-Muslim friend?
Yes, if they're interested and will respect it. Many scholars suggest giving a good English translation rather than Arabic only.
Read the full answer →Can I recite the Quran from transliteration?
Yes, as a temporary bridge while you learn. Transliteration can't show every Arabic sound, so listen, get checked and learn the letters.
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