Who is Jibreel (AS)?

Jibreel (AS), also known as Gabriel, is the greatest and most honored of Allah’s angels. He was entrusted with the noble responsibility of delivering Allah’s revelation (Wahy) to His prophets and messengers. From the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to supporting the prophets during significant events, Jibreel (AS) occupies a central place in Islamic belief. Belief in Jibreel (AS) is part of belief in the angels, one of the six pillars of Iman.

Short Answer

Jibreel (AS) is Allah’s chief angel and the bearer of divine revelation. His primary duty was to convey Allah’s messages to His prophets, especially the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over approximately 23 years. The Quran also refers to him as Ruh al-Amin (the Trustworthy Spirit) and Ruh al-Qudus (the Holy Spirit).

Detailed Explanation

Who is Jibreel (AS)?

Jibreel (AS) is one of the greatest angels created by Allah. According to authentic Hadith, angels were created from light. He never disobeys Allah and perfectly carries out every command. Allah chose him to deliver revelation to His prophets, making him one of the most honored of all creation.

How Was Jibreel (AS) Created?

Like all angels, Jibreel (AS) was created by Allah from light (Nur). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The angels were created from light.”

Neither the Quran nor authentic Hadith specifies exactly when Jibreel (AS) was created or whether he was the first angel created.

What Are the Main Duties of Jibreel (AS)?

Allah assigned Jibreel (AS) several important responsibilities:

• Delivering revelation (Wahy) to the prophets.
• Bringing the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
• Conveying Allah’s commands and glad tidings.
• Supporting believers by Allah’s command.
• Teaching the Prophet (ﷺ) the Quran.
• Reviewing the Quran with the Prophet every Ramadan.
• Appearing in human form when Allah commanded.
• Teaching Islam through the famous Hadith of Jibreel.
• What Names of Jibreel (AS) Are Mentioned in the Quran?

The Quran mentions Jibreel (AS) using several honorable titles:

• Jibreel (جبريل) – His proper name.
• Ruh al-Amin (روح الأمين) – The Trustworthy Spirit.
• Ruh al-Qudus (روح القدس) – The Holy Spirit.

How Did Jibreel (AS) Bring the Quran?

The first revelation came in the Cave of Hira when Jibreel (AS) commanded the Prophet (ﷺ):

“Read in the name of your Lord Who created.”

After that, he continued bringing the Quran gradually over approximately 23 years, according to Allah’s wisdom.

What Other Roles Did Jibreel (AS) Perform?

Besides delivering revelation, Jibreel (AS):

• Accompanied the Prophet (ﷺ) during Isra’ and Mi’raj.
• Supported the believers during the Battle of Badr.
• Brought glad tidings to Maryam (AS).
• Visited Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with other angels.
• Appeared as a man to teach Islam, Iman, and Ihsan.

How Many Times Did Jibreel (AS) Visit Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?

No authentic narration gives an exact number.

However, authentic evidence confirms that:

• He brought revelation over approximately 23 years.
• He met the Prophet many other times.
• He reviewed the Quran with the Prophet every Ramadan.
• He reviewed it twice during the Prophet’s final Ramadan.

Therefore, the exact number is known only to Allah.

Did Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) See Jibreel (AS) in His Original Form?

Yes.

Authentic Hadith state that the Prophet (ﷺ) saw Jibreel (AS) in his original angelic form twice.

He had six hundred wings that filled the horizon. On many other occasions, he appeared in the form of a man.

Will Jibreel (AS) Die?

Yes.

Jibreel (AS) is a created being.

Allah says that every created being will perish except Him. Therefore, Islamic scholars affirm that Jibreel (AS), like all angels, will die when Allah wills and will later be resurrected. However, neither the Quran nor authentic Hadith specifies exactly when this will happen.

[H3] Quick Facts About Jibreel (AS)

• Created from light.
• One of Allah’s greatest angels.
• Chief bearer of revelation.
• Mentioned by name in the Quran.
• Called Ruh al-Amin and Ruh al-Qudus.
• Brought the Quran over approximately 23 years.
• Appeared in both angelic and human forms.
• Saw by the Prophet (ﷺ) twice in his original form.
• Will die by Allah’s decree.
• Will be resurrected by Allah.

Evidence from the Quran

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:97)

Allah says that Jibreel (AS) brought the Quran to the Prophet’s heart by Allah’s permission.

Lessons:

• Jibreel (AS) is Allah’s trusted messenger among the angels.
• The Quran was revealed through him.

Surah At-Takwir (81:19–21)

These verses describe Jibreel (AS) as:

• Honorable.
• Powerful.
• Highly respected before Allah.
• Completely trustworthy.

Surah An-Nahl (16:102)

Allah states that Ruh al-Qudus brought down the Quran in truth.

Evidence from Hadith

Authentic Hadith mention that:

• Angels were created from light.
• Jibreel (AS) taught Islam through the famous Hadith of Jibreel.
• He reviewed the Quran with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) every Ramadan.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) saw him with six hundred wings.

Common Misconceptions

Is Jibreel (AS) Divine?

No. He is a servant and creation of Allah.

Is Jibreel (AS) Still Alive?

Yes. He remains alive until Allah decrees his death.

Did Jibreel (AS) Reveal the Quran From Himself?

No. Every word of the Quran came from Allah. Jibreel (AS) faithfully conveyed it without alteration.

Conclusion

Jibreel (AS) is the greatest angel entrusted with delivering Allah’s revelation. His role in bringing the Quran, assisting the prophets, and teaching the religion demonstrates his immense honor. Learning about Jibreel (AS) strengthens a Muslim’s understanding of revelation, prophethood, and the pillars of faith.

Frequently Asked Questions