The Comforter and the Spirit of Truth: Who Did Jesus Promise?

A Promise Before Leaving

Before his departure, Jesus (as) made a promise to his disciples. He said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). Later he added, “If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). This Helper is also called the “Spirit of Truth” who will “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Christians identify this Helper as the Holy Spirit. But a closer examination reveals a different identity.

The Problem with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, according to the Bible, was already present long before Jesus. John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:67). Jesus himself was led by the Spirit (Luke 4:1). If the Holy Spirit was already present, why would Jesus say that if he does not go away, the Helper will not come? This condition makes no sense if the Helper is the Holy Spirit.

The Meaning of Parakletos

The Greek word used in the manuscripts is “Parakletos,” meaning helper, comforter, or advocate. But there is another Greek word: “Periklytos,” meaning “the Praised One.” These two words are very similar in Greek script. Many scholars believe that the original word was Periklytos, which translates directly to the Arabic name Muhammad, meaning “the Praised One.” Over time, the word was altered, and the original meaning was lost.

The Prophet They Were Waiting For

In the Gospel of John, Jewish leaders ask John the Baptist, “Are you the Christ? … Are you Elijah? … Are you the Prophet?” (John 1:21). John answers no to all three. The question “Are you the Prophet?” refers to a specific figure distinct from the Messiah and Elijah. This figure is the prophet like Moses promised in Deuteronomy. No one in history claimed this title except Muhammad (saw). The early Jewish community was waiting for three figures: the Messiah, Elijah, and the Prophet.

He Will Glorify Me

Jesus said of the Spirit of Truth, “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). Muhammad (saw) did exactly that. He honoured Jesus as a mighty prophet of Allah, the Messiah, born of the virgin Maryam, and a sign for all peoples. He rejected the false claims that Jesus was God or the son of God, restoring Jesus to his true station. The Helper has come. His name is Muhammad, and his message, the Qur’an, abides with us forever.

Haj Firas Naji