The Archangel Gabriel in History and Tradition - an Analysis of His Role and Function in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

The archangel Gabriel is known in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. At various stages of their histories, the archangel Gabriel has intervened with important and crucial characters - such as the Prophets Daniel and Muhammad, as well as the Virgin Mary - thereby affecting the development of that religion. Emphasis will be placed on the Sacred Scriptures (Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Qur'an) of those religions, as well as the extra biblical documents such as legends, lore, and iconographical representations. Analysis will be done in order to examine why it is the same angel that is named in all the three religions. At the same time, an examination into the origins of the root of the name 'Gabriel' will be attempted.