I have been asked about the meaning of my last name many times. So I decided to write a detailed post on the meaning and background of my surname: Farqaleet. The name is of high religious significance when it comes to Islam, Judaism and Christianity—particularly, the concept of the Holy Spirit in Christianity.

Farqaleet is the Arabic translation of the Greek word "Parakletos," which was translated from Hebrew when the Bible was translated into Greek in 200 B.C. The translation served as a great missionary tool, since Greek was widely understood at the time. The word Parakletos appeared in John 14:16, 26; 15:26 and 16:7, referring to the Holy Spirit. The word is commonly translated as advocate; the one who will speak in defense of the believers. According to the Gospel passages, Parakletos is another Comforter or Counselor, besides Jesus,who will testify about the Christ and the God. Below are the verses of Bible in which the word has been used:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever - John 14:16 (NIV).

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you - John 14:26 (NIV).

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father - the spirit of truth who goes out from the Father - he will testify about me - John 15:26 (NIV).

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you - John 16:7 (NIV).

According to Islamic school of thought, Parakletos refers to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), testifying the prophecy of Allah "God," promising Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did testify about Prophet Essa (PBUH) "Christ" in his teachings. In fact, there is a whole Chapter in Quran dedicated to his life. Muslim scholars believe that one cannot be truly a Muslim without accepting the fact that Prophet Essa (PBUH) was the messenger of Allah and his original message was the message of God.

Muslims believe that Allah and Christ's God are the same. However, Christ was not the son of God, according to Islamic tradition, but a normal human and messenger of Allah. It can be regarded as the biggest disagreement between the two schools of thought. Allah says in "Quran":

Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent . 112:1-4

Christ is referred to as Messiah and a sign of God in Islam. Islam teaches that Christ was neither crucified nor killed. His "disappearance" is regarded as a miracle of God. Muslim scholars believe that Prophet Essa (PBUH) is indeed the promised Messiah according to Judaism. According to "Quran," he will return as the Messiah and a follower of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and thus as an adherent of Islam. Allah says in "Quran":

And We made the son of Maryam [Mary] and his mother as a sign. 23:50

The Messiah, son of Maryam [Mary], was no other than a messenger... 5:75

Indeed they are unbelievers who say, God is the Messiah, the son of Maryam [Mary]. 5:72

And they did not kill him [Jesus], nor did they crucify him. 4:157

And indeed, Essa [Jesus] will be a sign for the Hour (of Judgment), so have no doubt about it, and follow Me. This is a straight path. 14:61

Islam considers Christianity as a continuation of Judaism and itself a continuation of Christianity. Muslims believe in over 124 thousand true messengers of God. They believe every time Allah sent a new messenger it was because the teachings of His last messenger were either completely lost or changed beyond recovery. Islamic tradition perceives Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more as the restorer of true monotheistic faith rather than a founder of new religion. It is therefore that Muslims are so cautious about protecting their religious scriptures and teachings. Muhammad (PBUH) was sent when Christianity was no longer in its true form and humanity was deviating from the divine path. Allah revealed Islam as the complete and final religion applicable to all human beings in all situations. In fact, Muslim scholars argue that Islam is a way of life; religion is a part of it.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss it any further.