Is it permissible to read the books of the People of the Book, such as the Gospel, for example?

It is not permissible for a Muslim to read the Torah, the Gospel, or other previous scriptures, unless he is firmly grounded in knowledge and reads them to clarify the distortions and contradictions therein. As for the general Muslim populace, they are not permitted to do so, based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "Do not ask the People of the Book about anything, for they will not guide you, as they have gone astray."