
The word 'Messiah' is used by Muslims to refer to Jesus, or Isa ibn Maryam. In Arabic, the word for Messiah is 'al-Masih', and it is mentioned in the Qur'an 11 times, often in connection with Isa.
Muslims believe that Isa was a prophet and the Messiah sent to the Israelites, who will return to Earth at the end of time to defeat al-Masih ad-Dajjal, the false Messiah.
The title Messiah stands for anyone chosen by God for a significant mission. In Judaism, this meant the restoration of the line of King David, or the establishment of the Law of God on Earth.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Isa, Jesus |
Title | Messiah, al-Masih |
Religion | Islam |
Role | Prophet, Messenger |
Nature | Human |
Parentage | Son of Maryam (Mary) |
Status | Alive in Heaven |
Second Coming | Descend from Heaven, arrive near Damascus, Syria |
Purpose | Destroy falsehood, establish justice |
Enemies | al-Masih ad-Dajjal (false Messiah, anti-Christ) |
Miracles | Healing the sick |
What You'll Learn
The meaning of 'Messiah'
The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word 'mashiach' and means 'anointed one' or 'chosen one'. The Arabic term is 'al-Masih' and the Greek translation is 'Khristós' or 'Christ'. The word refers to a ritual of consecrating someone or something by putting holy oil upon them.
In Abrahamic religions, a messiah is a saviour or liberator of a group of people. The concept of a messiah is said to have originated in Judaism and the Hebrew Bible, where a messiah is a king or High Priest. In Judaism, the Messiah is a fully human, non-deity Jewish leader, physically descended from King David, who will accomplish a number of predetermined things in the future, including the unification of the tribes of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the ushering in of a Messianic Age of global peace.
In Islam, the Messiah is Jesus, a prophet sent to the Israelites, who will return to Earth at the end of time to defeat the false Messiah, or 'al-Masih ad-Dajjal'. In Islamic eschatology, the Messiah will exercise his power of healing, destroy the falsehood embodied in al-Masih ad-Dajjal, and become the leader of the Muslims.
In Christianity, the Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, who was crucified to atone for humanity's sins. Christians believe that the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled by Jesus, and that he will return in a second coming to fulfil the rest.
The concept of a messiah is also found in other religions, including Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.
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The Muslim view of the Messiah
Muslims believe that Jesus, or Isa, was a prophet and the Messiah sent to the Israelites. The word 'masih' is found 11 times in the Qur'an and is often connected with the name 'Isa'. The Messiah is a title of Prophet Jesus, and he was given this title because Allah purified him of sins, or he was anointed with blessings, or because when he touched the sick with his hands, they were healed.
The Messiah is expected to return to Earth at the end of time to defeat al-Masih ad-Dajjal, the false Messiah, or anti-Christ, and establish an age of peace, justice, and prosperity.
The concept of the Messiah is not explicitly stated in the Qur'an or any authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. However, Muslims believe that the Messiah, Jesus, will descend from heaven and arrive near Damascus, Syria, with his arms resting on two angels by his side. He will then travel to Jerusalem and join the morning prayer.
Muslims reject the Christian concept of the Messiah as the Son of God and believe that Jesus was raised to heaven without being put on the cross. Instead, God created a resemblance to appear exactly like Jesus, who was crucified instead.
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The Mahdi
Before the arrival of the Mahdi, the world will be filled with anarchy, chaos, and civil wars. The Mahdi will then appear in Mecca and go to Kufa, which will become his capital. He will send troops to kill the Sufyani in Damascus and will establish caliphate with Jesus, who will pray behind the Mahdi. The Mahdi will die after 7 to 13 years, while Jesus will remain on Earth for 40 years.
In Twelver Shi'ism, the largest Shia branch, the belief in the Mahdi is not just a part of the creed but is the pivot. The Mahdi is believed to be the twelfth imam, Muhammad, son of the eleventh imam, Hasan al-Askari. He was born in Samarra around 868 but went into occultation by divine command to hide from the Abbasids, who killed his father. Only a few elite Shia, known as the deputies of the twelfth imam, were able to communicate with him. This period is referred to as the Minor Occultation. With the death of the fourth deputy, the Major Occultation began, during which communication between the Mahdi and the faithful was severed.
In Ahmadiyya theology, the Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus are believed to refer to the same person—Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement.
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The Messiah in the Quran
The Quran refers to Jesus, or 'Isa in Arabic, as al-Masih (the Messiah) eleven times. The Messiah is a title given to Jesus as a prophet and messenger of God, sent to the Israelites.
The Quran states that Mary was given the good news by angels that she would bear a son, who would be known as the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary. The Quran also states that Jesus was not killed or crucified, but that God created a resemblance to appear exactly like Jesus, who was crucified instead of Jesus.
The Messiah is referred to as a king and a healer of the sick. He is also described as having been anointed with blessings and purified of sins.
The Messiah is significant in Islamic eschatology, as it is believed that he will return to Earth at the end of times, along with the Mahdi, to defeat al-Masih ad-Dajjal, the false Messiah.
The Messiah in Islamic prophecies
According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will return to Earth at the end of times, accompanied by the Mahdi, to defeat al-Masih ad-Dajjal, the false Messiah. This belief is shared by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, who anticipate the arrival of the Mahdi before Jesus.
The title of "al-Masih" is derived from the Arabic word for "messiah," which means "the anointed one." Scholars offer various interpretations for why Jesus was given this title. Some suggest it is because Allah purified him of sins, while others believe it signifies his anointment with blessings. Additionally, it is said that Jesus had the power to heal the sick with his touch.
Islamic commentators have provided further insights into the meaning of "al-Masih." For example, Ibn Abbas suggests that it refers to someone who travels from one country to another, implying a connection to kingship. Al-Tabari interprets it as "one who is cleansed," indicating that God purified Jesus of sins. Nisaburi explains it as "one who was touched by God," suggesting a divine blessing.
The Muslim Messiah figure holds a significant role in Islamic eschatology and is believed to herald a period of unity and peace for Muslims. However, it is important to note that the Islamic concept of the Messiah differs from the Christian and Judaic interpretations, as Muslims do not view Jesus as the Son of God or a divine being.
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