The Messiah is the title given to Isa AS (Jesus). He is a prophet sent by Allah to the children of Israel to guide them back to monotheism. He is a prominent figure in Islamic history as well as in the events leading up to the Day of Judgement. He is also the one who will return to earth to defeat Dajjal (the antichrist).
The Messiah And The Quran
In the Quran, Isa AS is referred to as Al-Masih, which translates to “the Messiah” (the anointed one). One such example of this is found in Surah Baqarah, Verse 87:
“And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture, and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah’s sovereignty).”
His Miraculous Birth
The birth of Isa AS is fully documented in the Quran. In Surah Maryam, it is stated:
And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking east and had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our Spirit (i.e., Jibreel AS), and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. She said, “Lo!” I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from thee, if thou art God-fearing.
He said, “I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.” She said, “How can I have a son when no mortal has touched me, nor have I been unchaste?” He said, “So (it will be).” Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.
It is said that when Jibreel AS told her this, she submitted to the will of Allah, and Jibreel AS blew into the opening of the garment she was wearing.
“And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place.”
Allah SWT told her to vow a fast to Allah, saying she will not speak to anyone on this day. After Isa AS was born, she returned to her people, and they thought she had done something terrible. She didn’t respond to them but pointed to her infant son. A miracle happened, and Isa AS spoke to the people, even though he was just a child in a cradle.
Allah Revealed The Injil To Isa AS
There are four holy books in Islam. Each of them was revealed to a prophet. Similarly, the Injil (Gospel) was revealed to Isa AS. Allah says in the Quran,
“And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah—a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil).”
Why Is He Called Messiah?
Scholars have pointed out several reasons for his being given the title of messiah. Such as:
- Allah cleansed him. Meaning He purified him from sins.
- He was anointed with blessings.
- When he wiped or touched any sick person with his hand, they were cured.
Ibn ‘Atyyah, a prominent Maliki jurist, said,
The scholars differed in their views on the derivation of Al-Masih. Some said it comes from the verb saha/yasihu, which means “travel about in the land.” While the majority of scholars stated that it is derived from the verb masaha, which means “to clean,” “wipe,” or “anoint.”
His Crucifixion
Allah blessed the Prophet Isa AS with many miracles. He blew life into the shape of a bird made from clay. Helped the blind and people who suffered from leprosy. And brought the dead back to life. The Jews to whom Isa AS came became hostile towards him and tried to guide the people away from his message.
When they saw the weak and poor believing in him, they plotted to kill him. The Jews provoked the Romans against him so much that the Roman governor gave the orders to arrest and crucify Isa AS. But Allah SWT punished the hypocrite who betrayed Isa AS, making him appear to look like the Messiah, according to some scholars. The soldiers arrested the hypocrite, thinking that he was Isa AS, and crucified him instead. And Isa AS was raised safe and sound to the heavens.
And because of their saying, “We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger”—they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
His Return
According to Islam, Isa AS will come back before the Day of Resurrection. He is the one who will kill the Dajjal and rule according to the shariah of the Prophet PBUH.
“Jesus, son of Maryam, will come down at the white minaret to the east of Damascus. He will catch up with Dajjal and kill him at the gate of Ludd.”