What is the significance of al-Qurʾān referring to ʿĪsā as المسيح?
In the Qur'an, Jesus is referred to as المسيح (al-Masih), which translates to "the Messiah." This title carries significant implications in Islamic theology and reflects Jesus's unique status among the prophets.
The Qur'an emphasizes Jesus's role as a messenger of Allah, stating: And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic.
61:6. This highlights Jesus's mission to guide the Children of Israel and his prophetic role in the continuity of divine revelation, culminating in the coming of Muhammad.
Moreover, the Qur'an addresses the misconceptions surrounding Jesus's crucifixion and nature when it asserts: Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt.
19:34. This verse underscores the Islamic belief that Jesus was not crucified or killed, but was raised by Allah, which is central to Islamic teachings about the Messiah.
Additionally, the significance of the title is reinforced in hadith literature. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon the son of Mary will descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizya tax, and wealth will overflow to such an extent that no one will accept it. A single prostration will be better than all the worldly possessions. Abu Huraira added, 'Recite if you wish: And none of the People of the Scripture but will surely believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 60:118. This narration indicates the future role of Jesus as a just leader and reinforces his importance in Islamic eschatology.
Thus, the title المسيح emphasizes Jesus's elevated status as a prophet, his role in the divine plan, and his significance in the teachings of Islam, differentiating him from other prophets while also affirming the continuity of the message of monotheism.
Sources
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61:6 · As-Saff
61:6 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرًۢا بِرَسُولٍۢ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِى ٱسْمُهُۥٓ أَحْمَدُ ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ قَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا سِحْرٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ
And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic.
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19:34 · Maryam
19:34 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۚ قَوْلَ ٱلْحَقِّ ٱلَّذِى فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ
Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 60:118
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 60, Hadith 118 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon the son of Mary will descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizya tax, and wealth will overflow to such an extent that no one will accept it. A single prostration will be better than all the worldly possessions. Abu Huraira added, 'Recite if you wish: "And none of the People of the Scripture but will surely believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness."'
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