The term “Messiah” carries profound significance in both Christian and Islamic theology. In Christianity, the Messiah is traditionally understood as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to save humanity from sin. However, the concept of the Messiah is not exclusive to Christianity. Islam also recognizes the figure of the Messiah, but with interpretations and roles that differ from those in Christian doctrine.
In the Quran, Jesus, known as Isa in Arabic, is explicitly referred to as the Messiah. His status as the Messiah is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, yet it is surrounded by unique theological understandings that distinguish it from Christian interpretations. The Quranic portrayal of the Messiah is deeply intertwined with Islamic views on prophethood, eschatology, and the broader narrative of God’s guidance to humanity.
Background
Jesus in the Quran: A Brief Overview
Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is one of the most revered prophets in Islam. He is mentioned by name 25 times in the Quran, making him one of the most frequently discussed figures in the Islamic scripture. His story, while familiar in many respects to the Christian narrative, has distinct elements that reflect Islamic theology.
In Islam, Jesus is regarded as one of the greatest prophets, but he is not considered divine or the Son of God, as in Christian belief. Instead, he is viewed as a human being who was chosen by God to deliver His message to the Children of Israel. The Quran emphasizes Jesus’ miraculous birth, his role as a messenger of God, and his ability to perform miracles by God’s permission.
The Quranic narrative of Jesus begins with his mother, Mary (Maryam), who is also highly revered in Islam. Her miraculous conception of Jesus is described in several places in the Quran, most notably in Surah Al-Imran (3:45-47) and Surah Maryam (19:16-22). The Quran portrays Jesus as a prophet who preached monotheism and called people to worship God alone. His life is marked by a series of miracles, such as healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and even raising the dead, all by God’s leave.
The Meaning of “Messiah” in the Quran
The term “Messiah” (Al-Masih in Arabic) is used in the Quran to refer to Jesus, but its meaning and implications differ significantly from Christian interpretations. In Christianity, the Messiah is often understood as a savior who redeems humanity from sin through his death and resurrection. However, the Quran does not associate the title of Messiah with any such concept of redemption or atonement.
In Islamic tradition, the title “Messiah” is understood to mean “the anointed one.” This title signifies Jesus’ special status as a prophet and a messenger chosen by God for a particular mission. The Quran does not elaborate extensively on why Jesus is given the title of Messiah, but Islamic scholars have interpreted it to denote his role as a significant figure in God’s plan, particularly in the context of the end times.
The Quran also emphasizes that Jesus was sent specifically to the Children of Israel to confirm the teachings of the Torah and to bring new guidance. His mission was to call his people back to the worship of one God and to uphold the moral and spiritual laws that had been revealed to previous prophets. The Messiah in the Quran is, therefore, a figure who upholds and continues the prophetic tradition, rather than introducing a radically new or different doctrine.
Jesus’ Role as the Messiah in the Quran
The Quran presents Jesus as the Messiah in several verses, highlighting his unique role and mission. One of the most significant references is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:45), where the angel announces to Mary the birth of Jesus:
“When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].'”
This verse underscores Jesus’ exalted status as the Messiah, a title that sets him apart from other prophets. However, the Quran also makes it clear that Jesus is a servant of God, a human being who was created by God’s command. His title of Messiah does not imply divinity but rather a special designation within the prophetic tradition.
The Quran also refers to Jesus as a “word” from God, which has led to various interpretations among Islamic scholars. Some see this as a reference to the miraculous nature of his birth, as he was created by God’s command without a human father. Others interpret it as signifying his role as a bearer of God’s message, embodying divine wisdom and guidance.
Throughout his life, Jesus performed miracles that were seen as signs of his prophethood and his close relationship with God. These miracles are mentioned in several places in the Quran, including Surah Al-Maidah (5:110), where God recounts the miracles that Jesus performed by His permission:
“When Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, “This is not but obvious magic.” ‘ “
This verse highlights the divine support that Jesus received throughout his mission, as well as the extraordinary signs that accompanied his ministry. These miracles served as evidence of his prophethood and his status as the Messiah, confirming his message and his closeness to God.
See also: Who Is Mary In The Quran?
The Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus
One of the most significant differences between the Christian and Islamic narratives of Jesus is the account of his crucifixion. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus was crucified, died on the cross, and was resurrected on the third day. This event is central to Christian theology, as it is believed to be the means by which Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity.
However, the Quran presents a different account of the crucifixion. It denies that Jesus was crucified or killed, stating instead that it was made to appear so to the people, and that God raised him up to Himself. This is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158):
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
This verse has been the subject of much interpretation and debate among Islamic scholars. The prevailing view in Islamic theology is that Jesus was not crucified but was instead taken up to heaven by God. The Quran does not provide detailed information about how this occurred or who was made to resemble Jesus, but the belief in his ascension is a fundamental aspect of Islamic eschatology.
The concept of Jesus’ ascension is closely tied to his role as the Messiah in Islamic thought. According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will return at the end of times as part of the eschatological events leading up to the Day of Judgment. His second coming is seen as a fulfillment of his role as the Messiah, where he will defeat the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal) and restore justice and peace to the world.
Jesus’ Second Coming and the Role of the Messiah in Islamic Eschatology
The belief in Jesus’ second coming is a significant aspect of Islamic eschatology. According to Islamic teachings, Jesus will return to earth near the end of times to fulfill his role as the Messiah. This event is not just a theological belief but is also seen as a key part of the unfolding of the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Islamic tradition holds that Jesus will descend from heaven in the final days, during a time of great tribulation and moral decay. His return will be marked by a series of events, including the defeat of the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), a figure who will lead people astray and claim to be the true Messiah. Jesus, as the true Messiah, will expose the false messiah and lead the believers in a final battle against the forces of evil.
After defeating the false messiah, Jesus is believed to establish a period of peace and justice on earth. He will rule according to the laws of Islam, reviving the teachings of monotheism and restoring the true worship of God. His role as the Messiah during this time is seen as a fulfillment of the divine plan and a vindication of his mission.
The Quran does not provide extensive details about Jesus’ second coming, but it is mentioned in several Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), which form the basis for much of the Islamic eschatological narrative. These Hadiths describe Jesus’ return as a momentous event that will herald the final stages of human history and the eventual establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
The Messiah in the Quran, identified as Jesus (Isa), is a figure of immense significance in Islamic theology. While the Quranic portrayal of the Messiah shares some similarities with Christian understandings, it also presents distinct theological perspectives that reflect the broader Islamic worldview.
In the Quran, Jesus is revered as a prophet and a messenger of God, who was chosen to deliver a message of monotheism and righteousness to the Children of Israel. His title as the Messiah signifies his special status, but it does not imply divinity or a role in atonement, as in Christian doctrine. Instead, the Quran emphasizes his humanity, his prophetic mission, and his miraculous abilities, all of which were granted by God.
The Quranic narrative also introduces unique elements, such as the denial of Jesus’ crucifixion and the belief in his ascension and second coming. These aspects of Jesus’ story are central to Islamic eschatology, where he is expected to return at the end of times to fulfill his role as the Messiah, defeat the false messiah, and establish a period of peace and justice.
Through its portrayal of the Messiah, the Quran offers a perspective that is both familiar and distinct, reflecting the shared heritage and theological differences between Islam and Christianity. For Muslims, Jesus as the Messiah remains a symbol of God’s guidance and a reminder of the ultimate victory of truth and justice.