II.
Islam's View
In stating Islam’s view, it must be recognized that Muslims and Christians both agree on the identity of the Messiah, that it is a title uniquely given to Jesus. Though originally a Jewish concept, only Muslims and Christians view Jesus as the true and only Messiah.
A. The Messiah in the Qur'an
The Qur’an teaches that the title “Messiah” or “Al-Masih” in Arabic is one of the unique titles given to Jesus to honour him. This title is used of Jesus 11 times in the Qur’an {3:45; 4:157,171,172; 5:17(2x), 72(2x), 75; 9:30;31}. Among Islamic scholars there is disagreement as to exactly what the name means and where it comes from. Some say it comes originally from Hebrew, some trace it to Syriac or Ethiopic roots, and some to strictly Arabic roots. The main meanings Muslims scholars have given the word are
(a) “filled with blessing” (Tabari on 3:45),
(b) “Blessed One” (Baidawi in Hughes Dict. of Islam “‘Al-Masih),
(c) “anointed” from his touching people to heal them or being anointed by Gabriel to prophethood (Baidawi in Hughes Dict. of Islam “Al-Masih”),
(d) “purified” having to do with being purified from sin (Tabari on 3:45), or
(e) having to do with his feet or walking because of his itinerant ministry (Sufi view from Robinson, 1991).
The Qur’an itself never gives a definition for the word. It assumes the original hearers of the references to the messiah knew what it meant and needed no explanation. The Qur’an, though, does make some very definite statements as to what the title Messiah does not signify and presents these statements as corrections to misunderstandings people had concerning the Messiah. The two key references for these are Surah 4:157 and 4:171 (All of the other references restate the views contained in these two verses):
"And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger -- They slew him not nor crucified, 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." (Surah 4:157, Pickthall’s translation)
"O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three”--Cease! (it is) better for you!--Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that he should have a son.... The Messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favored angels..." (Surah 4:171, 172, Pickthall's translation)
From these references, three important points are made as to the Islamic view of the Messiah:
He was not crucified.
He was only a messenger of Allah, an Islamic technical term for apostle or sent one, used often of prophets.
He was just a human, a slave of Allah, and in no way was he divine in his own nature or a member of a trinity.
These corrections to the views of Christians are presented to reinforce the Islamic view of Jesus being just a prophet. The Qur’an records Jesus as performing many miracles, even raising people from the dead, but these are always presented as being miracles Jesus was permitted to do by the power of Allah and not any power of his own. Also, he is described as an apostle sent with a book of Scripture called the Gospel. The Qur’an emphasizes these roles of prophet and apostle for Jesus rather than the title Messiah. Messiah is used as a title of respect but not one that gives Jesus an identity above that of a prophet. Jesus is presented as a prophet who does more miracles than any other, and he is given a special role in bringing this age in the world to a close. But He is still just a prophet. This role of the Messiah is explained in the traditions of Islam called the hadith.
B. The Messiah in the Hadith
One other verse in the Qur’an is presented as a glimpse of a future role for the Messiah:
"And he shall be a known sign for the Hour. Therefore have no doubt concerning it. And follow Me! This is the straight Path." (Surah 43:61, Maktaba Dar-us-Salaam translation)
This verse has come to be interpreted as predicting the return of Christ to the world to finish his work. Traditions and Muslim commentators add that at his return, Jesus will kill the Antichrist (Dadjdjaal), judge all Christians and Jews as well as the rest of mankind by the Qur’an, break all the crosses, kill all pigs, and bring in a time of unprecedented prosperity and peace, having subdued the world for Islam (Baidawi as mentioned in the SEI, p. 175).
Some of the later traditions also picture Jesus during his first time of ministry as a wandering, barefoot, ascetic preacher. They glorify his poverty, wisdom, his piety and his miracles of kindness.
In short, the Qur’an pictures Jesus as primarily a prophet. His title of Messiah does not elevate him above that role or denote any special qualities of his personal nature. He is just a man who was chosen to be a prophet. The title Messiah is used as one of great respect to honor a special prophet and apostle of Islam.