Yes, Muslims do believe Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is the Messiah (Al-Masih), though their understanding of his role and nature differs significantly from Christian beliefs.
Understanding Jesus's Role as Messiah in Islam
In Islam, Jesus holds a highly revered position as one of the most important prophets and messengers sent by God (Allah). He is explicitly referred to as the Messiah in the Quran. However, unlike in Christianity, where Jesus is seen as the divine Son of God, Saviour, and redeemer for all humanity, Islam views Jesus as a mortal prophet.
Muslims believe Jesus was the Messiah primarily for the Jewish people, sent to guide the Children of Israel back to the straight path of God. His role was to confirm the previous scriptures and bring a new law from God.
Key Aspects of Jesus (Isa) in Islam
- Prophet of God: Muslims believe Jesus was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father, by the will of God. He performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, all by God's permission.
- The Messiah (Al-Masih): The title "Al-Masih" signifies a blessed individual chosen by God with a special purpose. For Jesus, this meant being a blessed prophet with a unique mission, particularly to the Israelites.
- Not Divine: Islam firmly rejects the concept of Jesus being God, the Son of God, or part of a Trinity. The core Islamic principle is the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid).
- Will Return in the End Times: A crucial belief in Islam is that Jesus was not crucified or died on the cross but was raised alive to heaven by God. He is prophesied to return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and establish justice, signaling the proximity of the end of days. This return is a significant event in Islamic eschatology.
Contrasting Views: Jesus as Messiah
To better understand the distinct perspectives, here's a comparison of how Jesus is viewed in Christianity versus Islam:
| Aspect | Christian Perspective | Islamic Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Son of God, God incarnate, Saviour, Redeemer | Prophet, Messenger of God, Messiah (Al-Masih) |
| Nature | Divine and Human | Fully human, created by God |
| Role as Messiah | Universal Saviour for all humanity, atonement for sins, mediator | Messiah specifically for the Children of Israel, brought guidance, confirmed earlier scriptures |
| Crucifixion/Death | Crucified, died, resurrected on the third day | Not crucified; raised alive to heaven by God |
| Future Role | Second Coming for judgment and eternal reign | Will return before the Day of Judgment to fight evil and restore justice |
Messiah vs. Mahdi
It is also important to note that while Jesus is the Messiah (Al-Masih) who will return, Islamic tradition also speaks of another figure, the Mahdi (مهدي). The Arabic term Mahdi literally refers to a "guided person." The Mahdi is believed to be a righteous leader who will emerge before Jesus's return to lead the Muslim community and establish global justice. Jesus is believed to pray behind the Mahdi upon his return, further clarifying their distinct, yet complementary, roles in end-times prophecies.
In conclusion, Muslims unequivocally believe Jesus is the Messiah, a revered prophet of God with a unique historical and future role, but their understanding of his identity and purpose differs fundamentally from Christian theology.
