The term “Al-Masih”is used eleven times in the Qur’an in reference to Isa. Many people simply understand this term to mean “anointed one”. It comes from the Arabic root “msh” which means “to anoint”. In the Arabic language there is a different word for “anointed one” which is “mamsuh”. Arabic words follow a specific pattern. By adding vowels to the root word the grammatical structure and the meaning will be changed. When we look at the grammatical structure of “masih”, it’s obvious that it means “most anointed” or “anointed to a high degree, to the point that this anointing is an inherent and permanent quality”. There is a lot of similarity between Arabic and Hebrew languages, the word “Al-Masih”, the suffix “al” in both languages makes a difference, it gives reference to “specific” Masih, “Al” refers to someone who is previously known, previously referred to or one in a class of his own.
The meaning of “Al-Masih” is significant when we recognize that Isa Al-Masih is the only one who was referred to in the Bible or the Qur’an as being “Al-Masih”. None of the other prophets are referred to by this title. It refers to the Anointed One (Al-Mamsuh).
Allah the Almighty promised King David that one of his descendants would be different from all other kings: “And it shall come to pass, when your days are ended that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will raise up your seed after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before you: But I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever: and his throne shall be established for evermore” (Tawrat 1 Chronicles 17:11-14).
What kind of anointing is this? What was Isa Al-Masih anointed with?
In the following verses will see what the Qur’an say about the identity of Isa Al-Masih.
In Al-Nisa 4:171, Al-Baqara 2:87 and Al-Maida 5:110 the Qur’an refers to “Spirit” in regard to Isa Al-Masih.
Al-Nisa 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion, and do not say about Allah except the truth. Al-Masih, Isa, the son of Mariam, is the Messenger of Allah, and His Word that He conveyed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and do not say, “Three.” Refrain—it is better for you. Allah is only one God. Glory be to Him—that He should have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth, and Allah is a sufficient Protector.”
Al-Baqara 2:87, “We gave Moses the Scripture, and sent a succession of messengers after him. And We gave Isa son of Mary the clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a messenger comes to you with anything your souls do not desire, you grew arrogant, calling some impostors, and killing others?”
Al-Maida 5:110, “When Allah will say, “O Isa son of Mary, recall My favor upon you and upon your mother, how I supported you with the Holy Spirit. You spoke to the people from the crib, and in maturity. How I taught you the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. And recall that you molded from clay the shape of a bird, by My leave, and then you breathed into it, and it became a bird, by My leave. And you healed the blind and the leprous, by My leave; and you revived the dead, by My leave. And recall that I restrained the Children of Israel from you when you brought them the clear miracles. But those who disbelieved among them said, `This is nothing but obvious sorcery.’“
In order to understand the meaning of the Spirit, there is a need look at the books that came first, for the Qur’an advices, “If you are in doubt about what We revealed to you, ask those who read the Scripture before you. The truth has come to you from your Lord, so do not be of those who doubt.” (Yunus 10:94).
The Holy Injil describes how the angel Jibra`el spoke to Miriam, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
These Qur’anic verses state clearly that Isa was more than a prophet, if we looked carefully that His anointment with the Spirit is really equal to Him been supported and empowered by the Spirit. It is important to clear some misunderstandings, for some Muslims say “Spirit” refers to the breath of life that each person has (Qur’an 15:29; 32:9; 38:73), nor refers to Jibra`el (Qur’an 16:102).
Let’s us take a close look at what the Qur’an says in Al-Maida 5:110 concerning the strengthening or supporting with the Holy Spirit, this anointing of the Holy Spirit caused Al-Masih to do many miracles, “You spoke to the people from the crib, and in maturity. How I taught you the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. And recall that you molded from clay the shape of a bird, by My leave, and then you breathed into it, and it became a bird, by My leave. And you healed the blind and the leprous, by My leave; and you revived the dead, by My leave.”
The Bible describes how He was anointed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism, “You know what has happened … after the baptism that John preached–how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” (Injil Acts 10:37-38)
Al-Masih proclaimed the beginning of His ministry, “The Spirit of God is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Injil Luke 4:18-19)
Isa Al-Masih was anointed with the Spirit of God like no other man. If “Spirit of God” means the physical breath of life, as some Muslims teach, then any ordinary man should be able to do miracles.
The Holy Injil declares that “God is Spirit” (Injil John 4:24) and Isa is the Word “the Word was God” (Injil John 1:1), the eternal Word of Allah (Isa), possessed the divine spirit and nature and essence of Allah. This eternal Word that co-existed with God from eternity became flesh (Injil John 1:14).
To believe that Isa Al-Masih was a prophet is not enough.? Who do you say that Isa Al-Masih is?
