Al-Masīḥ (The Messiah)...
Al-Masīḥ (The Messiah): Prophet Isa was referred to as “Al-Masīḥ” [4] [anointed; wiped clean] 11 times in 9 verses of the Qur’an because he was anointed with holy olive oil, with which the Prophets were anointed or because Gabriel wiped him with his wings at his birth so that it could be a protection from Satan [5] . Although the Qur’an does not elaborate on the specifics of messiahship, this title denotes his spiritual significance and leadership.
Kalimatullah (Word of God): Jesus is described as a word from Allah (Qur’an 3:45), emphasizing his miraculous creation through the divine command “Be!” Rūhullah (Spirit from God): His creation is further described as being supported by a spirit from God (Qur’an 4:171), signifying his divinely inspired mission.
His Attributes and Characteristics The Qur’an presents Prophet ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (Jesus Christ) as an exceptional and divinely chosen figure endowed with remarkable attributes and characteristics. His life embodies a unique combination of human virtues, spiritual elevation, and divine miracles, making him a central figure in Islamic tradition. Servant of Allah: Jesus is described as a devoted servant of Allah who was entrusted with the mission of guiding humanity toward monotheism.
The Qur’an states, “He said, ‘Indeed I am a servant of Allah! He has given me the Book and made me a prophet.” (Qur’an 19:30) This highlights his role as a prophet who conveyed Allah’s message with clarity and sincerity. Messenger of Allah: The Qur’an portrays Jesus as a divine Prophet and Messenger (Qur’an 2: 253) sent specifically to the Children of Israel [Bani Israel] to guide them back to the true path of worshiping Allah alone (Qur’an 5: 72).
He called them to righteousness and adherence to the teachings of Allah: “ And [he will be] an apostle to the Children of Israel, [and he will declare,] “I have certainly brought you a sign from your Lord.” (Qur’an 3: 49) Born of a Virgin Mother: Jesus’ miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) is a central aspect of his identity. The Qur’an narrates the story of Mary’s purity and Allah’s intervention in granting her a child without human intervention (Qur’an 19:16-21).
His birth underscores Allah’s power and the special status of both Jesus and his mother. A Spirit from Allah: The Qur’an refers to Jesus as “a spirit from Him” (Qur’an 4:171), signifying his close relationship with Allah and his elevated spiritual status.