In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
Who and what is the meaning of messiah?
Literally the word messiah, maw-shakh, moshiach (in Hebrew) means The anointed one – signifying that he will be a leader, a king, high priest or a chosen one.
Many prophets in OT are mentioned as anointed ones or Messiahs .eg - Isaiah – 61:1, 2 Chronicles 6:42, Psalms 45:7 etc
To prove its not a unique term and it is used for others and prophets we read in – 1 Chronicles 16:22 - "Do not touch my anointed ones(Christs or Messiahs – Note it’s a plural – also Psalms 105:5); do my prophets no harm."
So if Quran uses the term messiah(Quran 9:30) exclusively for jesus there is nothing to be surprised about as Prophet Ibrahim(pbuh) is called the friend of God and as per the scholars every prophet is a friend of God. Muslims during wudhu(ablution) masah which means pouring and rubbing wet hands throughout the head. Which the word Hebrew word messiah(the one who is anointed) stands for a person chosen to be a leader by rubbing oil on the head.
Christians are unfamiliar with the word messiah or Christ. Most of the Christians are not even aware of the meaning of the word “Christ” and may be they hardly care to know about it and are just made to believe that He is a savior like figure for them as“He died for your sins” – So If you believe that then you are saved.
The most important thing about the Christ/Messiah which is hidden intentionally or un-intentionally by the scholars of christianity is according to the jews and their bible Messiah will :-
Let me explain it in a typical Abraham lincoln’s quote of democracy– Christ/ Messiah will come from among the jews, to the jews and for the jews - ONLY.
Why do the jews reject Jesus as their messiah is because he criticised them exposed their hypocrisy,double standard and their corruption of holy books –Though jesus was an Israelite he was and is still rejected by the jews as he didn’t fulfilled the prophecy the jews wanted him to fulfill. Hence, If jews are asked as to why they reject jesus as their messiah? They will simply say that he didn’t fulfilled any prophecy. And If Christians are asked as to why jews(the chosen ones) rejected jesus as messiah? Christians will quickly reply – He will fulfill it in the second coming. The Christians fail or may be they are not aware that there is nothing like second coming of the messiah from Judaism’s own sources or Old testament and may be talmud. Even if they quote some verse – it is regarded as mis-interpretation by the chosen people themselves.
Let me highlight some of the facts which are not know by the people of all Abrahamic faiths - possibly.
WHY THE JEWS REJECT PROPHET MOHAMMED(PBUH) AS THE MESSIAH?
Its not a surprises us muslims that jews reject Prophet Mohammed pbuh as the messiah today.These are the same people who had made God their monopoly. So why will they leave Messiah. The main reason they rejected messiah is because he came from among the arabs or ishmaelites and not the Israelites.
Second reason they give is that he nullified torah which according to them will remain intact forever . If we look at their history – First torah was destroyed during the babylonian captivity then again Torah was destroyed during the destruction of the temple about 70 CE by the romans. So this claim of theirs that it will remain intact forever fails . If we look at the mosaic laws and not the story in the first five books – It is very similar to that of the Quran with few exceptions. Torah is too extreme unlike Quran.
Third reason they give today is the same when asked about Jesus that he didn’t fulfill any prophecies.This is a lie as Jews at the time of prophet were waiting for a messiah will be coming from among the arabs/ishmaelites a savior like for them. Proof as we read in various seerah(biography) there were many jewish tribes who had migrated to yathrib or Medina expecting the messiah to come. The most famous ones are Banu- Quraiza, Banu-Qaynuqa and Banu-Nadir .Their claim that he didn’t fulfilled any prophecy is a lie.He indeed fulfilled it which we will read on later below.When the prophet(pbuh) arrived – the mis-interpreted prophecies made them think that when he will come he will make Jews the ruler of the world and everything will be theirs. It will be like what they call today a totalitarian one-world government which will be in the hands of jews.
SOME JEWS WHO REGARDED MOHAMMED(PBUH) AS THE MESSIAH:-
Shimon bar Yochai or Simeon ben yohai – The eminent jewish rabbi who predated Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and predicted that Messiah will be coming or will come shortly from among the ishmaelites(he was the only one who honestly interpreted Dt 18:18) redeeming the whole world from its misery.
Abdullah ibn Salam - The ex-jew sahabi who converted to Islam.
Jacob ben nathanael ibn al-fayyumi - Another rabbi who came in the medieval ages said that Mohammed (pbuh) was indeed a true prophet.
Now, let us see from judaism’s own sources as to what they expect from him.
JUDAISM EXPECTATIONS OF MESSIAH AND WHO FULFILLS THOSE PROPHECIES
A summarized version is here :-
1. Restore the Jewish people to Israel within the biblical borders of the land (Isaiah 11.11-12.6, Jeremiah 31.35-40, Ezekiel 47-48).
REPLY:- First of all – A very important thing I want to say to my muslims brothers and sisters that majority of the jews whom you see today are not the jews of ancient Israel. Almost 90% of them are Ashkenazi jews who are the descendants of east Europeans or Khazar tribes(a Turkic people) that had converted to Judaism. In Genesis 10:1-3 – it is mentioned that ashkenaz was a descendant of Japheth and not Shem. Even though the religion of Judaism dont accept conversion but - In worst times, you have to be friends with your enemies . They had converted in the medieval ages to escape the persecution and save themselves from ongoing war among muslims and christians. Read Arthur Koestler’s – The thirteen tribe. Some claim that Afghanis(Pashtuns) and Kashmiris are the real descendants of the israelites – Both of whom are 99% muslims. Many will say that it is hypothetical – This theory was proposed not by muslims but the Christians themselves – George Moore. According to me Judaism/Israelite is not a race but a nationality . As they were black jews too back then aka as Ethiopian jews who migrated from Israel to Ethiopia. Even if it is a race or nation then still Prophet Mohammed was sent to everybody not just to arabs or Persians and united them all to worship the one true God when they stand along side by side in mecca during hajj.
2. Create peace between Israel and her neighbours and in the whole world (Isaiah 19.21-25, Amos 9.11-14).
REPLY:- Who was able to accomplish this task. I am asking my muslim brethren and honest unbelievers. The jews who were being persecuted by the Christians in Europe and were given shelter in spain and Palestine by muslims. Golden Age of jews during medieval ages was under the muslim rule. Christians have the history of persecuting the jews by labeling them as Christ-killers,god-killers etc – the recent one being holocaust. Even a Christian author merlin Swartz acknowledge that muslims were far more tolerant towards jews than Christians.
3. Restore the Temple and rule the world from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2.1-4, Ezekiel 40-48).
REPLY:- Today masjid al aqsa and the golden dome or dome of the rock both are able to stand today is because of muslims . During the siege of Jerusalem where muslims emerged victorious under the caliphate of Umar(ra) . Caliph Umar(ra) allowed jews to practice their religion freely in Jerusalem unlike the jews living under the byzantines who had massacred and persecuted them for centuries even after they themselves converted to christianity.
4. Bring an end to all war and military training (Isaiah 2.4).
REPLY:- Prophet Mohammed pbuh established khilafah. The khilafah rule where one leader will rule the who muslim world on the basis of his piety. It which puts and end to all kind of isms like nationalism,racism,tribalism etc. Only Islam had been able to accomplish it unlike Judaism and Christianity had failed to end all kind of ism’s mentioned here. Let me give you an example WW1,WW2 and do I need to mention about racism and other religions too like Buddhism- failed to end nationalism, Hinduism failed – nationalism,casteism etc.
5. Cause the earth to be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11.9, Habakkuk 2.14).
REPLY:- Islam unlike Christianity(especially Catholicism) is the only religion which encourages people to gain knowledge practice and preach it to others. Protestant though encourages gaining knowledge but again their hero says - Sin-boldly. Jews are least concerned about others – No don’t worry I wont quote anything from Talmud here. Buddhist one of the major religion is atheistic for name-sake as you will always see an idol of Buddha next to his followers and do I need to say anything about Hinduism.
WHAT DOES NEW TESTAMENT SAYS ABOUT MESSIAH?
Jesus himself denies that he was the MESSIAH who was predicted in the Tanakh or Old Testament. How let us see:-
JEWS CLAIM THAT MESSIAH WILL BRING PEACE TO THE WHOLE WORLD
The jews says that messiah will bring peace all over the world quoting Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Ezekiel 39:9. Jesus said he was just sent to Israelites – Mt 15:24. Prophet Mohammed(pbuh) is sent as a mercy unto all(alameen) – Quran 21:107. Unlike, Jesus of bible who himself said that he was sent to israelites(Mt 15:24) cursed jews by calling them killer of prophets(Luke 13:34 which is true) and cursed their scholars- Do read the seven woes of pharisees.
KING DAVID CALLS HIM MY LORD.
COMMENT :- Jesus himself rejected indirectly that he was the messiah and even the fact that Messiah will be the son of David as mentioned in the gospel of matthew that jesus was a descendant of David – Mt 1:20 and Luke 1:35.
Mt 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,42 saying, “What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said unto Him, “The son of David.”43 He said unto them, “How then doth David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘The Lord said unto my Lord, “Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool”’? 45 If David then call Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son? 46 And no man was able to answer Him a word; neither dared any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions.
It does makes sense that father will not call his son – his Lord. And Making his enemies as his footstool means that he will destroy his enemies unlike jesus who was destroyed by his own enemies. Prophet Mohammed pbuh was a warrior who destroyed his enemies like David(pbuh) not because of his personal animosity and those opposed him were not his enemies but they were the enemies of God – the staunch idolators.
ELIJAH WILL PRECEED THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH
COMMENT : -Mt 17:10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?”11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, “Elijah truly shall first come and restore all things.12 But I say unto you that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they pleased. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer by them.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke unto them of John the Baptist.
Similarities between Jesus and Elijah-
1. Elijah miracles like raising the widow’s dead son - 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Jesus too Luke 7:12 and – The oil and wine miracle which were increased.2 Kings 4:1-7 and John 2:1-10 were similar
2. As mentioned Jesus said that he had already come indirectly saying that he was Elijah as – In Mt 17:12 Note here - the disciple understood but never asked him.
3. There is not even one similarity between Elijah and John the Baptist : - Even John the Baptist himself denied that he was Elijah – When he was asked about it in John 1:21
4. There is no prophet between Jesus and Mohammed (pbut) which means the scribes were right when they said that Elijah will come before Messiah.
5. In Malachi 4:5-6 – It is mentioned that like Elijah will come and turn the heart of fathers to children. A similar thing is said by jesus in matthew 10:21.
6. Elijah was raised to heaven like Jesus - 2 Kings 2:1
DID JESUS DIED OR WAS HE FLOWN UPTO THE HEAVEN LIKE ELIJAH
COMMENT : - We read in the bible that Jesus prayed for not getting crucified(Mt 36:29) but at the same time it is also mentioned that angel came to strengthen him(Luke 22:41-43) and his prayer were answered (Heb 5:7) . His prayers were answered means he was taken up to the heavens by angels. If not then what does it means – Did angel came to strengthen him to wrestle with romans and his prayer that - If it be possible, let this cup pass from me – which cup is he talking about – Cup of tea or coffee. What does it means when it is said that his prayers got answered. So dear Christians brothers and sisters – Don’t believe in blindly following anything or anybody. Do some research and think about it.
SOME MORE REASON AS TO WHY JEWS DENY JESUS(PBUH) AS THE MESSIAH AND ONLY PROPHET MOHAMMED (PBUH) FULFILLS THESE PROPHECIES MAKING HIM THE GRAND MESSIAH WHO WAS SENT AS A MESSENGER TO ALL SENT BY THE GOD.
1. The Messiah is born of two human parents, as we said. But Jesus, according to Christian theology, was born of a union between a Human woman and God.
COMMENT – This is true that Christians are giving the jews a stick to beat them with. There is nothing like Messiah will be God,God the son or God-like in the Tenach(OT) is one of the major reasons why jews reject him as a messiah.
2. The Messiah can trace his lineage through his human biological father, back to King David (Isaiah 11:1,10; Jeremiah 23:5; Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:21-28; Jeremiah 30:7-10; 33:14-16; and Hosea 3:4-5). But Jesus's lineage cannot go through his human father, according to Christian theology, as Jesus's father was not Joseph the husband of Mary. According to Christian theology, Jesus's father was God.
COMMENT:- I don’t think – I need to say anything regarding it as everybody knows that Prophet Mohammed pbuh had both Human biological father and mother.Also, read above why jesus(pbuh) himself gave a good reason denying the fact that Messiah will not be the descendant of King David(pbuh). If not then why woudn’t the jews play the monopoly game here.
3. The Messiah traces his lineage only through King Solomon (II Samuel 7:12-17; I Chronicles 22:9-10). But according to Luke 3:31, Jesus was a descendant of Nathan, another son of King David, and not a descendant of King David through King Solomon.
COMMENT:- The fact that Messiah will be the son of David is denied by
Jesus himself when he said that – Mt 24:45: - If David then call Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?”. As I had mentioned earlier that jews would leave no stone unturned to make even Messiah their monopoly through the corrupted word of God.
3. The Messiah is preceded by Elijah the prophet who, with the Messiah, unifies the family (Malachi 4:5-6), which is contradicted by Jesus in Matthew 10:34-37.
COMMENT:- Jesus similarity to Elijah is mentioned above.
4. The Messiah re-establishes the Davidic dynasty through the messiah's own children (Daniel 7:13-14). But Jesus had no children.
Comment:- True, but Prophet Mohammed pbuh indeed had children but was survived by his daughter Fatima (RA). As for Daniel 7:13 – I believe it mentions miraaj and in Dn 7:14 says- nothing is mentioned about his dynasty but mentions that nation shall serve him and his kingdom – that everybody will follow him and serve him pointing towards Prophet Mohammed pbuh ways which muslims call “Sunnah”. Nothing is mentioned about David or Solomon in those verses.
5. The Messiah brings an eternal peace between all nations, between all peoples, and between all people (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Ezekiel 39:9). Obviously there is no peace. Furthermore, Jesus said that his purpose in coming was to bring a sword, and not peace (see Matthew 10:34, as referenced above.)
COMMENT:- I agree as mentioned the so called followers of Jesus(pbuh) had failed to establish peace on earth by spreading all kinds of isms as mentioned earlier.But the meaning of Islam comes from the word Salam meaning peace. It’s unique unlike any religion How? Judaism comes from Judah one of the tribe of Israel, Christianity comes from Christ,Buddhism comes from Buddha, Hinduism comes from the Indus river.
6. The Messiah brings about the universal world-wide conversion of all peoples to Judaism, or at least to Ethical Monotheism (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zechariah 8:23; Isaiah 11:9; Zechariah 14:9,16). But the world remains steeped in idolatry.
COMMENT:- Once again Judaism doesn’t accept conversion. It’s more a nation than a religion. Judaism though a monotheistic faith has closed the door for others. This is not the case with Islam which calls the world to worship one True God or purest monotheism - “Tauheed” unlike Christianity and all other pagan religions - Buddhism and Hinduism.
7. The Messiah brings about an end to all forms of idolatry (Zechariah 13:2). But the world remains steeped in idolatry.
COMMENT:- Also, read the comment above. Christianity still fails here as majority of the Christians today are catholics who are steeped in idolatry. Protestantism – has an absurd philosophy. Sin boldly – says martin luther. So if they follow his teaching and sin boldly by doing idol-worship would they still be considered Christians.
8. The Messiah brings about a universal recognition that the Jewish idea of God is God (Isaiah 11:9). But the world remains steeped in idolatry.
COMMENT:- Again read my comment to two Same as above. Islam’s idea of God is purest one unlike Bible’s which promotes more of a anthromorphist , favoritest, sexist, brutal and above all that God is also portrayed as not being omniscient and omnipotent.
9. The Messiah leads the world to become vegetarian (Isaiah 11:6-9). It isn't.
COMMENT:- This reason sounds a bit ridiculous. If taken literally all animals will die – The wolf shall dwell with the lamb(Is 11:6). Here, the interpreters are not taking the verse literally still they are mis-interpreting it . If taken literally the whole life cycle will come to an end. If not, as per the interpreters when everybody goes veg then about protein required by human body which are necessary to prevent certain disease comes only from the animals flesh.
10. The Messiah gathers to Israel, all of the twelve tribes (Ezekiel 36:24). Many of the ten lost tribes remain lost.
COMMENT:- Again, do I need to repeat it that Israelites had made God their monopoly by corrupting the word of God are concerned just about Israelites. The true mission of the messiah will be – He shall gather all mankind to pray to the one true God which today is happening in Mecca. Masjid al Aqsa in Palestine today is one the three holiest site in Islam where people from all over the world unite to pray to one God.
11. The Messiah rebuilds The Temple (Isaiah 2:2; Ezekiel 37:26-28). It hasn't been rebuilt.
COMMENT:- If they are talking about solomons temple(Masjid al aqsa) then it still stands today and not the golden dome which everybody sees whenever the Masjid-Al Aqsa is mentioned. The jews must remember that when they were persecuted from europe especially spain were given shelter by Muslims in Palestine. If not then still the holiest temple mecca has been rebuilt by the Prophet Mohammed pbuh and jews are welcomed only if they put an end to their superiority complex and arrogance by embracing the true message of God which is Islam.
13 - There will be no more famine (Ezekiel 36:29-30). People starve to death every day.
COMMENT:- Again the game of literalism is played by the jews here. Ez 36:30- That ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Contradicting their own message of Zec 12:2 – that idolatory will come to an end. Then how possibly will heathen exist. It is metaphor which means - The famine which stands for Idolatory and other religion will cease to exist - except One and that one is no doubt – The true religion which is Islam.
14 - After the Messiah comes, death will eventually cease (Isaiah 25:8). People die every day.
COMMENT: - If you are talking about spiritual death which means all kind of evil then that’s fine otherwise be careful as in Ecclesiastes 9:3 it is mentioned that everyone has to die.
15. Eventually the dead will be resurrected (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Ezekiel 37:12-13; Isaiah 43:5-6);
COMMENT:- True, if you are talking about the Day of Judgement when everyone will be resurrected then you are right as the Grand Messiah - Prophet Mohammed pbuh was the last prophet who came before the day of Judgement.
16. The nations of the earth will help the Jews, materially (Isaiah 60:5-6; 60:10-12;
COMMENT:- OMG, Monopoly game played again. Do I need to repeat- Messiah will come from among the jews, to the jews and for the jews ONLY.
17. The Jews will be sought out for spiritual guidance (Zechariah 8:23);
COMMENT: - Same as above.
18:. All weapons will be destroyed (Ezekiel 39:9,12);
COMMENT: - Yes the weapons of heathens,evil,wicked oppressors will be destroyed as mentioned in Ez 39:9. It is said that - If you want peace, prepare for war". Even Jesus said – Luke 22:36- Sell your cloak and buy a sword. Remember - To establish peace it is necessary to destroy the war mongers who definitely will not be standing with lollipops to fight with you.
Finally some messages for you all to remember
John 8:32:- And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
And even if you don’t understand then as jesus said
Matthew 13:13 - Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Also Quran says in V41:53 - Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?
Last but not the least:-
Quran 36:17 :- And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message."
Allah knows the best,
Your brother in humanity,
Mohammed Rashid Khan
