المسيح
al-Masīḥ
The Arabic word for "messiah" is المسيح (al-Masīḥ).
المسيح refers to an extremely powerful divine figure. In an Islamic context, this term refers specifically to Jesus Christ (Isa).
Meaning: an extremely powerful divine figure (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Arabic root m-s-ḥ, which means to anoint or wipe, referring to "the anointed one".
How does it change in a sentence?
المسيح is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
al-Masīḥ
Did you know?
- In Islamic eschatology, the title المسيح is used for both Jesus and the Antichrist, who is called المسيح الدجال ('al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl').
- Because the root m-s-ḥ relates to wiping, the Arabic word for 'eraser' is ممسحة ('mimsaha'), making it a linguistic cousin of المسيح.
- While المسيح is used for Jesus, Muslims typically refer to him by his proper name عيسى ('Isa) in daily conversation and the Quran.
Examples in context
- المسيحAl-Maseeh
- يؤمنون بقدوم المسيح.Yu'minuna bi-qudum al-Masih.They believe in the coming of the Messiah.
- المسيح شخصية مقدسة في الدين.Al-Masih shakhsiya muqaddasa fi al-din.The Messiah is a holy figure in the religion.
- انتظر الناس ظهور المسيح.Intadhara al-nas zuhur al-Masih.People waited for the appearance of the Messiah.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ahmed are discussing a religious text.
- مريم Maryamأنا أدرس حياة المسيح الآن.Anā adrusu ḥayāt l-masīḥ al-ān.I am studying the life of the Messiah now.
- أحمد Ahmedهل هذا الكتاب صعب يا مريم؟Hal hādhā l-kitāb ṣaʿbun yā Maryam?Is this book difficult, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamلا، لكنه عميق جداً.Lā, lākinnahu ʿamīqun jiddan.No, but it is very deep.
- أحمد Ahmedأود أن أقرأ عنه أيضاً.Awaddu an aqraʾa ʿanhu ayḍan.I would like to read about him too.
