92. Is the word ‘Masih’ Arabic?

In these verses (3:45, 4:157, 4:171, 172, 5:17, 5:72, 5:75, 9:30, 31) of the Quran Prophet Isa is referred to as ‘Masih’.

Just as Isa is a given name, so is Masih. This name does not refer to his attribute. In Arabic the word Masih means ‘smeared with’, but in places where this word is used in the Quran it does not mean the same.

In verse 3:45 of the Quran while talking about Prophet Isa it refers to Masih Isa. When Allah refers to Prophet Isa as Masih, means this word ‘Masih’ cannot be of Arabic origin.

We should not venture to find a meaning for the word just as we do not try for the name Isa. We should use the name Masih in the same manner as we use Isa.

In Judeo-Christian scriptures Prophet Isa is referred to as a ‘close messiah’.

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad while referring to Dajjal used the term ‘Masih’. We see the same use in both instances.

Though the word ‘Masih’ is in existence in Arabic language, it is not used in the context of its meaning but used only as a name.