Subject : "There is no Harm in Calling Christians as "Messiahs

Fatwa Number : 2673

Date : 09-09-2012

Classified : Sects And Religions

Fatwa Type : Search Fatawaa

Question :

Is it permissible to give the word (Messiah) to (the Christians)since this word was not mentioned in the Quran?

The Answer :

Praise be to Allah; prayers and peace be upon the Prophet of Allah There is no harm in calling (Christians) as (Messiahs)even though the latter was not mentioned in the Quran, as it is not a condition in the naming of sects and religions that the name should be constant in the book and Sunnah(whatever the prophet said ,did, or approved of).It is sufficient that the name is widespread when referring to them, and scholars know them with this name, and it doesn't violate Sharia. The Qur'an uses some names and does not reject others. Muslim scholars have used the word “Messiah” in the past and the present to refer to a person who is a follower of the religion of Christianity.We find it in history books and biographies, such as the book "’Ouyoon Al-An`ba`." But the Subki in "Tabaqaat al-Shaafi'iah" (3 \ 209) reported this name in lines of verse by Imam Alqaffal al-Shaashi al-Shaafe’i (may Allah Have mercy upon him). We say this even though we believe that the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon them was a worshipper of Allah. Allah said in relating the words of Jesus, (PBUH) (Maryam 19): “[Jesus] said, "Indeed, I am a worshipper of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakat as long as I remain alive” (Qur’an 19: 30-31). And Allah knows best.

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