The Concept of the Messiah in Judaism and Islam: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The concept of the Messiah occupies a central place in the eschatological traditions of both Judaism and Islam. Although both religions anticipate the advent of a divinely guided figure who will establish justice and righteousness, they differ significantly in their understanding of the Messiah's identity, mission, and theological significance. This study comparatively examines the concept of the Messiah in Judaism and Islam by exploring its scriptural foundations, theological interpretations, and eschatological implications. Adopting a descriptive and comparative research methodology, the study analyzes primary religious sources, including the Hebrew Bible, the Qur'an, and authentic Hadith literature, alongside selected classical and contemporary scholarly works. It investigates the meaning and development of the term Messiah and examines how each tradition conceptualizes the promised figure within its broader religious worldview. The study finds that Judaism generally understands the Messiah as a future descendant of Prophet David who will restore Israel, establish divine justice, and inaugurate an era of peace. In contrast, Islam recognizes Jesus ('Īsā) as al-Masīḥ (the Messiah), whose second coming will defeat al-Dajjāl, restore justice, and reaffirm the worship of one God. Despite these theological differences, both traditions present the Messiah as a divinely appointed leader whose mission is to overcome oppression, promote righteousness, and establish peace. By identifying both convergences and divergences in Jewish and Islamic messianic thought, this study contributes to comparative religious scholarship and Abrahamic studies. It further demonstrates that a deeper understanding of these traditions can promote informed interfaith dialogue and provide valuable insights into the shared ethical ideals of justice, peace, and divine guidance.