Abd al‑Masīḥ

📜 Who Is ‘Abd al-Masīḥ?

1. A Christian Name & Title

• ‘Abd al-Masīḥ literally means Servant of Christ (the Messiah).

• It is a traditional Arabic Christian name, especially common among Syriac, Maronite, Coptic, and Orthodox communities in the Middle East.

• It was used both as a personal name and a monastic/religious title.

🕊️ Notable Historical Figures Named ‘Abd al-Masīḥ

1. Abd al-Masīḥ of Najrān

• He was one of the leaders of the Christian delegation of Najrān that visited Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina around 631 CE.

• This delegation discussed theology with the Prophet and were invited to participate in Mubahala (a mutual invocation of curse), but declined.

• He was referred to respectfully and allowed to worship according to his faith under the Covenant of Najrān, a treaty given by the Prophet.

• He represents early Muslim-Christian interfaith diplomacy.

2. ‘Abd al-Masīḥ al-Ghassānī (Qays al-Ghassānī)

• Lived in the 8th–9th century CE.

• Originally a Christian, he converted to Islam, joined military expeditions, but later repented and returned to Christianity.

• He became a monk at St. Sabas Monastery and later headed a monastery at Mount Sinai.

• Martyred in Ramla, Palestine, after refusing to return to Islam.

• Recognized as a Christian martyr and saint in Eastern Orthodox traditions.

3. Abd al-Masīḥ al-Antaki (1850–1928)

• A Syrian Christian intellectual, writer, and publisher in Egypt.

• Contributed to Arabic literary revival (Nahda).

• Published Christian theological works and was active in journalism.

• Advocated for coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the Arab world.

🏛️ Use in Christian-Arab Culture

• The name is commonly found among Lebanese Maronites, Egyptian Copts, Syriac Orthodox, and Iraqi Christians.

• Many bishops, monks, and scholars bore this name.

• It symbolizes loyalty and devotion to Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) as the Messiah in Christian theology.

🤝 In Islamic Context

• While the Qur'an acknowledges ‘Isa al-Masīḥ (Jesus the Messiah) as a noble prophet, Islam does not approve calling oneself “Abd” of anyone except Allah.

• Therefore, names like ‘Abd al-Masīḥ, while accepted in Christian tradition, are generally not used by Muslims.

📌 Summary

NameRolePeriodNotesAbd al-Masīḥ of NajrānChristian leader/delegate~631 CEMet Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)Qays/‘Abd al-Masīḥ al-GhassānīMonk & martyr8th–9th centuryBeheaded in RamlaAbd al-Masīḥ al-AntakiWriter & Arab Christian thinker19th–20th centuryNahda movement figure

Would you like to explore more about:

• The Najrān delegation’s story with the Prophet?

• The monasteries associated with Qays al-Ghassānī?

• The name’s modern use in Christian families today?