Questions regarding Jesus, the Messiah, the Holy Prophet, Imam Mahdi...

[Mohamad Abdel-Hamid 134]

Salaam,

I want to ask you guys some questions regarding some personnalities and the concept of messianism and eschatology, because to be honest, I am really confused and would like some clarifications from some of you who really understand this. My questions are:

1) What is the definition of "the Messiah" and does it mean the same thing as "saviour and awaited guide of humanity" ?

2) Was Jesus (عليه السلام) the Messiah ? Because from what I know the Qur'an calls him "al-Masih" (Messiah in Arabic).

3) Was Jesus (عليه السلام) the Messiah for the Jews only or for all nations ?

4) Can there be more than one Messiah, or is that title reserved to one individual only ?

5) What is the position of Muhammad (ص) compared to Jesus (عليه السلام) ? Obviously the Holy Prophet (ص) has a higher rank than him, but why does the Qur'an say that Jesus (عليه السلام) was the Messiah and not Muhammad (ص) ? Wasn't the Holy Prophet (ص) supposed to deliver us a message that is the ultimate guide and salvation till the Day of Judgement, while the message of Jesus (عليه السلام) was only temporal ?

6) Do we as Muslims consider Muhammad (ص) to be the definite saviour of humanity ?

7) If the Holy Prophet (ص) is the definite saviour of humanity, then what about Imam Mahdi (atf) ? Isn't he also considered to be the awaited saviour of humanity ?

8) If Imam Mahdi (atf) is the awaited saviour of humanity, does that mean that there can be more that one saviour; all of them having the same rank, or does one have a higher rank than the other ?

9) If we Muslims wait for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (atf) and believe him to be the awaited guide of all humanity, then what about Jesus (عليه السلام) ? We also believe that he's going to reappear alongside Imam Mahdi (atf). What would his role be for humanity ? Will he still act as a prophet and would he still have the title of "al-Masih" ?

10) If we, because of being ignorant, have any doubts or false beliefs or answers concerning these questions, are we committing any major sin ?

Sorry if these questions may sound repetitive, confusing, too hard, too obvious, contradictory or not making much sense. But I would really love if you guys could give me precise answers in order for me to correctly understand this topic. Thank you !