Assalamu Alaykum,
1-What is the meaning of Messiah (Masih) in the holy Quran?
2- Who was crucified instead of Eesa PBUH?
Thank you

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The word Messiah in the Quran refers to ‘Eesa (Jesus) and the scholars stated many reasons for him being named as the Messiah. It was said that he was named the Messiah because his feet were flat (the arch of which is flattened so that the entire sole rests upon the ground), and it was also said that he was named so because he came out of his mother’s womb anointed with oil. It was also said that he was named the Messiah because whenever he wipes over a person with disability, the person becomes cured. And it was said that the Messiah means As-Siddeeq (the truthful one).

As regards the man to whom Allaah gave the features of ‘Eesa and who was crucified by the Jews, it was said that it was the Jewish Titanus who entered a house where ‘Eesa (Jesus) was, and when he came out, Allaah gave him the features of ‘Eesa and he was killed. It was also said that it was the guard who was surveilling the place where ‘Eesa was imprisoned. Other things were also said about him.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 87468 and 85366. 

Allaah Knows best.