The Messiah as Post-Scriptural Construction: A Genealogical Analysis of Abrahamic Conflicts

The eschatological Messiah, often regarded as a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, does not originate in their canonical scriptures. In the Tanakh, m ̄aˇsˆıah referred to anointed political leaders, not an apocalyptic redeemer. In the . New Testament, the doctrine of the Second Coming emerged from Pauline and post-apostolic development rather than Jesus’ own teachings. In the Qur’an, while Is ̄a is designated al-Mas ̄ıh, no eschatological return is mentioned; this concept appears only in later hadith traditions. Through genealogical analysis, this study demonstrates that the messianic figure constitutes a post-scriptural construc- tion intrinsically linked to its dialectical counterpart—Armilus, the Antichrist, or al-Mas ̄ıh ad-Dajj ̄al—forming a binary framework of savior versus antagonist. This . construction has perpetuated Abrahamic conflicts throughout history, as each tra- dition validates its Messiah while demonizing others. Deconstructing this binary opens new possibilities for interfaith reconciliation and a spirituality emancipated from externalized savior narratives.