What is the meaning of the title "Al-Masih" (the Messiah), what is its significance in Islam, and what is the context of its use to refer to Jesus?

"Al-Masih" is a title for 'Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him. Several considerations are mentioned regarding its appellation: among them, that Allah purified him from sins, or he was anointed with blessings, or because he used to heal the sick by anointing them. Scholars differed on the etymology of the word. Some said it is from "saha, yaseeh" meaning to travel in the land, or from "masaha" (to wipe/anoint). In this latter case, they also differed, some saying it is because he traversed the earth extensively, or because he used to wipe/anoint the sick and they would be cured, or because he was anointed with blessings, or anointed with holy oil, or because Allah wiped him clean and purified him from sins.