Abu Issa al-lsfahani (Isfahani)

(fl. 8th cent)

   Persian, self-proclaimed Messiah. He claimed to be the Messiah ben Joseph, the last of the five forerunners of the Messiah ben David. He prohibited divorce, eating meat, and drinking wine. He recognized the prophecies of Jesus and Mohammed and decreed seven daily prayers. In a rebellion against the Abbasid rulers, he was killed in battle.