Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Life of Isa (Jesus peace be upon him) in Islam Part II


The Life of Isa (Jesus peace be upon him) in Islam Part II

WAS JESUS A MUSLIM? By ROBERT F. SHEDINGER


Isa alayhe salam, in the Quran, is referred by four different attributes.

The first one is “rooh Allah”. This is not to say he is the soul of Allah literally, but rather it is a phrase used to honor Isa alayhe salam and to show his endearment to Allah.

The second phrase is “rooh minh”, meaning a soul from Allah. He is not a part of Allah physically, instead he is a soul from His creation.9

Next, Isa alayhe salam is referred to as “kalimat Allah”, a word of Allah. This means he was created by words from Allah, “kun fa yakun”, be and it is.10

Finally, he is called “maseeh” which means that he is “mamsooh al-khilqa”, or very handsome to look at, or from the word, “masaha” (to wipe), that he was able to cure illness with a mere touch. Allah showered many miracles and blessings on Isa alayhe salam, including his very birth.

The townspeople witnessed light from where Maryam alayha salam gave birth to him. They were drawn to the brightness of the light, but were stopped from entering the area since it was protected by angels. Right after Isa’s birth, astrologers and fortune tellers informed the king of Persia that a messenger had been born. He sent a letter to the king of Damascus inquiring about any important births. The king of Damascus then sent a letter to Beit Al-Maqdis again wanting to know of any recent notable births. The people in Beit AlMaqdis replied that someone had been born of a miraculous birth. This child was born without a father. The king of Persia demanded he be killed. So Maryam alayha salam took her son to Egypt for their protection and she later returned.
وجعلنا ابن امریم الى ربوة ذات قرار ومعین
In Egypt, Maryam alayha salam and her son, Isa alayhe salam, stayed in a house of a wealthy and pious worshipper. He took them in and spent on them. He had a house for charity for the elderly, sick, and weak. He fed them and tended to all their needs. He had gold hidden near one of the walls of the house. One day, he discovered it had been stolen. He gathered in his house and asked who had taken the
gold. He insisted everyone be apprehended until his gold had been recovered. Isa alayhe salam, who was just a little boy, revealed that a blind man and another one who was paralyzed had conspired together to take the gold. He had confronted the two men and asserted that they return the gold or great evil would befall them. They were amazed as to how a child would have such knowledge and conviction. They asked him how he knew, and Isa alayhe salam replied that Allah had revealed it to him. The gold was returned immediately to the owner. Isa alayhe salam received the revelation at the age of 30 and was sent to Bani Israel. At that time, they were living in the Al-Sham area, which is present day Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. He began to spread the word of God, and revealed he was his messenger. When Isa alayhe salam began calling his people to Allah’s way, they asked him for miracles, since they were practicing magic and medicine at that time.
وَیُعَلِّمُھُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنْجِیل
◌َ
وَرَسُولًا إِلَى بَنِي إِسْرَا ئِیلَ أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُمْ بِآیَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُمْ مِنَ الطِّینِ كَھَیْئَةِ الطَّیْرِ فَأَنْفُخُ فِیھِ فَیَكُونُ
طَیْرًا بِإِذْنِ للهَِّ وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَھَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْیِي الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِ للهَِّ وَأُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَ ا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُیُوتِكُمْ إِنَّ
فِي ذَلِكَ لَآیَةً لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِینَ
And He (Allah) will teach him (Jesus) the Book and Al-Hikmah (wisdom), and the Torah and the Gospel. 3:48
And will make him (Jesus) a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave; and I heal him who has born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.” 3:49

These verses state that one of the miracles was that Isa alayhe salam was given the book and wisdom, law, and gospel. This, however, was not enough for them. He made a figure of a bird from clay and breathed life into it, by the will of Allah. The bird flew away and again this was not enough for them. At the time of Isa alayhe salam, medical knowledge was at its height, yet they were not able to cure blindness. The miracles from Allah is always given to the messenger to coincide with that which is popular of their time. Isa alayhe salam was given the miracle of restoring sight to the blind, by the will of Allah. Even though his people were advanced medically, they
understood that his ability to cure blindness was indeed a true miracle. He also was able to cure leprosy and gave life to the dead. Bani Israel took Isa alayhe salam to a graveyard where they asked him to give life to a man that had died. Isa alayhe salam brought that man back to life, by the will of Allah. He emerged from his grave with his clothes on and questioned why he had been brought back to life. He asked Isa alayhe salam to return him back to his grave since that abode was a better place for
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him. Isa alayhe salam then made dua and the man died once again. Even after this miracle, Bani Israel still were skeptical. On another occasion, Isa alayhe salam was once passing by a graveyard when he noticed a woman crying over a grave. He asked her who had been buried there. The woman stated it was her daughter and swore she would not leave her because of her love for her. In her grief, she wished to die with her daughter or her daughter be brought back to life. Isa alayhe salam proposed to her that if he brought her back to
life again, would the woman then believe in his message. The woman agreed and Isa alayhe salam proceeded to command three times that the dead girl rise from her grave. The girl then was brought out of her grave. Isa alayhe salam questioned why it had taken so long for the girl to rise from her grave. She said that once she heard the first calling, Allah recreated her physical form. At his second command, an angel appeared over her head. Finally, her soul returned to her. As her soul returned to her body, the girl’s hair turned to white from the horror that it might be the judgment day. The girl was appalled at the idea of experiencing the agony of death again and asked Isa alayhe salam to return her to her grave. At this point, the mother is silent and astonished at what she saw. Isa alayhe salam maked dua to Allah to return the girl to her grave and to ease her plight. His prayer was granted. Bani Israel were still unconvinced of Isa alayhe salam and his message. They asked him what food sustained them and what they had stored in their houses. He responded correctly and yet they still did not believe. Isa alayhe salam informed them that he was sent to confirm the Tawrah and to make permissible what was previously forbidden. They continued to bring him the sick, blind, and infirmed - those that are paralyzed or with terminal illnesses. With Allah’s permission, he was able to cure them all. During his lifetime, Isa alayhe salam was a humble servant to the word of Allah. He slept without a covering and wore wool. When he was reminded of the afterlife, he would scream and weep like a child. Before he began to preach the word of Allah, he was a handsome, young man. After spreading the message of Allah, he was often
yellow from hunger with dry lips from thirst. He continued preaching of the oneness of Allah and of the Injeel.11
Isa’s followers were from the poor and weak of the Bani Israel. He delivered numerous messages, one of which was the coming of a later messenger by the name of Ahmad.12 Even with all miracles Isa alayhe salam was given by Allah, Bani Israel continued to disbelieve and stated that it was just black magic.
إِنْ ھَذَا إِلاَّ سِحْرٌ مُّبِینٌ

He traveled to Al-Nasirah in Palestine which was for him like Ta’if was for Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. However, in reality Al-Nasirah turned out to be like Madina was for the Prophet. He, too, called on the people for their support for a victory much like Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam did in Ta’if. Isa alayhe salam gained a firm amount of following in Al-Nasirah, unlike the reaction of the people of Ta’if for Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. The disciples answered to his call by confirming they were Allah’s helpers.13 They proclaimed their belief and affirmed they were Muslims.
ِ وَاشْھَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ قَالَ الْحَوَارِیُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ للهِّ آمَنَّا باِ ّ
“We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (we submit to Allah).” 3:52

Others, however, disbelieved and were arrogant of the message.
فَآَمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِیلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَة “Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved.” 61:14
The Hawiryoon were true worshippers, like the Muhajireen and Ansar, who gave commitment to our Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. There were twelve disciples, and among the disciples were those that insisted on proof and were not willing to follow blindly. They presented Isa alayhe salam with challenges and demanded that he ask Allah for a feast from heaven as a miracle. Isa alayhe salam replied that they should fear Allah if they were believers because should such a miracle be granted - and they still do not believe – doom would befall them. They insisted on the firmness of their belief, but wanted this miracle only to further strengthen it. Isa alayhe salam then invoked Allah for food to be sent to them and to those that followed until the Day of Judgment.
كُنتُم إِذْ قَالَ الْحَوَارِیُّونَ یَا عِیسَى ابْنَ مَرْیَمَ ھَلْ یَسْ تَطِیعُ رَبُّكَ أَن یُنَزِّلَ عَلَیْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء قَالَ اتَّقُواْ للهَّ إِن
112 )مُّؤْمِنِینَ )
(Remember) when al-Hawiryoon (the disciples) said: “Oh Isa, son of Maryam! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with food) from heaven?” Isa said, “Fear Allah, if you are indeed believers.” 5:112
قَالُواْ نُرِیدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ مِنْھَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ عَلَیْھَا مِنَ الشَّ اھِدِینَ
They said: “We wish to eat thereof and to satisfy our hearts (to be stronger in faith), and to know what you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses.” 5:113
قَالَ عِیسَى ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ اللَّھُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَیْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء تَكُونُ لَ نَا عِیداً لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآیَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا
وَأَنتَ خَیْرُ الرَّازِقِینَ

Isa, son of Maryam, said: “Oh Allah, our Lord! Send us from that heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a festival and a sign from You; and provide us with sustenance, for You are the best of sustainers. 5:114
قَالَ للهُّ إِنِّي مُنَزِّلُھَا عَلَیْكُمْ فَمَن یَكْفُرْ بَعْدُ مِنكُمْ فَإِنِّي أُعَذِّبُھُ عَذَابًا لاَّ أُعَذِّبُھُ أَحَ دًا مِّنَ الْعَا لَمِینَ
Allah said: “I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves, then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among (all) the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinn).” 5:115
Allah granted this miracle and on their table was meat, olives, seafood, fruit, and bread. Then angels, in the form of humans, brought the food down for them. The disciples were afraid to eat from it. Isa alayhe salam brought the poor and needy to the table, and so the disciples began to eat as well.
Some began to steal of Allah’s blessings and so He transformed them into apes and swine. The only restrictions Isa alayhe salam placed were that one should not deceive in their consumption, steal, or horde the food. As they ate, the food continued to increase in quantity. However, it is disputed by some, if the feast actually came down, but most narrations confirm its authenticity. 



Jewish Professor Admits All Prophets Were Muslims


The Prophet salla allahu alayhe wasalam stated the two that will receive the most severe punishment; they will be the people of Fir’aun and al-Ma’ida, those that disbelieved in the feast and the other miracles of Isa alayhe salam. Those that held knowledge and rank wanted to kill the weak, worshippers, and believers in Isa alayhe salam. The oppressed wanted to raise arms, but Isa alayhe salam appeased them by saying that he had come with miracles and proof from Allah. He advised them that if one was slapped on the left cheek, then to offer the offender the right as well. He assured them that Allah is the granter of victory. After going to Al-Nasirah, Isa’s followers grew in numbers. The Jews went to the Romans and all the local kings that had taken over Palestine. They instigated fear and hatred for Isa alayhe salam, claiming that if he was not killed, he would take over their kingdoms. The King of Egypt called on the King of Beit Al-Maqdis and asked how long they planned to leave Isa alayhe salam. He cited imminent danger for them,
since Isa alayhe salam called for piety, sincerity, and the resistance of temptations. They feared he would destroy their world as it was, so they decided to crucify him. Allah had revealed to Isa alayhe salam through Angel Jibril the conspiracy calling for Isa’s death was in the works. He entered upon his disciples after having bathed and revealed Jibril’s news. Isa alayhe salam asked his disciples who would sacrifice, and have their features altered to look like Isa alayhe salam. They would then take his place and be crucified. This person was promised a place in heaven with Isa alayhe salam. An adolescent volunteered by saying he would willingly take his place. Isa alayhe salam told him to sit and dismissed his zeal. He posed the question to the group, and again the boy was the
only one to offer to sacrifice himself. Yet again, Isa alayhe salam disregarded him. Isa alayhe salam asked a third time, and the same boy spoke up. This time Prophet Isa alayhe salam wiped his head and gave him words of inspiration, as well as made dua for him.

He cautioned the youth that Romans and Jews would enter and find him with Isa’s physical features. He furthered continued to explain that he would be taken and killed. Throughout, they would not see Isa alayhe salam, since he would have ascended to the heavens.15
The Jews and Romans discovered where Isa alayhe salam and his followers were.

According to a weak narration, they found where Isa alayhe salam was, through one of the disciples who was tortured and admitted, under pressure, where Isa alayhe salam had been hiding. The Romans and Jews entered upon the young boy, thinking he was Isa alayhe salam, and began to torture him. The boy, who was made to look like Isa alayhe salam, was taken and on his head they placed a crown of thorns. They nailed his feet and hands to a cross and he was crucified.
وَقَوْلِھِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِیحَ عِیسَى ابْنَ مَرْیَمَ رَسُولَ للهِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَكِن شُبِّھ لَھُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِینَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِیھِ
لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْھُ مَا لَھُم بِھِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلاَّ اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ یَقِینًا
And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah,” – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Isa was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts.16 They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not, Isa, son of Maryam. 4:157
The Jews not only bragged about killing a human being, but a messenger – a messenger from among ulu al’azm, and the best of messengers.
وَمَكَرُواْ وَمَكَرَ للهُّ وَللهُّ خَیْرُ الْمَاكِرِینَ
And they (disbelievers) plotted (to kill Isa), and Allah planned too. And Allah is the best of those who plot. 3:54

After Isa’s mother heard the news of the crucifixion, she was in a state of shock. She cried hysterically until she met a man who she knew to be Angel Jibril. He assured her that they did not kill her son, but someone who was made to look like him. She insisted that he had been crucified, but Angel Jibril revealed that Isa alayhe salam had ascended to the heavens.

A core belief of Islam is Isa’s ascension to heaven and that he is living and will return. The details of his ascension and his existence in the heavens are not known, as Allah knows best. Prior to his ascension, he had been in a state of sleep for three days. Allah said:
اذ قال لله یاعیسى اني متوفیك ورافعك الي ومطھرك من الذین كفروا
And (remember) when Allah said: “Oh Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you (of the forged statement that Jesus is Allah’s son) of those who disbelieve.”
3:55

The term “wafat” that is used means sleep or death. Allah says:
لله یتوفي الانفس حین موتھا والتي لم تمت في منامھا
In these verses, however, to be asleep is implied.
The Prophet said that sleep is akin to death. Sleep is like a short death, just as the Prophet taught us to say after awaking, “Alhamdulilah alathy ahyana ba’ada amatna”, Praise be to Allah, the One that gave us life after our death. The term “wafat” here, according to Ibn Abbas, signifies that Allah cast sleep upon him, possibly for three days.
ویكلم الناس في المھد وكھلا
"He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous." 3:46
Another term used is “kahlan”, meaning the height of youth. One attains maturity between the ages of 35-45. This period is called “kahlan”. When Isa escalated to the heavens, he was 33 years old and will return as the same age. The miracle lies in his return to earth to complete his mission. After Isa’s ascension, the disciples began to spread the message and continued to follow a righteous path. They were abused, oppressed, and tortured by the Jews of their time. So much so, that none remained alive. People dispersed in all directions. Some claimed that Isa alayhe salam was God. Others claimed he was the son of God. Yet, others said that he is one of three parts - the Trinity. Confusion continued until the arrival of the promised messenger – Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. He came to confirm the word of Allah and to clarify the position of Isa alayhe salam.
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لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِینَ قَالُوا إِنَّ للهََّ ھُوَ الْمَسِیحُ ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ قُلْ فَمَنْ یَمْلِكُ مِنَ للهَِّ شَیْئًا إِنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ یُھْلِكَ الْمَسِیحَ ابْنَ مَرْیَمَ
ِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَ مَا بَیْنَھُمَا یَخْلُقُ مَا یَشَاءُ وَللهَُّ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِیرٌ وَأُمَّھُ وَمَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِیعًا وَ َِّ
Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allah is the Mesiah, son of Maryam. Say: “Who then has the least power against Allah, if He were to destroy the Messiah, son of Maryam, his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?” And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them. He creates what He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things. 5:17
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِینَ قَالُوا إِنَّ للهََّ ھُوَ الْمَسِیحُ ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ وَقَالَ الْمَسِیحُ یَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِیلَ اعْبُدُوا للهََّ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّھُ مَنْ
ِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ للهَُّ عَلَیْھِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِینَ مِن أنصار یُشْرِكْ باِ َّ
Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah, son of Maryam.” But the Messiah (Isa) said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.”

Verily whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the fire will be his abode. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. 5:72
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِینَ قَالُوا إِنَّ للهََّ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَھٍ إِلَّا إِلَھٌ وَاحِدٌ وَإِنْ لَمْ یَنْتَھُوا عَمَّا یَقُولُونَ لَیَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِینَ كَفَرُوا
مِنْھُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِیمٌ
They do Kuffar/infidels who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. 5:73
یَا أَھْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِینِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى للهَِّ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِیحُ عِیسَى ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ رَسُولُ للهَِّ وَكَلِمَتُھُ
ِ وَرُسُلِھِ وَلَا تَقُولُوا ثَلَاثَةٌ انْتَھُوا خَیْرًا لَكُمْ إِنَّمَا للهَُّ إِلَھٌ وَاحِدٌ سُبْحَانَھُ أَنْ أَلْقَاھَا إِلَى مَرْیَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِنْھُ فَآمِنُوا باِ َّ
وكیلا یَكُونَ لَھُ وَلَدٌ لَھُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَكَفَى ابِ َّ
O People of the Book! commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Al-Masih 'Isa the son of Maryam was (no more than) A Messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Maryam, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: glory be to Him: (far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. 4:171
وَقَالَتِ الْیَھُودُ عُزَیْرٌ ابْنُ للهَِّ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِیحُ ابْنُ للهَِّ ذَلِكَ قَوْلُھُمْ بِأَفْوَاھِھِمْ یُضَاھِئُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِینَ كَفَرُوا
مِنْ قَبْلُ قَاتَلَھُمُ للهَُّ أَنَّى یُؤْفَكُونَ
The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Al-Masih the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!
9:30

23
The return of Isa alayhe salam is a well-anticipated event for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Many years after Isa’s ascension, Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam met him during Isra and Al-Ma’araj, where he saw him walking around the Ka’abah in the second heaven. Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam also described him in another hadith, narrated by Abu Dawood, so that one would be able to recognize him upon his return. He had a fair complexion with a ruddiness to his skin. His complexion was pure and radiant, as if glowing with beads of water. Isa alayhe salam was neither tall nor short. His hair was described as neither curly nor straight, with a soft texture. It was long and reached half-way down his back, glistening as if it were wet or oiled. His physical frame was well built with broad chest and shoulders. Though he was full figured, he was neither fat nor thin. Since his escalation to the heavens, it was apparent that it was not an actual death – just the end of his existence on earth for a given time. Therefore, he must return again once more to complete his mission and die. His return will discredit the claims the Jews and Christians made regarding his crucifixion. The world will be shown that the mission of Isa alayhe salam was Islamic since he will rule with the sharia’ legislation upon his return.
Isa’s return is an actual sign of the advent of the Judgment Day. He will return in the east near Damascus. He will come down near a white minaret with each hand on a wing of an angel. His head will be bowed down to Allah and from it will fall beads of sweat, dripping as though they were pearls or diamonds. He will descend upon Palestine heading for Beit Al-Maqdis during the time of iqama for the prayer of Fajr or Asr. The imam will have immediately recognized his presence and will ask him to lead the prayer. Isa alayhe salam will decline stating that the iqama was for the Muslims, and they are to lead one another.
This implies that he has not returned with a new message, but rather as a follower of the message of Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam, since all prophets came with the message of Islam.

After the prayer, Isa alayhe salam orders the door of Beit Al-Maqdis be opened and that is when they see Dajjal with 70,000 Jewish soldiers. Dajjal will melt as salt dissolves in water, at the sight of Isa – his fear of Isa alayhe salam will be so great! This will be Isa’s first task to eliminate the Dajjal, who will attempt to run, but Isa alayhe salam along with the help of the Muslims will strike him down at Bab Al-Lid (door). He will end the evil reign of the Dajjal. Another important task Isa alayhe salam will carry out upon his arrival will be to break the cross. This action will illustrate the incorrect belief that it has come to signify. He will then continue to slaughter all the pigs of the world, since it was revealed in the Bible to abstain from eating pork. However, since this revelation was tampered with, people continued in their consumption of this unclean animal. This action will illustrate the incorrect detailed belief of the Christians after their tamper. Lastly, we will also call people to tawheed, or the oneness of Allah. It is described in one hadith that Isa alayhe salam will live on earth for 40 years, while another states he will live for seven. This has been a cause of confusion, though the matter is relatively simple, meaning that his life on earth will total 40 years (his ascension at the age of 33 plus the seven upon his return). He will die at the age of
24
40 and the Muslims will perform janazah prayer upon him, and according to scholars he will be buried in Medina next to the prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam.


During the seven years, Islamic rule will have been established as the supreme religion. Peace and tranquility will have been spread on the earth and iman (faith) will have been instilled in the hearts of mankind. Allah reveals to Isa alayhe salam during this time that there are people called Gog and Magog will attack mankind. At that point in time, they established their dominance on earth and will then wish to reign what is in the skies. As they spread their rule, they will eat all crops and drink an equivalent of an ocean. They destroy pillage and ravage all that comes in their path. It is said that as the first of them pass by a body of water, the last of them will say there once was water here. Their mischief and oppression was limitless and Allah ordered Isa alayhe salam and his followers to seek refuge in the mountain of Al-Tur. There they plead with Allah and made dua for Him to destroy them. The oppressor is always destroyed by the most
innocuous means to illustrate the insignificance of their existence. Therefore Allah brought about their destruction through worms in their neck which killed each one.
After Gog and Magog are killed, Isa alayhe salam and his followers leave Al-Tur and find the earth full of their rotting corpses. Their smell and the froth that will come from their mouths will be so potent that it will corrupt the world and make it unlivable. Again Isa alayhe salam and his believers will make dua to Allah to remove their bodies. Allah will answer their prayers and will send birds with long necks like
those of a camel to do away with their bodies. The stench of the bodies will still be prevalent so Allah will send wind and rain which will leave the earth clean and pure. Allah then will order the earth to bring forth its blessings and all evil will be eliminated and the inhabitants of the earth will reside in peace.
17 Finally, Isa alayhe salam will perform Hajj, travel to Madina, and will pass away there. The Muslims pray upon him, and he will be buried next to the Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam and Abu Bakr. Soon after all the good people of the earth will die by
a breeze, leaving only the evil ones behind who will hear the final trumpet. The evil will reach a point where there will be open lewdness and rampant transgression. This will indicate the end of time and the beginning of the judgment.

The final days will be trying times for all. The return of Isa alayhe salam will be a blessing for the righteous and an eradication of all evil and wrong doers. Allah’s supreme plan for mankind and his messenger’s (Isa) role on earth will be fulfilled.
The story of Isa alayhe salam is one that brings hope and comfort for believers during the most dire times in the history of the world. All things will perish before the Dayof Judgment and all things destined will have been accomplished. So the role of Isa alayhe salam is one of the most critical one’s in Allah’s plan.
May He strengthen the hearts of the believers and have mercy on them during those desperate times. May He hold our hearts steadfast to the religion of truth and not allow them to digress (stray) from it. He alone we ask, He alone we seek for our strength, and He alone we ask to accept our doings. Allahumma Ameen. Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he
has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned.
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (Surat Al-Baqara: 286)
Written by brother Ahmad Musa Jibril






The ascension of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] to heaven

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says,
                    
"And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill 'Eesa (Jesus PBUH), and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot. And (remember) when Allah said: 'O 'Eesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that 'Eesa (Jesus) is Allah's son] of those who disbelieve."
[Aal 'Imraan 3: 54- 55]

"And because of their saying (in boast), 'We killed Messiah 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,' - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them the resemblance of 'Eesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) (PBUH): But Allah raised him ['Eesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (PBUH) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All- Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him ['Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being] before his ['Eesa (Jesus (PBUH) or a Jews or a Christian's] death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he ['Eesa (Jesus PBUH) will be a witness against them. "[Al-Nisa' 4: 157-159]
Allah has told us that He took him up to heaven after causing him to sleep, and He saved him from those who wanted to harm him: the Jews who informed one of the disbelieving governors of that era about him.

The governor issued orders to have him crucified, so they surrounded him in a house in Jerusalem, but when they entered upon him, Allah caused a young man from among his disciples, to take his form and took 'Eesa (Jesus PBUH) up through a small window to heaven while the people in the house looked on.

The soldiers came and found that young man, who had been made to resemble 'Eesa (Jesus PBUH) in appearance, and they captured him, thinking that he was 'Eesa (Jesus PBUH), and crucified him and placed thorns on his head to humiliate him. The majority of Christians who did not witness what happened to 'Eesa (Jesus PBUH) accepted what the Jews said about him being crucified, and they went far astray because of that. However Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, says,

"And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him [,Eesa (Jesus), son of Mary am (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being} before his [,Eesa Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] or a Jew's or a Christian's} death."

That is, after he comes descends to this earth toward the end of time before the Hour begins, he will kill the pigs, break the cross, and abolish the Jizyah; he will not accept any religion except Islam.

Where does his title of "Messiah" come from?

The word Maseeh (Messiah) may mean the same as the word Maasih (wiper, one who wipes) or it may mean Mamsooh (one who is wiped).
'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is called Al-Maseeh because:
  
a)     In the sense of being maasih (one who wipes) he did not wipe or touch anyone who had a deformity but he was healed. This is the most likely reason for this title.
b)     Regarding his being Mamsooh (wiped), that is said that this is because he was wiped or anointed with oil when he came out of his mother's womb.
c)     It is said that it was because Zakariya (PBUH) wiped or anointed him.
d)     It is said that it was because he wiped the earth, meaning, he went everywhere, travelling throughout the land.
e)     It is said that it was because his feet had no arch, so he was described as Amsah Al-rijl  (flat footed).
f)      It is said that Al-Maseeh  is the one who tells the truth.

They did not kill him
'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] did not die; rather Allah took him up to Himself. There are some Verses which some people may not understand or it may be confusing in their meaning. For example:

1. "And (remember) when Allah said: 'O 'Eesa (Jesus)! I will take you [inni mutawaffeeka] and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that 'Eesa (Jesus) is Allah's son] of those who disbelieve." [Aal 'Imraan 3:54-55]
The words,

"I will take you [inni mutawaffeeka]" here refer to sleep, not death, as Allah says elsewhere:

"It is He, Who takes your souls [yatawaffaakum] by night (when you are asleep)" [Al-Anaam 6:60].

The phrase [inni mutawaffeeka]"
"I will take you [inni mutawaffeeka]" means: I will take you up to Me [which is the meaning chosen by the translator of the Verse quoted above.

The Arabs say Tawaffa fulaan daynahu min fulaan (So and so took back his debt from so and so) when he takes back what he loaned. There is no reason why it cannot refer to both sleep and being taken up by Allah.

2."And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him [Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)], son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being] before his {'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] or a Jew's or a Christian's] death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he ('Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will be a witness against them"[AI-Nisa' 4: 159]. The words

''before his death"
means after the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  toward the end of time. There will not remain any person from the People of the Book who will not believe in 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)], because he (PBUH) will not accept anything except Islam and any disbeliever who smells his breath will die.(1)

It is said that "before his death" means before the death of the individual from the People of the Book. At the time of death of one of them it will become clear to him at that point that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is a slave of Allah and a human Messenger, not a god. So the a person from among the People of the Book will believe in that before he dies, although this belief will not benefit him, because repentance is not valid after the soul reaches the throat.

QUESTION:
What is the difference between the life of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  and the lives of the Prophets? Aren't the Prophets alive as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The Prophets are alive in their graves?"(2)

ANSWER:

The life of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)], who was taken up to heaven, consists of a real life, body and soul, while the Prophets, their life is the life of Al- Barzakh, which is a special kind of life. 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  did not die, so we cannot say that he is in Al-Barzakh or in the grave; rather he is with Allah, body and soul, in heaven.
  
Regarding the rest of the Prophets (peace be upon them), they went through the agonies of death and their souls left their bodies; theirs is a special kind of life in the grave.
(1) This will be discussed further below.
(2) Al-I-Iaaf1z said in Al-Fath (6/487): This was recorded by Al-Bayhaqi in Kitaab Hayaat Al-Anbiya 'ft Quboorihim, and he classed it as Saheeh.


Evidence for the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]

We have seen above that Allah took 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] up to heaven when the Jews came to kill him. The legislative evidence indicates that he will descend toward the end of time, which is one of the signs of the Hour. There is great deal of evidence concerning this descend occurring:

Evidence from the Qur' an
Allah says,.
"And when the son of Maryam (Mary) is quoted as an example [i.e. 'Eesa (Jesus) is worshipped like their idols], behold, your people cry aloud (laugh out at the example). And say: 'Are our Aaalihah (gods) better or is he [Eesa (Jesus)]?' They quoted not the above example except for argument. Nay! But they are a quarrelsome people. He [Eesa (Jesus)] was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father). And if it were Our Will, We would have [destroyed you (mankind) all, and] made angels to replace you on the earth. And he [Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour (Day of Resurrection) [i.e. 'Eesa's (Jesus) descent on the earth]. Therefore have no doubt concerning it (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And follow Me (Allah) (i.e. be obedient to Allah and do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path (of Islamic Monotheism, leading to Allah and to His Paradise). "[Al-Zukhruf 43:57-61]

The words,
"And he shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour" mean: 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is one of the signs of the Hour.
"And he shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour. Therefore have no doubt concerning it (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)" means: do not doubt it. (43:61)

"And follow Me (Allah) (i.e. be obedient to Allah and do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path (of Islamic Monotheism, leading to Allah and to His Paradise)."
     Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) said, "And he shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour" refers to the appearance of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] before the Day of Resurrection. (1)

Al-Tabari said, "What is meant is that the appearance of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is a sign by which they will come to know that the Hour is near, because his appearance is one of its sings and his descent to earth is a sign of the end of this world and the beginning of the Hereafter. "(2)
Allah says,


"And because of their saying (in boast), 'We killed Messiah 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,' - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them the resemblance of 'Eesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man)], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) (PBUH): But Allah raised him {'Eesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (PBUH) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All- Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him {'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being] before his {'Eesa (Jesus) '(PBUH) or a Jew's or a Christian’s] death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he [‘Eesa (Jesus)] will be a witness against them. " [Al-Nisa' 4: 157-159]

(1) Narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad; classed as Saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir. 
(2) Tafseer Al-Tabari, 211631.


With regard to the words,
"must believe in him" and

"before his death", most of the Mufassireen (1)  said that the pronouns in these phrases refer to 'Eesa ibn Maryam (PBUH).
Abu Maalik said concerning the words,

"And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his death",: "That is when 'Eesa ibn Maryam (PBUH) comes down there will remain none from the People of the Book who will not believe in him. "(2)

Ibn Katheer said,
"Allah relates to us that it did not occur as it appeared; rather it appeared that way to them, so they killed the one who was made to resemble 'Eesa (PBUH) , but they did not realise that. Allah tells us that He took him up to Him; he is still alive and will descend before the Day of Resurrection as indicated in the Mutawaatir Hadeeths which we will quote. He will kill the Dajjaal, break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizyah, meaning, he will not accept it from anyone of a different religion; rather he will not accept anything but Islam or the sword. This Verse tells us that all the People of the Book will believe in him at that time, and none of them will fail to believe in him." (3)

(1) See: Tafseer Al-Tabari, 9/379; Tafseer Al-Baghawi, 2/307; Tafseer lbn Katheer, 11487; Adwa'Al-Bayaan by AI-Shanqeeti, 7/231.
(2) Narrated by Al-Tabari in Al-Tafseer, 9/380.
(3) Tafseer lbn Katheer, 2/454


Evidence from the Sunnah

      Hudhayfah ibn Usayd (RA) said,
"The Prophet (PBUH) looked at us while we were talking and asked, 'What are you talking about?' We said, 'We are talking about the Hour.' He (PBUH) said, 'It will never come until you see ten signs.' He mentioned the smoke, the Dajjaal, the Beast, the rising of the sun from its place of setting, the descent of 'Eesa ibn Maryam, Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj, and three landslides: one in the east, one in the west, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. The last [sign] will be a fire that will emerge from Yemen and drive the people to their place of gathering. "(1)
      
Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said,
"By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the son of Maryam (PBUH) will soon descend among you as a just judge, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizyah; and wealth will become so abundant that no one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better than this world and everything in it. "(2)

According to another narration, "By Allah, the son of Maryam will certainly come down as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jiryah; the young she-camels will be left alone and no one will show any interest in them. Spite, mutual hatred, and mutual envy will disappear; when they are called (to be give) wealth, no one will accept it. "(3)
 (1) Recorded by Muslim.
(2) Agreed upon.
(3) Recorded by Muslim.

Explanation of the meaning of the Hadeeth

"Break the cross": The cross is well known; it is a symbol of Christianity and is on which the Christians claim that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  was crucified. 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  will put an end to it.

"And kill the pigs": The pig (1) is a known animal which is forbidden in Islam to eat. 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]  will issue orders to eliminate all pigs, emphasising the prohibition of eating them.
"He will abolish the Jizyah": The Jiryan is a tax taken collected from the People of the Book who live in Muslim lands in return for protecting them and giving them access to amenities. This is the utmost justice, as Zakaah is taken from Muslims. After 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] descends and judges between people, he will not accept any other religion but Islam. That does not mean that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will force them to accept Islam; rather they will enter it willingly, because when the Christians who claim that they are followers of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] see him coming and speaking to them, that will remove from their hearts the belief that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is the son of God, and they will believe in the true religion, as Allah says,

"And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him ['Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being] before his ['Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] or a Jew's or a Christian's] death. "[AI-Nisa' 4: 159]


 ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) The pig is a scavenger and lazy. It eats plants, animals, dead bodies, and garbage. It also eats its own excrement and the excrement of other animals. The fact that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will kill the pigs, does not mean that Allah did not create pigs for a reason; not every animal that Allah created is permissible to eat. Allah created dogs, wolves, mosquitoes, and flies, not to be eaten but for another purpose in life. Similarly, Allah created the pig for a reason, but it is forbidden to eat it in all religions.

In Islam:
Allah says:

"He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful." [AI-Baqarah 2:173]

"He has forbidden you only AI-Maytah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols or on which Allah's Name has not been men- tioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful dis- obedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."  [AI-NahI16:115] 

In Judaism:
In the Torah it says:

"The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses" Deuteronomy 14:8.

"And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses;  they are unclean for you" Leviticus 11:7-8.


In Christianity:
In the New Testament it says:

'''Surely not, Lord!' Peter replied. 'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" Acts 10:14

"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth" Acts 11:8.

The Seventh Day Adventist Christians do not eat pork.
Hinduism also forbids eating pork. High caste Hindus regard it as shameful to eat pork; it is only the low castes and the (so-called) Untouchables who eat pork.
Zoroastrians also avoid eating pork.
Buddhists never touch pork.
In the Chinese Book of Rites there is the proverb: "A respectable man does not eat the flesh of pigs or dogs."
The pig is also a transmitter of a number of diseases to humans.
Researchers in the last twenty years have made a connection between man's behaviour and thought, and what he eats. They concluded that we can change his behaviour by changing his food. They found that those who eat unhealthy foods commit offences more than those who eat healthy foods. In the youth care centres they found that in- creasing fruits and vegetables made the inmates more responsive to rules and regula- tions.
The pig lives in and eats garbage. In addition to this it is an animal that does not care what other male pigs do with its mate; it has no jealousy, unlike other animals which defend their females. Eating pork has an effect on the eater, who becomes weak and does not defend his womenfolk; he does not care at all.
Allah has described pork as being Rijs. Rijs is something filthy. Thc pig transfers many dangerous germs to man, as the pig carries no less than 450 contagious diseases. It also plays an intermediate role in the transmission of seventy-five diseases which may affect man, other than the regular diseases that may be caused by eating its flesh, such as cir- rhosis of the liver, indigestion, atherosclerosis, alopecia, sterility and memory loss. The one who eats pork also becomes insensitive and apathetic, with no sense of protective jealousy concerning his womenfolk, as stated above.
More than sixteen diseases are transmitted to man from pigs by eating pork and its by-products.
Thirty-two diseases may be contracted by mixing with and raising pigs, and handling their by-products and waste, the most serious of which include: anthrax, foot and mouth disease, septicaemia, Japanese fever and so on.
Twenty-eight diseases are transmitted through contamination of food and drink with the waste of pigs.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

That is, after 'Eesa ( descends the People of the Book will believe in him before his death. Whoever does not believe in 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)], will be fought against.

According to a narration, "the call will be one;(1) meaning, at the time of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)], the call will be one, in reference to Islam, and there will no longer be any other religion, no Hinduism, no Buddhism, no  Judaism, no Christianity, no Sikhism, no Zoroastrianism, etc.

(1) Recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad, classified as Hasan by Al-Arna'oot in his co - mentary on the Musnad.


"A single prostration will be better than this world and everything in it," means, the people will be keen to pray and perform all acts of worship, because they will not hope to live a long life, they will have no interest in worldly matters and they will be certain that the Day of Resurrection is close at hand. Additionally, there will be abundant provision, so the Muslim will not be distracted from Allah's worship by seeking to earn a living.

"The young she-camels will be left alone and no one will show any interest in them." This refers to the young female camels which are very desirable and the most precious wealth of the Arabs. The people will leave and ignore them, and they will not show any interest in raising them, feeding them or dealing in them.

       Jaabir (RA) narrated that the Prophet said, "'Eesa ibn Maryam (PBUH) will descend and their ruler the Mahdi will say, 'Come and lead us in prayer.' He will say, 'No, they are leaders of one another,' as an honour from Allah to this Ummah. "(1)
        Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, "He is one of us behind whom 'Eesa ibn Maryam will pray. "(2)

Mutawaatir evidence for the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]


        There are Mutawaatir narrations from our Prophet concerning the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]. This was mentioned by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal(3), Abu'l-Hasan Al-Ash'ari'(4)", AI-Tabari(5), Ibn Katheer(6), AI- Safaareeni (7) and AI-Shawkaani in Al- Tawdeeh fi ma ja' a fi' l-Muntazar wa'l-Dajjaal wa'l-Maseeh.

(1) Recorded by AI-Haarith ibn Abi Usaamah in his Musnad with a Jayyid Isnaad, as stated by Ibn AI-Qayyim in Al-Manaar Ai-Muneef t». 147-148), and it has corroborat- ing evidence in Al-Saheeh.
(2) Recorded by Abu Na'cern in Kitaab Al-Huda; quoted by AI-Manaawi in Fayd Al-
Qadeer (6/17) with a Saheeh Isnaad.
(3) See Tabaqaat Al-Hanaabilah, 1/241-243.
(4) Maqaalaat Al-Islamiyyeen wa Ikhtilaaf Al-Musalleen, 11345.
(5) Tafseer Al-Tabari, 3/291.
(6) Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 7/223.
(7) Lawaami ' Al-Anwaar Al-Bahiyyah, 1194-95.


Ibn Katheer said concerning the Hadeeths about the descent of 'Eesa i:)'!;,gl, "There are Mutawaatir Hadeeths from the Messenger of Allah which provide proof about how and where he will descend: in Syria, specifically Damascus, by the eastern minaret. That will happen when the Iqaamah is being given for the Fajr prayer, He will kill the pigs, break the cross, and abolish the Jizyah; and he will not accept anything but Islam. This is what is mentioned in the two Saheehs. The Prophet (PBUH) foretold us that and affirmed it, referring to the laws of that time, as obstacles will be removed and confusion will be dispelled from their hearts; all of them will enter Islam, following 'Eesa (PBUH) and at his hands.

Hence Allah says,

'And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him [Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being] before his {'Eesa (Jesus PBUH) or a Jew's or a Christian's] death.'
[AI-Nisa' 4: 159].

This Verse is like the Verse in which Allah says:

'And he [Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour.' [Al-Zukhruf43:61]
meaning, he will be a signal of the approach of the Hour, because he will descend after the appearance of the Dajjaal; through his hands Allah will kill the Dajjaal; during his time Allah will send Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj, and through his supplication Allah will kill them.(1)

The Ummah is unanimously agreed on the descent of 'Eesa (PBUH) as being one of the signs of the Hour and no one disagrees with that except those whose view is at odds, to whom no one pays attention, and whose difference counts for nothing.
(1) Al-Bidaayah wa'l-Nihaayah, 9/179.

When 'Eesa (PBUH) descends, will he rule according to the Laws of Muhammad (PBUH); or will he bring a new law?
Answer: Imam Al-Safaareeni said concerning the descent of 'Eesa (PBUH) at the end of time, 

"The Ummah has unanimously agreed that he will descend, and none of the Muslims disagree concerning it. Rather it was only denied by the philosophers and the heretics, whose difference of opinion counts for nothing. The consensus of the Ummah is that 'Eesa ~I will descend and rule in accordance with the Law of Muhammad and he will not bring with him an independent law when he comes."(1)

Siddeeq Hasan Khan said, "The Hadeeths about his descent are numerous. Al-Shawkaani quoted twenty nine Hadeeths -- Saheeh, Hasan and Dha' eeJbut supported by corroborating reports -- including what is mentioned in the Hadeeths about the Dajjaal and Hadeeths about the Mahdi. We may add to that the reports narrated from the Companions, which are regarded as Marfoo', because there is no room for a Companion to speak of such matters on the basis of personal opinion. Then he quoted them and said: All the reports that we have quoted reach the level of being Mutawaatir, as is obvious to anyone
(1) Lawaami' Al-Anwaar Al-Bahiyyah, 1/94-95.


who has the least bit of knowledge. "(1)
Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir said, "The descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] toward the end of time is something concerning which the Muslims do not differ, because of the authentic narrations from the Prophet (PBUH) regarding it. This is something that is well known and established in Islam; the one who denies is not a believer. "(2)

Shaykh Muhammad Naasir Al-Deen Al-Albaani said, "It should be noted that the Hadeeths concerning the Dajjaal and the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] are Mutawaatir and we are obliged to believe in them. We should not be deceived by those who claim that they are Ahad Hadeeths, for they are ignorant of this branch of knowledge. There is no one among them who has researched the issue, for if he had done so, he would have found them to be Mutawaatir, as testified by the leading scholars of this branch of knowledge, such as Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar and others. It is unfortunate indeed that some who are not specialized in this field have dared to speak about it, especially when the matter has to do with religion and belief. "(3)


Is 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] regarded as belonging to the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH)?
'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is one of the Prophets and Messengers of strong will, and has a high status before Allah. He also has a sort of companionship, as he met the Prophet during the Mi'raaj (ascension to Heaven) and believed in him, and he will die believing in him.


(1) See Al-Idhaa'ah lima kaana wa ma yakoon bayna Yaday Al-Saa'ah, by Siddeeq Khan, p. 160.
(2) Tafseer Al-Tabari, 6/460; commentary by ShaykhAhmad Shaakir,
(3) Sharh Al- 'Aqeedah Al- Tahhaawiyyah, commentary by Shaykh AI- Al baani, p. 565.


In the Hadeeth of the Mi'raaj, our Prophet Muhammad said, "Then he took me up until we came to the second heaven, and he asked for it to be opened (Jibreel (PBUH)) asked the guards of heaven to open up its gates). It was said, 'Who is this?' He said, 'Jibreel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, 'Muhammad.' It was said, 'Has his mission begun?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'Welcome to him; blessed is the one who has come.' Then it was opened, and when I entered, I saw Yahya and 'Eesa, who are maternal cousins. He said, This is Yahya and 'Eesa, greet them with Salaam.' So I greeted them and they returned the greeting. Then they said, 'Welcome to the righteous brother and righteous Prophet.' "(1)

What do Christians believe about the descent of 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]?

The Christians believe that 'Eesa is the son of God, exalted is Allah above that. They believe that he was killed and crucified, and that he ascended to heaven three days after his crucifixion, that he is seated beside his father, the Lord, and that he will descend at the end of time.
We have discussed his ascension above, and stated that he was not killed or crucified; rather it was made to appear so.
The People of the Book are agreed on two messiahs:
a)     The Messiah of guidance, who is one of the descendents of David (Dawood (PBUH), namely 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]
b)     The messiah of misguidance (Antichrist); the People of the Book say that he is descended from Yoosuf (PBUH).(2) This is the Dajjaal.

The Christian belief about 'Eesa (PBUH) differs from the Muslim belief in several ways:
The Christians believe that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] is the son of God, but this is false. The correct belief is that he is a human, a slave of Allah and a Messenger.


(1) Agreed upon.
(2) See: Al-Jawaab Al-Saheeh li man baddala Deen Al-Maseeh, by Shaykh AI-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 2/187.


      The Christians believe that the Jews crucified and killed 'Eesa but this is false. The correct view is that they did not kill him or crucify him.

The Christians believe that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] was taken up to heaven three days after his crucifixion, but this is false. Rather he was taken up to heaven without being crucified or killed.

The circumstances in which 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will descend

The Muslims will have just ended a great battle with the Christians and conquered the city of Constantinople, regaining it from Christian rule. We have seen above that the Muslims will conquer it by means of Tahleel and Takbeer, not by means of weapons, and Satan will call out that the Dajjaal has emerged, so the Muslims will go back from Constantinople to Damascus, which will be the base camp of the Muslims. After that the messiah of misguidance, the Dajjaal, will truly emerge and he will travel through the earth and cause great turmoil. (1)
According to another detailed narration the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, while speaking of the Dajjaal,

"He will come to the salt marsh (cultivated land) of Madeenah, but he will be forbidden to enter it. Madeenah will be shaken with its inhabitants by one or two earthquakes, and from it every hypocrite, male and female, will go out to him. Then the Dajjaal will head towards Syria, until he comes to some of its mountains. He will besiege them and the rest of the Muslims at the top of one of the mountains of Syria. The Dajjaal will besiege them, camping at the bottom of the mountain, and this turmoil will carry on for a long time, until one of the Muslims will say, 'Muslims, how long will you be like this, with the enemy of Allah camping in your land like this? You have one of two things: either Allah will cause you to die as martyrs or He will cause you to prevail!' So they will swear to fight to the death with an oath that Allah knows will be sincere from their hearts.

(1) We have discussed the turmoil of the Dajjaal in detail above, Major Sign 1.



Then darkness will overcome them in which a man will not be able to see his own hand. The son of Maryam will descend, and the cover will be lifted from their eyes and they will see among them a man wearing his shields" They will say, 'Who are you, O slave of Allah?' He will say, 'I am the slave of Allah and His Messenger, and His Rooh, His Word, 'Eesa ibn Maryam. Choose one of three things: Either Allah will send against the Dajjaal and his troops a punishment from heaven, or He will cause the earth to swallow them, or He will cause your weapons to strike them and prevent their weapons from striking you. '

They said, 'Messenger of Allah, this [last option} is more pleasing to our hearts.' On that day, you will see a huge and tall Jew, who eats and drinks a great deal, unable to hold his sword because of his trembling. They will get up to fight them and will prevail over them, and the Dajjaal will melt as lead melts when he sees the son of Maryam; 'Eesa will catch up with him and kill him. "(2)

The story of how 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will kill the Dajjaal has been discussed in detail above. (3)

(1) What is meant is that these believers will be determined to fight the Dajjaal. While they are like that, just before Fajr  prayer, the Iqaamah for prayer will be given and the Imam will step forward to lead the prayer, but before the initial Takbeer is given it will suddenly go dark; when the darkness vanishes they will see among them 'Eesa ibn Maryam  (PBUH) dressed for war.
(2) Recorded by Mu'ammaar in his Jaami' Ibn Katheer said, "Our Shaykh, Al- Dhahabi, said this Hadeeth has a strong (Qawiy) Isnaad.
(3) See, Major Sign 1.


How and where will 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] descend?

He will come down at the white minaret in the east of Damascus, wearing two garments died with safflower and saffron, resting his hands on the wings of two angels.
Ibn Katheer said, "The most well-known view concerning the place where he will come down is that he will come down on the white minaret in the east of Damascus; he will come down when the Iqaamah for prayer has been given, and the Imam of the Muslims will say to him, 'Rooli of Allah, go forward (and lead the prayer).' He will say, 'You should go forward, for the lqaamah was given for you."
     According to another narration, [he will say], "You are leaders of one another" as an honour from Allah to this Ummah.
Ibn Katheer said, "The minaret was rebuilt in our time, in 741 AH, of white stones; it was built from the wealth of the Christians who had burned down the minaret in that place. This is one of the clear signs of Prophethood, as Allah decreed that this white minaret should be built with
Christian wealth so that 'Eesa ibn Maryam will descend to it, and he will kill the pigs, break the cross and not accept the Jizyah from them. "(1)

I have visited the white minaret in the east of Damascus myself?', which is famous among the people there as the minaret to which 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will descend, and I took a picture of it. It is located at the entrance to a marketplace, not above a mosque. Most of the inhabitants of the quarter where it is located are Christians. I have put its picture here. Whether this is the minaret to which 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will descend or another minaret, Allah knows best.
It was also said that 'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] will descend to one of the minarets of the Umayyad Mosque (Al-Jaami' AI- Umawi) in Damascus. Allah knows best.

We cannot say anything for certain concerning that.
(1) Al-Nihaayahfi'l-Fitan wa'l-Malaahim, 11192. 
(2) That was in 1412 AH/1992 CE.


Physical attributes of  'Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)]

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described' Eesa [Jesus son of Mary (PBUH)] and highlighted the circumstances in which he will descend, so that the matter will be clear and will not cause any confusion.
He is a man who is:
       of average height, neither tall nor short
·          the colour of his skin is reddish white
·          his chest is broad
·          his hair is straight, as if his head is dripping water when it is not wet at all
·          the one who most resembled him was 'Urwah ibn Mas'ood AI-Thaqafi ~.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet said,
"On the night on which I was taken for the Night Journey (Isra'), I met Moosa (PBUH) and I met 'Eesa." The Prophet described him [Eesa] by saying, "He is of average height and reddish, as if he had come out of the bath. "(1)

Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) narrated that the Prophet said,
"I saw 'Eesa, Moosa and Ibraaheem As for 'Eesa, he was reddish, with wavy hair and a broad chest. "(2)

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, "I remember when I was in the Hijr and Quraysh were asking me about my Night Journey. They asked me things about Bayt AI- Maqdis of which. I was not sure, and I became distressed in a way in which I have never felt distressed before. Then Allah raised it up for me so that I could see it, and they did not ask me about anything but I told them about it. I remember when I was among a group of the Prophets, and I saw Moosa (PBUH) standing and praying. He was a well-built man, as if he was one of the men of Shanu' ah. And I saw 'Eesa ibn Maryam (PBUH) standing and praying, and the closest in resemblance to him whom I have seen is 'Urwali ibn Mas' ood AI- Thaqafi. I saw Ibraaheem (PBUH) standing and praying, and the closest  in resemblance to him whom I have seen is your companion - meaning himself  (PBUH). 

(1) Agreed upon.
(2) Recorded by AI-Bukhaari.


The time for prayer came and I led them in prayer. When I had finished praying, a voice said, 'Muhammad, this is Maalik, the keeper oj Hell, greet him with Salaam.' I turned to him and he greeted me first."(1)
(1) Recorded by Muslim

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