In Islam, the return of Jesus, known as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary), holds a significant place in both Islamic eschatology (end-time beliefs) and theological narratives. While Jesus is a central figure in Christianity, revered as the Son of God and the Savior, Islam presents a different perspective. In Islamic teachings, Jesus is recognized as a prophet and messenger of God, but not divine. His second coming is considered a crucial event tied to the end of the world, the triumph of truth over falsehood, and the establishment of justice.
This article explores the Islamic understanding of Jesus' return, delving into the scriptural sources, theological implications, and how this event is viewed within the broader context of Islamic eschatology.
Jesus in Islamic Theology: A Brief Overview
Before discussing the return of Jesus, it’s important to understand how Islam views him. The Qur'an, Islam’s holy book, mentions Jesus in several places and describes him as one of the most honored prophets of God. He was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous birth, and he performed various miracles by God's permission, including healing the sick and raising the dead.
However, the Qur’an emphasizes that Jesus is not divine and did not die on the cross. Instead, it teaches that God saved him from crucifixion. According to the Qur'an, “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them” (Qur'an, 4:157). Islamic tradition holds that Jesus was raised to heaven and that he remains alive, awaiting his return at the end of times.
The Second Coming of Jesus in Islam
The belief in the second coming of Jesus is a central tenet of Islamic eschatology. According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will return to the world during the end times as part of God’s divine plan to restore justice and defeat falsehood. His return is seen as one of the major signs before the Day of Judgment (Qiyāmah), a day when all human beings will be resurrected and judged by God for their deeds.
Scriptural Basis for Jesus' Return
The Qur'an does not explicitly mention Jesus' return in a direct and detailed manner, but there are several verses that are interpreted to imply his second coming. For example, in Surah An-Nisa (4:159), it says, “There is none from the People of the Scripture but will surely believe in him (Jesus) before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.” This verse is often understood to suggest that Jesus will return and that all people, including Jews and Christians, will acknowledge the truth about him before the end of the world.
Additionally, Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) provide more explicit details about the return of Jesus. According to a well-known Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad said: “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, the son of Mary (Jesus) will soon descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (tax levied on non-Muslims).” This prophecy indicates that Jesus will return to correct false beliefs, particularly regarding his divinity, and bring justice and peace to the world.
Key Events Associated with Jesus' Return
Islamic eschatology provides a vivid description of the events that will unfold when Jesus returns. The following are some of the key events associated with his second coming:
The Emergence of the False Messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal): One of the major signs preceding Jesus’ return is the appearance of Al-Masih ad-Dajjal, a figure often described as a false messiah or deceiver. The Dajjal will lead many people astray, claiming divinity and spreading corruption and oppression across the world. According to Hadiths, Jesus will descend to confront and defeat the Dajjal, bringing an end to his reign of falsehood.
Jesus as a Just Ruler: After defeating the Dajjal, Jesus will assume the role of a just ruler, governing the world in accordance with God’s laws. He will restore peace and justice and unify people under the worship of the one true God. The Hadiths mention that during his rule, there will be great prosperity, and righteousness will prevail across the world.
Abolishment of False Beliefs: One of the symbolic acts attributed to Jesus upon his return is the “breaking of the cross”, which signifies the rejection of the belief in his crucifixion and divinity. By doing this, Jesus will affirm his true role as a servant of God and a prophet, correcting the misconceptions held by some about his identity.
Establishment of Peace and Prosperity: Jesus' reign will be marked by unprecedented peace and prosperity. The Hadiths describe a world where enmity and hatred will disappear, and people will live in harmony. Even wild animals will become peaceful. In one narration, it is mentioned that wealth will be so abundant that no one will need charity, and all forms of injustice will be eliminated.
The Death of Jesus: After fulfilling his mission on earth, Jesus will eventually die a natural death, like all human beings. His death will mark one of the final signs before the Day of Judgment.
Jesus' Return and Islamic Eschatology
In the broader context of Islamic eschatology, the return of Jesus is one of the many events that precede the Day of Judgment. Other major signs include the appearance of the Mahdi, a righteous leader who will restore justice before Jesus' descent, and the emergence of Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj), two destructive forces that will wreak havoc on the earth before being defeated.
Islamic eschatology paints a vivid picture of the end times, with cosmic and terrestrial upheavals, battles between good and evil, and ultimately the resurrection and judgment of all souls. The role of Jesus in this grand narrative is crucial, as his return signifies the final triumph of truth and the establishment of God’s justice on earth.
Theological Implications of Jesus' Return in Islam
The return of Jesus in Islam carries profound theological implications. It underscores Islam’s belief in the continuity of divine guidance through the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, with Jesus playing a pivotal role in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.
Unity of Prophets: Islam teaches that all prophets, including Jesus, were sent by the same God with the same fundamental message: to worship the One God and live a life of righteousness. Jesus' return reaffirms the unity of the prophetic mission and highlights his role as a messenger rather than a divine figure.
Correction of Misconceptions: One of the primary purposes of Jesus' return is to correct misunderstandings about his nature and role. In Islamic belief, Jesus' return will clarify that he is not divine but a servant of God, and his second coming will lead to the rejection of false doctrines such as the Trinity and the belief in his crucifixion.
Restoration of Justice: Jesus’ return is also a symbol of the ultimate restoration of justice. In a world rife with oppression, corruption, and falsehood, Jesus will return to vanquish evil and establish a just and harmonious order, where the worship of God alone prevails.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Islam teaches that Jesus will return to the world as part of the final chapter in humanity’s history. His second coming is a key event in Islamic eschatology, marking the defeat of evil forces, the establishment of justice, and the unification of people under the worship of the One God. While the specifics of his return differ from Christian eschatology, both traditions share the belief that Jesus' role in the end times is of monumental significance. For Muslims, Jesus' return serves as a reminder of the continuity of divine guidance and the ultimate triumph of truth, justice, and faith in God.
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