The concept of the return of Jesus Christ (Isa in Islam) is central to both Christianity and Islam, though the details differ significantly between the two faiths. In Islamic eschatology, the return of Jesus is a momentous event, marking the final stages of the world’s history before the Day of Judgment. According to Islamic teachings, Jesus will return to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal), a figure of great deception and evil who will wreak havoc across the world. His second coming will restore justice, unity, and truth, and usher in the true Messianic Age. This article explores the Islamic perspective on the second coming of Jesus, his role in defeating the Antichrist, and the significance of his rule in the Islamic Caliphate from Jerusalem for 40 years.
The Return of Jesus in Islamic Eschatology
Islamic tradition strongly emphasizes the return of Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary). While Christians believe Jesus was crucified and ascended to heaven, Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified but instead was raised up by God. He will return at the end of times to fulfill his divine mission and defeat the forces of evil. This belief is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an, Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and various Islamic scholars.
In the Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari, several hadiths predict the return of Jesus. These hadiths explain that he will descend from the heavens, near a white minaret in Damascus, and that his return will be in a time of great tribulation. He will confront and defeat the Dajjal (the Antichrist), a being who will lead a movement of widespread corruption, falsehood, and destruction.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the son of Mary (Isa) will shortly descend amongst you (believers) as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah (tax on non-Muslims), and there will be abundance of wealth so that nobody will accept charity." (Sahih Muslim)
Jesus and the Antichrist: The Final Battle
One of the most significant events associated with the return of Jesus is his confrontation with the Dajjal. In Islamic belief, the Dajjal represents the ultimate embodiment of evil, a figure who will deceive humanity on a global scale. He will claim divinity, perform false miracles, and lead people into apostasy and destruction. His reign will be marked by tremendous trials for believers, and he will cause widespread chaos.
Jesus’s return will be the ultimate intervention against this evil. According to the hadith, when Jesus descends, the Dajjal will try to confront him, but he will not succeed. The Dajjal will be struck down by Jesus, symbolizing the defeat of falsehood and the triumph of truth. This event will mark the end of the reign of the Antichrist and signal the beginning of a new era of justice, peace, and harmony.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: "When the Dajjal sees Jesus, he will dissolve just as salt dissolves in water. If the Dajjal is left to his own devices, he would destroy the entire world, but Jesus will kill him." (Sahih Muslim)
Jesus’s Role in the Islamic Caliphate
After defeating the Antichrist, Jesus will establish true justice and governance in the world. He will not establish a new religion or bring a new message; rather, he will follow the message of Islam, as Muslims believe that he is a servant and prophet of God, and will lead the global Islamic Caliphate.
In Islam, the Caliphate represents a just and united government under the leadership of a righteous ruler, one who upholds the divine laws of Allah (God) and governs in accordance with the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). With the return of Jesus, the Caliphate will be re-established on Earth, but it will be centered in Jerusalem, a city of great importance for both Muslims and Christians. It is believed that Jesus will rule for 40 years, during which time there will be an era of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and religious unity.
Jesus’s reign will not only be political but also spiritual. According to Islamic eschatology, he will break the cross, an act symbolizing the correction of Christian misunderstanding about his nature. The breaking of the cross represents the correction of the idea of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, aligning Christians with the belief that Jesus is a prophet and servant of God, and not God Himself. The abolishment of the jizyah tax will signify the end of any need for such tax in a time when all will follow the true path of Islam. Wealth will become abundant, and there will be no poverty, as the wealth of the world will be distributed justly.
The Messianic Age and the Impact on the World
The return of Jesus and the establishment of the true Messianic Age will mark a period of spiritual revival and renewal across the world. For Muslims, this will be a time when the true teachings of Islam will reign supreme, bringing peace to the world and uniting people in worship of Allah.
According to Islamic teachings, Jesus’s leadership will create a society in which justice prevails, and all people, regardless of their religion, will live harmoniously. The return of Jesus will fulfill the prophecy of a time when there will be no more division or conflict among the Abrahamic faiths. Christians, Jews, and Muslims will be united in their belief in the one true God, and the divisions that have plagued these communities throughout history will be healed.
The Impact on Jews and Christians
One of the most profound aspects of Jesus's return is the effect it will have on Jews and Christians. According to Islamic eschatology, a significant portion of Jews and Christians will believe in Jesus as a prophet of God when they witness his return. One-third of the Jewish people will accept Jesus as their Messiah, while many Christians will also come to recognize him as a prophet and servant of Allah, aligning with the Islamic understanding of his role. This mass conversion will signify a monumental shift in the religious landscape of the world, as people of various faiths come together in recognition of the truth.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The Hour (the Day of Judgment) will not be established until the Son of Mary (Isa) descends amongst you as a just ruler, and he will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah tax. He will rule for forty years, and then die. After that, the Muslims will offer him the funeral rites, and he will be buried in a grave next to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)." (Sahih Muslim)
This final unification of believers from the Abrahamic faiths will usher in an era of peace and harmony, as the true religion will be made clear, and falsehood will be eliminated.
Conclusion: The Second Coming of Jesus and the Reign of Peace
In Islamic eschatology, the second coming of Jesus represents a pivotal moment in human history. His return will herald the end of tyranny, deception, and corruption as the Dajjal (Antichrist) is defeated and his reign of terror comes to an end. Jesus’s rule from Jerusalem will establish a just and righteous Caliphate, bringing true peace and prosperity to the world. For 40 years, he will guide humanity with wisdom and justice, restoring the true message of Islam.
The belief in Jesus’s return is a source of hope and optimism for Muslims, as it promises a future where faith is restored, divisions are healed, and true peace reigns over the earth. Ultimately, the return of Jesus will signal the fulfillment of God’s promise of justice and mercy, preparing the world for the final reckoning on the Day of Judgment.
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