Islam and Christianity share a deep connection through their mutual reverence for Jesus Christ (known as Isa in Arabic). However, their theological views diverge significantly, particularly on the nature of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity. According to Islamic teachings, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) foretold the second coming of Jesus as a major sign of the end times. In this eschatological role, Jesus is expected to confront and rectify the distortions in belief systems, particularly those introduced into Christianity after his ascension. This includes the destruction of Pauline Christianity, which institutionalized the doctrine of the Trinity—a belief system considered antithetical to Islamic monotheism.
This article explores the Islamic perspective on Jesus’ return, his role in addressing theological deviations, and why Pauline Trinitarian Christianity is often viewed as a central target of his mission.
Jesus in Islam: A Revered Prophet
Islam acknowledges Jesus (Isa bin Maryam) as one of the greatest prophets, who was sent to guide the Children of Israel with divine revelation. The Quran honors him as a servant of God, born miraculously to Mary (Maryam), and bestowed with miraculous abilities such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by God's permission. However, Islam vehemently rejects the idea of Jesus being divine, the Son of God, or part of a Trinitarian Godhead.
The Quran explicitly states:
“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the third of three.’ But there is no deity except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.”
(Surah Al-Ma'idah: 73)
From the Islamic viewpoint, these doctrines represent a deviation from the pure monotheism (tawhid) that Jesus himself preached. The advent of Pauline Christianity, which championed the concepts of Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity, is seen as a significant distortion of his original teachings.
Pauline Christianity and the Doctrine of the Trinity
Paul of Tarsus, an influential figure in the early spread of Christianity, played a pivotal role in shaping Christian theology. While he never met Jesus in his earthly life, Paul claimed to have experienced a vision of the risen Christ. His writings introduced key doctrines that became foundational to mainstream Christianity, including:
- The Divinity of Jesus: Paul elevated Jesus from a human prophet to the divine Son of God.
- The Trinity: While Paul did not explicitly formulate the doctrine of the Trinity, his epistles laid the groundwork for this belief, later codified in the Nicene Creed (325 CE).
- The Abrogation of Mosaic Law: Paul taught that salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than adherence to the Torah.
These doctrines significantly diverged from the monotheistic teachings attributed to Jesus, aligning more with Greco-Roman philosophical influences. As a result, Islamic scholars often critique Pauline Christianity as a misrepresentation of Jesus’ true mission and teachings.
The Second Coming of Jesus: A Hadith-Based Perspective
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described the return of Jesus as one of the major signs of the Last Day. His mission will include restoring truth, abolishing falsehood, and uniting humanity under the banner of Islam. One of the most significant aspects of his mission will be the confrontation of Dajjal (the Antichrist) and the correction of distorted beliefs, particularly those of Trinitarian Christianity.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah. Wealth will pour forth to such an extent that no one will accept it, and a single prostration to Allah will be better than the world and what it contains.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2222; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 155)
This hadith highlights key actions of Jesus upon his return:
- Breaking the Cross: A symbolic act representing the destruction of Trinitarian Christianity, which venerates the cross as a symbol of Jesus' crucifixion. Islam denies the crucifixion and asserts that Jesus was raised to the heavens by God.
- Killing the Swine: A rejection of the permissiveness introduced into religious law by Pauline Christianity, which abandoned dietary restrictions rooted in the Torah.
- Abolishing the Jizyah: Signifying the establishment of universal monotheism, where all humanity will embrace Islam, rendering the tax on non-Muslims redundant.
Through these actions, Jesus will reaffirm his true role as a servant of God and correct the theological errors propagated in his name.
The Quranic Perspective on Jesus’ Mission
The Quran frequently emphasizes the monotheistic message of all prophets, including Jesus. His mission is described as calling people to worship Allah alone and rejecting any form of association (shirk).
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.”
(Surah Maryam: 36)
Upon his return, Jesus will restore this message and dismantle any false doctrines that contradict it. This includes Pauline Trinitarian Christianity, which the Quran identifies as a deviation.
Why Pauline Christianity is Targeted
The focus on Pauline Christianity in Islamic eschatology stems from its role in shaping the dominant theological framework of modern Christianity, which Islam views as a distortion of monotheism. Key reasons include:
- Deification of Jesus: The elevation of Jesus to divine status directly contradicts his role as a prophet in Islam.
- The Trinity: Considered the ultimate form of shirk, the doctrine of the Trinity compromises the oneness of God.
- Abandonment of the Law: By dismissing the Mosaic Law, Pauline Christianity is seen as undermining the ethical and legal framework of God’s guidance.
These elements have, in Islamic thought, led humanity away from the pure worship of Allah and created a religion that misrepresents the teachings of one of Islam’s greatest prophets.
The Unity of Monotheism Under Islam
Jesus’ return will not only dismantle false beliefs but also unite humanity under the banner of true monotheism. This is aligned with the prophetic mission of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the ultimate goal of Islam: the establishment of worship for Allah alone.
“And indeed, this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun: 52)
By affirming this unity, Jesus will complete his mission and demonstrate the consistency of God’s message across time.
Conclusion
The Islamic view of Jesus’ second coming is deeply intertwined with the correction of theological deviations, particularly those associated with Pauline Christianity. According to the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad, Jesus will break the cross, symbolizing the rejection of Trinitarianism, and restore monotheism as the central tenet of faith.
This eschatological narrative underscores Islam’s emphasis on tawhid (the oneness of God) and its critique of doctrines that compromise this principle. For Muslims, the return of Jesus serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood and the universal call to worship the one true God.
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