In Islamic eschatology, the return of Jesus (known in Arabic as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) is one of the most momentous and awe-inspiring events prophesied to occur before the Day of Judgment. Unlike the Christian narrative where Jesus is the Son of God and Savior, Islam views Jesus as a revered prophet and the Messiah who will return to fulfill a critical role: to destroy the Antichrist (al-Masīḥ ad-Dajjāl) and restore justice and monotheism to the world.
This article explores the Islamic perspective on Jesus’s return, his confrontation with the Antichrist, and the profound theological and spiritual significance this holds in Islamic belief.
Jesus in Islam: A Prophet and Messiah
In the Qur’an, Jesus is mentioned in numerous verses, revered as a prophet, messenger, and the Messiah sent to the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) and that he performed miracles by God’s permission. However, Islam categorically rejects the notion of Jesus being divine or the son of God.
Qur’anic reference:
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him...” (Qur’an 5:75)
Muslims also reject the crucifixion, believing instead that Jesus was not killed nor crucified, but that he was raised up by God and that someone else was made to appear like him to his enemies.
The Second Coming of Jesus
A core component of Islamic eschatology is the Second Coming of Jesus, which is believed to occur in the final era of human history. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) foretold this event in multiple hadiths (sayings), emphasizing Jesus’s return as a sign of the Hour and a divine mission to rectify distortions in faith and defeat falsehood.
Key Hadiths:
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely the son of Mary will soon descend among you and will judge mankind justly; he will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah (tax on non-Muslims). Wealth will be so abundant that nobody will accept it…”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith outlines Jesus’s mission: correcting theological deviations, ending economic exploitation, and bringing about an era of peace.
The Rise of the Antichrist (Al-Masīḥ ad-Dajjāl)
Before Jesus returns, Islamic tradition foretells the emergence of a deceptive and tyrannical figure: the Antichrist, or ad-Dajjāl. His name literally means “the deceiver” or “impostor messiah.”
Characteristics of the Dajjāl:
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He will be blind in one eye.
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He will perform false miracles and deceive many.
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He will claim divinity and demand worship.
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He will spread corruption and chaos globally.
The Prophet Muhammad warned of him frequently:
“There is no tribulation greater than the trial of the Dajjāl from the creation of Adam to the Day of Resurrection.”
(Muslim)
His reign of terror will last 40 days—one day like a year, one like a month, one like a week, and the rest like normal days. During this time, he will travel rapidly across the earth, leaving destruction in his wake.
The Confrontation: Jesus vs. the Antichrist
Jesus’s descent from the heavens will mark a pivotal moment in human history. According to authentic hadiths, he will descend near a white minaret in the eastern part of Damascus, Syria, wearing two garments dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two angels.
The Setting:
The Muslim army, led by the Mahdi (a guided leader who appears before Jesus), will be preparing for battle against the Dajjāl. When the Dajjāl sees Jesus, he will begin to melt like salt dissolving in water due to the divine aura of Jesus.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“The son of Mary will kill the Dajjāl at the gate of Ludd (Lod, in present-day Israel).”
(Muslim)
Jesus will pursue the Dajjāl and kill him with a spear or sword near the city of Lod. His death will mark the end of the greatest trial humanity has ever faced.
What Happens After the Dajjāl’s Defeat?
Once the Dajjāl is slain, Jesus will not bring a new religion. Instead, he will rule according to the Shari’ah (Islamic law) of the Prophet Muhammad. He will reaffirm the oneness of God (tawḥīd) and reject any claims of his divinity. He will lead the Muslims in prayer, unite people under monotheism, and establish a just global order.
Other aspects of his rule include:
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Abolishing the Jizyah: Since there will be universal acceptance of Islam, the jizyah tax will no longer be needed.
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Peace and Prosperity: War will cease, and people will live in peace.
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Abundance of Wealth: Economic equality will be achieved, and wealth will be plentiful.
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Destruction of the Cross and Swine: Symbolic of correcting the distortions in Christian doctrine.
Jesus will eventually live on earth for 40 years, marry, have children, and die a natural death. Muslims believe he will be buried next to the Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
Theological Significance in Islam
The return of Jesus is not just a dramatic end-time event—it is deeply symbolic. It reflects:
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The unity of Abrahamic faiths: Jesus’s role bridges Islam and Christianity, correcting theological errors while honoring his true status.
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A reaffirmation of monotheism: By rejecting the claims of divinity and affirming God’s oneness, Jesus restores the essential message of all prophets.
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Victory of truth over falsehood: The defeat of the Dajjāl represents the triumph of divine justice over deception and oppression.
Conclusion
The Islamic narrative of Jesus’s return and his killing of the Antichrist is a powerful story of hope, divine justice, and the ultimate victory of truth. It underscores the central Islamic belief that all prophets, including Jesus, were sent with the same core message: to worship the One God and live righteously.
In a world often clouded by confusion and materialism, the story of Jesus in Islam is a reminder that faith, sincerity, and justice will prevail in the end. His return is not merely about defeating a tyrant; it is about restoring clarity, guiding humanity back to the truth, and preparing the world for its final reckoning.
Whether one approaches this story from a spiritual, historical, or theological perspective, the Islamic Jesus stands as a towering figure of mercy, justice, and unwavering monotheism—whose final mission will echo through eternity.
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