The Second Coming of Jesus in Islam
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: عودة المسيح الثانية (ʿAwdat al-Masīḥ al-Thānīyah)
- Turkish: İsa’nın İkinci Gelişi
Introduction
The Second Coming of Jesus is an eschatological belief in Christianity and Islam. While the Qurʾān does not provide explicit details on the subject, Islamic traditions, particularly Hadith, offer significant insights into this concept. This entry explores what Islamic teachings say about the return of Jesus, known as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (عيسى بن مريم) in Arabic.
Qurʾānic Basis
Although the Qurʾān itself has no definitive teaching on Jesus’ Second Coming, it does contain verses that have been interpreted as allusions to this event. For example:
- Sūrah an-Nisa (4:157): “And they said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’; but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them…”
Hadith Literature
Islamic traditions, or Hadiths, provide more explicit statements regarding Jesus’ return:
- Mishkātu ʾl-Maṣābīḥ, book xxiii, ch. vi: Contains numerous hadiths narrated by companions of Prophet Muhammad, such as Abū Hurairah, Jābir, and ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn ʿAmr.
Key Hadith Descriptions:
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Abū Hurairah:
- Jesus will descent as a just king, breaking the cross, killing swine, and abolishing the jizya (poll-tax).
- A time of great prosperity where one prostration in prayer will be more valuable than everything in the world.
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Jābir:
- Jesus will join the Muslim community in prayer but will not lead it, out of respect for the existing Muslim leaders.
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ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn ʿAmr:
- Jesus will live for forty-five years, marry, have children, and be buried in the Prophet Muhammad’s burial place.
Significance
The belief in Jesus’ return has several theological and eschatological implications for Muslims:
- Justice and Prosperity: Jesus’ return is seen as a time of unprecedented justice, peace, and wealth.
- Interfaith Symbolism: His role signifies a connection between Muslims and Christians, acknowledging Jesus’ esteemed place in both religions.
- Eschatological Fulfillment: It affirms the prophecies concerning the end times and the Day of Judgment.
Further Reading
- “Jesus in the Qur’an” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims” by Mustafa Akyol
- “Jesus and the End of the World: The Saint Anselm Journal” by Philip A. Cunningham
Conclusion
The Second Coming of Jesus, though not definitively detailed in the Qurʾān, holds an essential place in Islamic eschatology through Hadith traditions. It symbolizes the culmination of divine justice, peace, and interfaith respect. This belief underscores the interconnectedness of Islamic and Christian eschatological narratives.
Takeaways
- The Qurʾān lacks explicit details about Jesus’ return, but Islamic traditions enrich this belief through various Hadiths.
- Jesus’ Second Coming signifies an era of justice, peace, and wealth.
- This concept bridges Muslim and Christian eschatologies, promoting a shared reverence for Jesus.
Understanding the Second Coming of Jesus in Islam provides deeper insights into eschatological beliefs shared across religions and highlights the profound respect and honor accorded to Jesus within Islamic tradition.
