End Times & Eschatology

The Descent of Prophet Isa (Jesus)

The Second Coming of Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islam

Introduction

Did you know that Muslims also await the return of Jesus? In Islam, Prophet Jesus (known as Prophet Isa, peace be upon him) is not only a revered Messenger of God, but he is also destined to return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. This belief is a fundamental part of Islamic teaching about the end times. The second coming of Jesus is a remarkable prophecy that highlights the truth and beauty of Islam. It bridges Islam with the Judeo-Christian tradition while providing a unique, clear perspective on Jesus’s true role. In a modern, conversational way, let's explore what Islam says about Prophet Isa’s return – drawing from the Quran, authentic hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), and insights from respected scholars – and see why this event matters for Muslims and how it showcases the wisdom of Islamic belief.

Who Is Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islamic Belief?

Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, is one of the greatest prophets in Islam. Muslims love and honor Jesus highly – just as they honor Prophet Muhammad and other prophets. In the Quran, Jesus is called the Messiah (Al-Masih), born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father. He preached to the Children of Israel and performed many miracles by God’s permission (such as healing the blind and lepers, and even raising the dead). However, Islamic belief differs from Christianity in a crucial way: Muslims do not believe Jesus is the son of God or divine. Instead, he is a human prophet and servant of the One God.

According to the Quran, Jesus was not killed or crucified by his enemies, but God saved him. Muslims believe Jesus was raised up alive to heaven by God. Because he did not die, Muslims await his return to Earth in the final era of world history. This awaited event is what we mean by the "second coming" of Jesus. Prophet Isa’s return is one of the major signs of the approach of the Day of Judgment in Islamic theology. It’s a topic that fascinates both Muslims and non-Muslims, and it’s a powerful example of how Islam completes the stories of earlier prophets.

The Second Coming of Jesus: An Overview

In Islamic teachings, the second coming of Jesus is referred to in Arabic as nuzul Isa ibn Maryam (the descent of Jesus son of Mary). Islam teaches that near the end of time, Allah (God) will send Jesus back to Earth. Unlike his first mission, when Prophet Jesus came to guide the Israelites, during his second coming Jesus will serve as a just leader and a follower of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. He will not bring any new scripture, since Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the final prophet and the Quran is the final revelation. Instead, Jesus will return to fulfill specific tasks given by God and to correct misunderstandings about his life and message.

The second coming of Isa is a core part of Islamic eschatology (the study of end-times). It is counted among the Major Signs of the Hour (the events that signal the world is approaching the Day of Judgment). Muslims believe this event will be a real, physical return of Jesus to Earth. When he comes, there will be a series of extraordinary events: the false messiah will be defeated, truth will triumph over falsehood, and peace and justice will fill the Earth. To understand this in detail, let’s look at what the Quran and Hadith (Prophet Muhammad’s sayings) actually say about it.

Quranic Verses Hinting at Jesus’s Return

Although the Quran does not narrate the story of Jesus’s return in a single place like a storybook, it does contain several verses that Muslims understand as direct or indirect references to the second coming. Here are some key Quranic statements (in English translation) related to this topic:

“...They said, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.’ But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him – it was only made to appear so. ... Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
(Quran 4:157–158)

This Quranic passage emphasizes that Jesus was not actually killed. Instead, God rescued him and took him up, alive, to Himself. This establishes the basis for believing that Jesus is still alive and will return. The next verse continues:

“Every one of the People of the Book will believe in him** before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.”
(Quran 4:159)

This verse is understood to mean that every person from the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) will come to believe in Jesus “before his death.” Muslims interpret this as a prophecy that when Jesus returns in the end times, all remaining Jews and Christians will finally recognize the truth about him before he dies (his eventual natural death after returning). In other words, at that time, people of earlier scriptures will finally believe in Jesus as he truly is – not as a god, but as God’s servant and Prophet – and thus they will embrace the true message of Islam. This understanding is supported by classical scholars like Imam Ibn Kathir, who explained that this verse refers to the future time after Jesus’s return, when he will rectify people’s faith “before he dies.”

Another Quranic verse that many scholars say points to the second coming is in Surah Az-Zukhruf:

“And indeed, Jesus will be a sign for [the coming of] the Hour, so have no doubt about it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.”
(Quran 43:61)

Here, the Quran states that Jesus (‘Isa) is a sign of the Hour, meaning his second coming will signal that the Hour (Day of Judgment) is close. Have no doubt about it – in other words, this event is firmly promised by God. Early Muslim commentators, including companions of the Prophet, noted that this verse indicates Jesus’s return as one of the signs that the end of the world is near.

There is also a verse in Surah Maryam where the infant Jesus speaks from the cradle, saying:

“Peace is on me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I will be raised to life again.”
(Quran 19:33)

Muslims point out that Jesus said “the day I die” in the future tense. During his first life on Earth, Jesus did not die (since, as we saw, the Quran says he was raised up instead). Thus, “the day I die” refers to a future death – implying he will return to Earth and then die after completing his mission, like any other mortal. The Quranic phrasing here subtly hints that Jesus’s story on Earth wasn’t finished and will continue in the last days.

In summary, the Quran lays the groundwork: Jesus was saved from crucifixion, lifted up by God, and will be a sign of the end times when he returns, before ultimately experiencing death like all humans. These Quranic references may be brief, but they are important clues that connect with the more detailed descriptions found in the Hadith.

Hadith: Prophet Muhammad’s Sayings About Jesus’s Return

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke extensively about the second coming of Jesus. These sayings are preserved in the Hadith literature. In fact, there are numerous authentic hadiths (so many that scholars say the reports are mutawātir, meaning transmitted by numerous chains of narrators – giving them the highest level of certainty). The hadiths fill in the details of when, where, and how Prophet Isa will return, and what he will do on Earth.

One very famous hadith, narrated by the Companion Abu Hurayrah in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (the two most authentic collections of hadith), quotes Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as saying:

“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, the son of Mary (Jesus) will soon descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizya (tax), and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it (as charity).”
(Hadith – Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Let’s unpack this important narration. "Descend among you" clearly means Jesus will come down from the heavens to rejoin the people on Earth. The Prophet Muhammad describes him as “a just judge” – meaning Jesus will judge by the truth and establish justice among people. “Break the cross” symbolizes that Jesus will end the false worship of the cross (he will correct the Christians who mistakenly exalted him as divine). “Kill the pig” means he will put a stop to the consumption of pork (something that had been allowed by some Christian groups contrary to earlier divine laws). And “abolish the jizya” – the jizya is a tax that non-Muslims pay under Muslim rule in lieu of military service. When Jesus returns, everyone will follow the true religion, so there will be no more jizya; even non-Muslims (People of the Book) will willingly accept Islam, so a tax distinguishing religious status is no longer needed. This hadith also mentions an overflow of wealth – indicating that under Jesus’s leadership, there will be such prosperity and justice that no one will be in poverty or need of charity. It paints a picture of a truly golden age of peace and righteousness on Earth.

Another authentic hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari says:

“How will you be when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends among you and your imam is [chosen] from among yourselves?”
(Hadith – Reported by Bukhari)

Prophet Muhammad posed this question to his companions, marveling at the future time when Jesus will be in the midst of the Muslim community. “Your imam is from among yourselves” indicates that when Jesus comes down, there will be a Muslim leader (imam) present, and Jesus will pray behind that Muslim leader rather than assuming leadership as a new prophet. This detail is very significant: it shows that Jesus returns not as a rival to Prophet Muhammad or to start a new religion – but to confirm the religion of Islam as a follower of Muhammad, peace be upon him. In Islamic accounts, this Muslim leader is often identified as Imam Al-Mahdi, a righteous leader who will appear in the end times to lead the Muslim community. When Jesus arrives, he will join forces with Imam Mahdi and the believers.

There are other hadiths that describe the event of Jesus’s descent in vivid terms. For example, one narration (found in Sahih Muslim and other sources) mentions that Prophet Isa will descend from the heavens at a white minaret in the eastern side of Damascus (Syria), wearing two garments lightly dyed in saffron, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels. His appearance will be striking: medium height, reddish-fair complexion, and his hair as if wet. When he lowers his head, beads of water will fall, and when he raises it, it will look as if pearls are rolling off. The hadith says every disbeliever who breathes in the scent of his breath will die – and his breath will reach as far as his eyesight. This miraculous description shows that God will make Jesus’s presence itself a means of purifying the earth from disbelief in those final days.

According to the hadiths, when Jesus comes, the world will be in turmoil due to a figure known as Al-Masih ad-Dajjal, or the False Messiah (often equated with the "Antichrist"). Dajjal will be a satanic deceiver who spreads great corruption and claims divinity, leading many people astray. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that Dajjal would be the greatest trial humanity has ever faced. It is at that critical moment, when Dajjal is causing havoc, that God will send Jesus back. Jesus’s first mission upon returning will be to confront and kill the Dajjal, ending his reign of deception. One hadith in Sahih Muslim describes that Jesus will pursue Dajjal and catch up with him at a place near Jerusalem called Ludd (Lod) – and there he will slay him, finally liberating the world from this great evil.

After defeating the false messiah, other major events will unfold. The Quran and hadith also speak of the emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), two wild nations or forces causing chaos, during Jesus’s time. Prophet Jesus, with the help of God, will pray for their destruction, and God will wipe out Gog and Magog with a miraculous intervention (as the hadith indicate, they will perish by a kind of pestilence). These dramatic events show that Jesus will be at the center of the climactic battles between good and evil in the end times.

With those enemies gone, humanity will experience an era of unprecedented peace and harmony under Jesus’s leadership. The hadiths describe that Jesus will rule the Earth with justice. There will be no more war — “Nation shall not lift sword against nation,” as is sometimes said. Religious disputes will end, since everyone will recognize the truth of Islam. The world will enjoy abundance: even the natural world will give forth extraordinary blessings – crops will flourish, animals will prosper. One narration says that a single pomegranate will be so large that a group of people can eat from it and seek shelter under its rind! Wealth will be everywhere and no one will be poor. Jesus will unify people in the worship of the one true God, ending centuries of disagreement about himself and about God.

During this time, Prophet Isa will perform other noble tasks. It is said he will break all crucifixes (to clarify he was never crucified and should not be worshipped), and kill all swine (to reinforce the law of God). He will establish Islamic law (Shariah) in every land, but gently and peacefully, winning hearts with truth. There’s even a hadith that Jesus will go to Makkah and perform the pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), underscoring that he follows the same pillars of Islam as other Muslims. He will pray behind the Muslim imam (leader) rather than taking over the leadership – a powerful gesture showing his humility and the continuity of Muhammad’s message. All of these acts underline that Jesus’s mission on return is to serve as a just guide and ruler, not to start a new religion. He will demonstrate the triumph of monotheism (Islam) over all false beliefs.

It is commonly related that Prophet Jesus will live on Earth for a number of years after his return. Some traditions state he will live for 40 years in total (which includes his life before ascending and after descending). Other reports say he will spend around seven years after killing the Dajjal. In any case, ultimately Jesus will eventually die like any other human being. The Muslims of that time will perform the funeral prayer for him and bury him. (Some narrations even suggest he will be buried in the city of Madinah, beside the Prophet Muhammad, but Allah knows best.) His death will mark the completion of his role in this world. Not long after that, as faith and goodness fade from the world, the Day of Judgment will dawn upon the worst of the people.

The story of the second coming of Isa, therefore, is not just a single event but a series of extraordinary events: his descent, the defeat of evil forces like Dajjal (and Gog/Magog), the unification of humanity in true faith, and a period of peace and prosperity unlike any the world has seen. These are events Muslims see as concrete future realities, based on the clear prophecies of Prophet Muhammad.

Miracles and Signs Associated with Jesus’s Return

The return of Jesus itself will be a miraculous sign. Consider that Jesus has been preserved alive by God for thousands of years since his ascension – this is a miracle of God’s power. When he returns, he will come down from the heavens supported by angels, a supernatural event witnessed by people of that time.

During his mission after return, several miraculous signs will surround him:

All these signs reinforce a key message: the power of Allah and the truth of Islam will become manifest to everyone in those final days. Jesus’s presence and actions will be a living proof against all those who doubted or divinized him. For Muslims, these miracles are not fantasy but part of the promised future that validates their beliefs. It also consoles them that no matter how much injustice or confusion exists now, a time will come when truth will vanquish evil in a very evident way.

Scholarly Insights and Commentary

Muslim scholars throughout history, from the earliest generations to today, have spoken in depth about the second coming of Prophet Isa. This topic isn’t a fringe idea; it is a well-established doctrine in mainstream Islam, supported by consensus and scholarly analysis.

Classical scholars have noted that the belief in Jesus’s return is held by the entire Muslim community (ummah) without dissent, based on the clear texts. Over a thousand years ago, Imam Al-Ash‘ari – an influential 10th-century theologian – pointed out that the ulama (scholars) are in unanimous agreement that Jesus will indeed descend and slay the Dajjal as part of the end-times signs. In other words, from the perspective of Islamic creed, this belief is considered a matter of ijma‘ (consensus) of the scholars. Only eccentric philosophers or heretical groups ever questioned it, and their objections were not taken seriously by the majority. The famous judge and scholar Qadi ‘Iyad (12th century) stated that no one from the people of Islam denies the coming of Jesus except those with no stake in Islamic belief – underlining that it’s a standard part of creed.

Imam Ibn Kathir (a 14th-century scholar known for his Quran commentary and historical works) also affirmed this belief strongly. In his exegesis of the Quran (Tafsir Ibn Kathir), when discussing verse 4:159 (about the People of the Book believing in Jesus before his death), Ibn Kathir wrote: “This will happen after Jesus returns and before he dies – at that time, all Jews and Christians will believe in him [properly].” He then cites the hadith about Jesus descending and breaking the cross, etc., to show how the Quranic prophecy and hadiths align. Ibn Kathir even authored a book on End Times where he compiled all such prophecies, further commenting on how the era of Jesus will unfold based on the hadith.

Another renowned scholar, Imam Al-Nawawi (13th century), made insightful comments on the hadith narrations about Prophet Isa’s return. In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, Al-Nawawi explains that when the Prophet Muhammad called Jesus “a just judge” and said Jesus will “not accept jizya”, it means Jesus will rule according to the Law of Islam (the Shariah of Muhammad) and everyone will be required to accept the true religion – for that reason taking jizya from unbelievers will no longer apply, since there will be no non-Muslim citizens left in Jesus’s time; faith will become universal. Al-Nawawi and other scholars underscore that Jesus will not introduce a new gospel or law. Instead, he will pray behind the Muslim imam of that era (as multiple hadiths indicate), essentially functioning as a follower of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. This point was highlighted to avoid any confusion: Prophet Muhammad is Khatam an-Nabiyyin (Seal of the Prophets), the final prophet, so no new prophet or new religious law can come after him. Jesus’s return does not contradict this finality, because Jesus will not come as a new prophet – he will come as a fulfillment of his original mission and as a supporter of Muhammad’s mission. In a sense, Jesus’s second coming itself will be a testament to the truth of Islam and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Across all schools of Islamic law – Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali – and across theological schools – Ash’ari, Maturidi, traditional Salafi – there is no real disagreement on the fact of Jesus’s second coming. It’s universally accepted as part of orthodox belief. The only discussions you might find among scholars concern minor details or interpreting the symbolism of some of Jesus’s actions (for example, whether “breaking the cross” will be literal or purely symbolic – many say it’s likely literal and symbolic). But on the core events, there is a united front. A Muslim from any school of thought will have the same understanding of Prophet Isa’s return. This unity is itself noteworthy: it shows how central and well-grounded this belief is in the source texts of Islam.

Modern scholars also continue to emphasize and explain the wisdom behind Jesus’s return. Dr. Yasir Qadhi, a contemporary American Muslim scholar, notes that the narrations about the second coming are so plentiful and strong that denying them is not an option for a faithful Muslim. He points out that these hadiths have been accepted by scholars for centuries and are corroborated by one another, forming a clear picture. Dr. Qadhi also addresses questions some modern minds have – like “Why Jesus in particular?” – by explaining the historical and theological continuity: since Jesus was one of the last prophets before Muhammad and was especially beloved by a large segment of humanity (Christians), Allah’s wisdom chose Jesus to play a pivotal role in the end times to bring everyone together in truth.

Dr. Bilal Philips, another well-known Islamic teacher, highlights how the Islamic view of Jesus’s return actually helps clarify Jesus’s true status to Christians and Jews. He says that when Jesus comes back, it will become evident that he never claimed divinity – he will literally break crosses and affirm the worship of the One God, correcting the misunderstandings. In Dr. Philips’s words, Jesus will “complete his life’s mission” by destroying the false beliefs erected around his name. This will show the superiority of the pure monotheistic message that Islam preserved. In essence, Jesus’s return will unite sincere Christians and Muslims as one community of believers, because the points of contention (Trinity, Crucifixion, etc.) will be resolved by Jesus himself.

Many scholars old and new also discuss an important point: What about those who, for whatever reason, doubted or denied that Jesus would actually return? Historically, this was a rare opinion, but in modern times a few individuals have questioned it. The verdict of scholars, based on the consensus and clear evidence, is that rejecting the well-established teachings about Prophet Isa’s second coming is a serious error. Some even consider it a deviation from Islam. However, mainstream scholars prefer to educate and bring about understanding rather than brand someone a heretic hastily. The evidence, once shown, is so overwhelming that any sincere Muslim usually has no hesitation in accepting that “Yes, Prophet Isa will indeed come back, as my Prophet Muhammad foretold.”

In summary, scholarly commentary – whether from the likes of Ibn Kathir and Al-Nawawi centuries ago or Yasir Qadhi and Bilal Philips today – all serve to affirm the reality of Jesus’s second coming and explain its significance. They provide context, reconcile any questions (like how it fits with Muhammad being the final prophet), and highlight the wisdom in God’s plan. There is a beautiful coherence in how this belief has been transmitted: generation after generation of Muslim scholarship has guarded it and reflected on it, leaving a rich legacy of writings and teachings on the topic.

Islam’s Perspective vs. Other Perspectives

The Islamic perspective on the second coming of Jesus stands out in several ways when compared to other viewpoints, be it Christian theology or various speculative theories:

In essence, the Islamic narrative for the second coming of Jesus is comprehensive and theologically robust. It connects seamlessly with the past (Jesus’s first mission) and the future (events of the Last Day). It upholds God’s justice and oneness, it exalts Jesus in the correct way, and it ensures the triumph of truth. Many Muslims find that this understanding actually strengthens their appreciation for Jesus and provides common ground for dialogue with Christian friends—after all, both await Jesus, but with different expectations. Presenting Islam’s view can lovingly invite non-Muslims to reconsider who Jesus truly was and what he will do, perhaps guiding them towards the message that Jesus himself will affirm upon his return: the message of Islam, submission to the One God.

Why Does the Second Coming of Jesus Matter to Muslims Today?

One might wonder: This is about the end of times – how does it affect me right now? But for Muslims, the belief in Prophet Isa’s return is not just a fantastical future tale; it carries practical and spiritual significance for their lives even today:

1. Strengthening Faith and Hope: Believing in the second coming of Jesus reinforces a Muslim’s faith in all of God’s promises. It reminds us that just as past prophecies have come true, so will the future ones. In a world often full of injustice, corruption, and confusion, the knowledge that God has a plan to eventually have ultimate justice prevail gives deep hope. No matter how bleak things may look, a Muslim knows that the future holds the victory of truth over falsehood in a very literal sense. This hope helps one stay optimistic and patient. Just as early Christians found comfort that “Maranatha (the Lord is coming)”, Muslims take comfort that “Isa (Jesus) will come and the world will be set right.”

2. A Call to Remain Steadfast: Since we know from the prophecies that before Jesus’s return there will be difficult trials (like the deception of Dajjal), Muslims are urged to stay steadfast in faith and not be misled by false ideologies or “false messiahs” of any kind. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised that whoever lives to see Dajjal should hold firmly to their faith and not be taken in by his tricks. By extension, even if we don’t live to see those final days, we all face our own Dajjal-like trials of faith in life (temptations, doubts, cults of personality, etc.). The narrative of end times teaches us to cling to the Quran and authentic teachings, so that when big tests come, we won’t falter. It’s a motivator to increase our knowledge and faith now, so that we (or at least the future generations) will recognize truth from falsehood when extraordinary events unfold.

3. Connecting with Other Faiths (Dawah): The second coming of Jesus is a fascinating common belief between Muslims and Christians. For Muslims doing dawah (inviting others to Islam), this topic often serves as a bridge in conversation. It allows Muslims to explain, “We believe in Jesus’s return too, but here’s how we believe it will happen.” Many Christians are surprised and impressed to learn that Islam gives Jesus such an important role. This can open hearts and minds, showing that Islam is not an alien faith but one that honors Jesus in a pure and logical way. It can gently lead to discussing who Jesus really was – a prophet, not God – which is a major point of Islamic teaching. Thus, understanding this topic makes Muslims better equipped to build interfaith understanding and share Islam’s message with clarity and confidence.

4. Love and Reverence for Prophet Isa: Knowing that Allah has chosen Jesus for this monumental mission reaffirms to Muslims that Jesus is indeed one of the most beloved prophets. Learning about his future role increases one’s love and respect for him. In Islam, loving all prophets is part of faith. So, a Muslim reflects: “If I truly love Jesus and look forward to meeting him one day (even if in the next life), I should respect what he stood for – worshipping God alone and living righteously.” It encourages Muslims to follow the teachings of all the prophets (especially the final teachings of Muhammad which Jesus will come back to uphold). It even adds a personal longing – some Muslims pray they might be alive in that golden age to witness Prophet Isa and even be in his company. But even if not, they strive to be among those whom Jesus would find as true believers when he comes.

5. Moral Lessons – Justice and Humility: The second coming narrative carries powerful moral lessons. One is the ultimate establishment of justice: it teaches Muslims never to lose sight that justice is a core value, and any injustice is temporary. If Jesus is going to “break the cross and kill the swine,” Muslims today should also (figuratively) stand against falsehood and immorality in society – though with wisdom and peace, not violence. Another lesson is humility: look at Jesus himself. Despite his lofty status, when he returns he will pray behind Imam Mahdi, essentially saying “I am a follower of Muhammad’s sharia now.” This humility of a great prophet sets an example for all of us – to be humble in following truth. No ego, no personal pride, just submission to God’s command. If a prophet can show such humility, how about us? Thus, Muslims today should be humble servants of God and cooperative with fellow believers, rather than seeking fame or power.

6. Preparation through Goodness: While the grand events of end times are in Allah’s hands, Muslims believe we should prepare for the eventual meeting with Jesus by embodying true Islam now. There is a saying that Jesus will return to “a community of Muslims” – meaning there will be believers for him to lead. We should aim to be part of the community that truly adheres to Islam. That means fostering unity, compassion, and piety among ourselves. It also means being vigilant against the evils that Dajjal represents: materialism, deceit, and godlessness. If we combat those trends in our own lives and societies today, we are in a way paving the road for the kind of world Jesus would want to see. Every act of kindness and justice a Muslim does today is like planting a seed for that future of peace.

Finally, the second coming of Jesus reminds Muslims of the continuity and brotherhood of all prophets. In our daily prayers, we send peace and blessings not only upon Muhammad but also upon “Abraham and his family” – and by extension on all prophets including Jesus. It’s a beautiful part of Islam that we see all prophets as one fraternity. Thinking about Jesus’s return reinforces that mindset. It tells Muslims: Never disparage the figures other communities hold dear; instead, show them we perhaps honor those figures (like Jesus) even more correctly. This nurtures a respectful attitude in a multi-faith world.

In conclusion, the belief in Prophet Isa’s second coming is not a remote, irrelevant doctrine. It deeply influences Muslim spirituality, ethics, and worldview. It ties into how a Muslim views the future, interacts with Christian neighbors, resists trials, and yearns for God’s justice. It is a source of comfort that Allah’s plan will bring about a happy ending for the story of this world – where faith, peace, and justice prevail at last.

Conclusion

The second coming of Jesus in Islam is a truly awe-inspiring topic. It shows us how Allah’s plans can span millennia, and how His promises never fail. For a Muslim, learning about Prophet Isa’s return increases love for Allah’s wisdom and the interconnectedness of His messengers. It reinforces that Islam is the culmination of the same truth that Jesus and all prophets taught. When Jesus returns, it will be a day of joy for believers – a day when all genuine followers of God, whether they originally identified as Muslims or Christians or Jews, will unite as one community under the leadership of a prophet who has served God across ages.

As Muslims today, reflecting on this promise should fill our hearts with hope and determination. We are hopeful because no matter how divided or troubled the world is now, we believe a time of unity and peace is destined. We are determined because we want to be among those who stand with Jesus, not those who oppose or reject him. That means standing with the principles of Jesus now – truth, humility, and worship of the One God – so that if we were to face him, we would not be ashamed.

This belief also reminds us not to idolize any human being – even Jesus when he returns will point people away from himself and towards God. In our daily lives, we too direct our love and worship to Allah alone, following the guidance that prophets like Muhammad and Jesus brought. We avoid both extremes: neither denying the miracles and prophecies that God has informed us of, nor exaggerating the status of God’s righteous servants.

In a world where Jesus is often a point of theological contention, Islam presents a vision of Jesus that is pure and profound: a servant of God, a mighty Prophet, the Messiah who will return to defeat evil and restore faith. This vision can serve as a beacon of guidance for all who truly seek to follow Jesus’s example — because ultimately, as Islam shows, following the true Jesus means embracing the worship of the same One God that Jesus worshipped.

In our times, when materialism and cynicism are common, the prophecy of Jesus’s return calls us back to a divine perspective. It’s a reminder that history is not just random; it’s guided by God’s will. And the end of that history, as promised by God, belongs to the righteous. Muslims pray and strive to be among those righteous, whether or not we live to see Prophet Isa descend. At the very least, we wish to meet him in the Hereafter and have him recognize us as those who believed in him truly through the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad.

Let us carry this belief with pride and humility, and let it inspire us to be better Muslims and better humans. Just as the first coming of Jesus was a mercy to the Children of Israel, his second coming will be a mercy to the whole world. The truth and beauty of Islam will shine brightly on that day, as Jesus himself testifies to it. May we all be part of that beautiful legacy, and may God keep us steadfast on the straight path until the last day. Ameen.

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring the second coming of Jesus and Islamic end-times in more detail, here are some highly regarded mainstream books and resources scholars (classical and contemporary):