The Second Coming Of Jesus

“There are two verses in the Qur'an that Muslims believe indicate the second coming of Jesus: "And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before is death; and on the Day of Judgement he will be a witness against them" (Surah 4:159). "And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgement): Therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: This is a Straight Way" (Surah 43:61).

According to the first verse, all the Ahl-e-Kitab (Jews and Christians), will believe in Jesus before his death. Muslim commentators state that the Arabic leuaminanna (must believe) refers to an event in the future. This they believe could only be possible should Jesus come again and live in this world till he dies. The second verse shows that Jesus is the sign of the Last Hour. So it is argued, 'How can he be a sign for Doomsday if he doesn't appear sometimes before it?'

Those who do believe Jesus will come again, see him in a subordinate role to that of the Prophet of Islam. Jesus will be under a Muslim Amir, leader, showing his complete adherence to Islam. Some Ahadith indicate that on his arrival Jesus will kill an impostor Messiah (i.e. the antichrist). He will live for forty years during which he will marry, have children, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage). After his death, he will be buried beside the grave of the Prophet Muhammad (Wali ad-Din, Miskat Al-Masabih, (tr. James Robson), Vol.II, p.1159; Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, p.92).

Most Muslims believe that Jesus descent from heaven will be accomplished by resting his hands on the wings of two angels. He will descend onto the white minaret, situated in the eastern part of Damascus. He will invite the whole world to be Muslim including Christians and Jews. The one eyed antichrist, accompanied by seventy thousand Jews, will be killed by Jesus, at the place called Lod. The Jews will be badly defeated. Jesus will break the cross, annihilate swine and will end all wars and jizya (poll tax). His position will be like that of a judge. During this period there will be an abundance of all sorts of goods. Muslims will dominate the world and there will be an end of all religions except Islam (Mawdudi, A.A, Finality of Prophethood, pp. 58-61).

Some groups like the Ahmadiyya and the Bahai believe that their founders were the second coming of Christ. Other groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus came back at the turn of this century and took the elect with him. However, the Bible reveals that his second coming will not be in secret. When the apostles saw Jesus ascending into heaven, the angels told them: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

Muslim friends have various ideas about the physical descent of Jesus. Some say he will land on the Ka'ba, others claim he will land on the minaret of the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, yet others think he will descend in Jerusalem. Whether coming to Jerusalem, Damascus or Mecca, one has to think carefully where he is coming from. If he is coming from heaven, then this coming will not be an ordinary one, with an ordinary body like ours. The Bible declares that he is coming in heavenly splendour. He will come in all his glory and power (2 Thessalonians 1:7). Jesus said: "as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west", so will be his coming (Matthew 24:27). In simple words, his coming will be visible to everyone. His first coming took place in obscurity, but his second coming will be universally visible. His coming will be so dramatic, no-one will fail to recognise him. (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9,11).

Christians are fortunate to find a major part of the New Testament directly concerned with Christ's second coming. Jesus and his return as Judge is one of he major themes. Nevertheless, there is no mention of him coming as an ordinary being, nor is there the least suggestion that he will marry, die, and be buried. The Scriptures indicate that when he comes, his people both living and the dead will be raised or changed and meet him in the air and the earth will be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 4 :15 - 17; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 2 Peter 3:10).

On many occasions Jesus said that he came down from heaven and that he would come again (John 3:13; 8:23; 14:2-3,18-19; 16:28; Matthew 25:31-32; 26:64). This second coming is to be different from the first , his coming will be as the Mighty Judge and conquering King (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). The reassuring news and the final reminder is found in the last chapter of Revelation, the last book of the Bible: "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12).

At his first coming Jesus became like us in every respect, to deliver us from the power of Satan (John 1:18; Hebrews 2:14-17). He came to conquer sin and rise from the dead to gain victory and triumph. At his second coming, we are going to see him as he really is (1John 3:2).

The mission that Jesus had left to his Church to perform and proclaim his Gospel to the world will terminate at his second coming. He will uproot evil and enthrone righteousness for ever. He will establish eternal peace. Although it is right to campaign for social justice and peace to improve society, the Bible makes it clear that we will never be able to perfect it. Only Christ at his second coming will fulfil it.

The Bible speaks clearly about the unexpectedness of his return. About the day of his return, Jesus advised us all not to speculate because no one knows the date but God (Mark 13:32). All that we have to do is to be ready and prepared for his return - at any time. Jesus said that he would come when people did not expect him. Critics consider the idea of Jesus' second coming as naive: "Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:4).

Jesus has already answered such ridicule. He said his coming would be as unexpected as the flood in the time of Noah (Matthew 24:37-41). People were told about it but they did not believe it. Then it arrived and it was too late. Today everyone has the opportunity to believe in Christ now and act as he has commanded (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:37-38). At his arrival this chance will have been withdrawn; it will be too late.”

http://islam.itl.org.uk/Jesus/second.htm

 

NOTE: If this page was accessed during a web search you may wish to browse the sites listed below where this topic or related issues are discussed in detail to promote global peace, religious harmony, and spiritual development of humanity:

www.adishakti.org/
www.al-qiyamah.org/
www.adi-shakti.org/  — Divine Feminine (Hinduism)
www.holyspirit-shekinah.org/  — Divine Feminine (Christianity)
www.ruach-elohim.org/  — Divine Feminine (Judaism)
www.ruh-allah.org/  — Divine Feminine (Islam)
www.tao-mother.org/  — Divine Feminine (Taoism)
www.prajnaaparamita.org/  — Divine Feminine (Buddhism)
www.aykaa-mayee.org/  — Divine Feminine (Sikhism)
www.great-spirit-mother.org/  — Divine Feminine (Native Traditions)

MUSLIM JESUS VS. BIBLICAL JESUS

Twenty Two Scriptural Reasons Why They Are Not the Same Jesus

1. Islamic Jesus was created and not eternal

The similitude of Jesus before Allah is that of Adam: he created him from dust, then said to him, "Be": and he was. Sura 3:59

Biblical Jesus who is eternal

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

 

2. Islamic Jesus is a created human

He created him (Jesus) from dust, then said to him: "Be". Sura 3.59

Biblical Jesus is the Creator of everything that is

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:16-17.

 

3. Islamic Jesus is not the Lamb of God who was slain

 

That 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, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of surety they killed him not: Koran: Surah 4.157

Biblical Jesus is the Lamb of God

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Gospel of John 1:29

4. Islamic Jesus who will not return until Judgment Day

And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): Therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: This is a Straight Way. Surah 43:61

Biblical Jesus appeared to the Apostle Paul (Saul) after Christ's ascension (Saul's Conversion)

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: Acts 9:5

5. Islamic Jesus prophesied (but did not send) the coming of Mohammed (Islamic Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit)

And (remember) when 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: 'O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Tawraat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.' But when he (Ahmad, i.e. Muhammad) came to them with clear proofs, they said: 'This is plain magic'. [al-Saff 61:6]

Biblical Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (Comforter) which came at Pentecost 50 days later NOT five hundred years later (Mohammed)

But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost John 14:26

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: John 15:26

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:5

6. Islam which says Salvation is found only in the Five Pillars of Islam

Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive (jahadu) with might and main in Allah's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah. They are the people who will achieve salvation. Surah 9:20

Salvation can only be found in the Five Pillars of Shahada (Testifying of God's Oneness), Salat (Prayer), Saum (Fasting), Zakat (Charity), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Those who believe, and emigrate and strive with might and main, in Allah's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are the people who will achieve (salvation). (Surah Verses 9:20-22 At-Tawbah, the Repentance)

If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female,- and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Surah Verse 4:124 An-Nisaa, the Women)

Biblical Jesus: Salvation is found in none other than himself

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

7. Islamic Jesus who is an involuntary Slave to Allah (in that a slave is NOT free)

I will then say what the Pious Slave Jesus the son of Mary said...(Hadith: Narrated by Ibn Abbas 5.117-118). Jesus..although he is just one of Allah's slaves. (Hadith: Narrated Nafi, 007.063.209).

You'd better go to Jesus, Allah's slave (Hadith: Narrated Anas, 009.093.532, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 507.)

Biblical Jesus made himself a voluntary servant

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2: 6-8

 

8. Islamic Jesus was never crucified and therefore was not resurrected

And because of their saying (in boast), 'We killed Messiah 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,' -but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them the resemblance of 'Eesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man)], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]: But Allah raised him ['Eesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All Powerful, All Wise [al-Nisaa' 4:157-158]

Biblical Jesus who (by his death and resurrection) saved his people from their sins

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11;25

And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. I Corinthians 15:14

 

9. Islamic Jesus is not the God in the flesh as the Messiah

Surely, they have disbelieved who say: Allah is the Messiah ['Eesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary)'

[al-Maa'idah 5:72]

Surely, disbelievers are those who said: 'Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity)." But there is no AIlah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One AIlah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall on the disbelievers among them. [alMaa'idah 5:73]

AND

Islamic Jesus is NOT the Son of God

Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about 'Eesa (Jesus)], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that 'Eesa (Jesus) is the son of Allah] from the Meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire) : Maryam 19:34-38]

That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allah) as a slave [Maryam 19:88-93]

Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. KORAN: Surah 4.171

Biblical Jesus who is the Word Made Flesh and dwelt among us and is the Son of God

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1;14

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

 

10. Islamic Jesus cannot be worshipped

And behold, Allah will say--O Jesus Son of Mary, did you say to men, worship me and my mother as gods beside Allah? He will reply--Glory to you, I could never say what I had not right [to say] Surah al-Maa'idah 5:116

Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger: many were the messengers that passed away before him.. KORAN: Sura 5:75

Biblical Jesus who is commanded be worshipped And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:11

And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6

11. Islamic Jesus not fit to be intercessor

hey will go to Jesus who will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking, but you'd better go to Muhammad whose sins of the past and future had been forgiven (by allah)' Hadith Volume 9, Book 93, Number 507.

Biblical Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and Man

Jesus is alone the sinless Lamb of God. How could Mohammed a sinner be more fit than Jesus who was sinless? Regarding mediator and intercessor, the dictionary often uses the words interchangeably, though technically, mediator in a sense is the neutral party acting as an arbitrator between two parties, where an intercessor represents the petitioner). In any, Jesus Christ is BOTH Mediator and Intercessor!

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; I Timothy 2:5

But now hath he (Jesus) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6

 

12. Islamic Jesus is simply another prophet

Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: Surah 2.136, 2.84

Biblical Jesus who is the name above all names

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1:21

13. Islamic Jesus Returns in yellow garments

Jesus (peace be upon him). He will descend (to the earth). When you see him, recognize him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4310)

Biblical Jesus returns arrayed in white light

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire. Daniel 7:9 His head (Jesus Christ's) and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; Rev 1:14)

The following verses describe Christ's Transfiguration, but is virtually identical to his portrayal as Ancient of Days and therefore his Second Coming:

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Matthew 17:2

14. Islamic Jesus lands on a Minaret in Damascus, Syria

Most Muslims believe that Jesus descent from heaven will be accomplished by resting his hands on the wings of two angels. He will descend onto the white minaret, situated in the eastern part of Damascus. He will invite the whole world to be Muslim including Christians and Jews. (Mawdudi, A.A, Finality of Prophethood, pp. 58-61), and (Vol 18, Hadith No. 814)

Hadrat Hudaifa b. Yama relates (with reference to Dajjal),

When the Muslims will fall in lines to offer prayers, Christ son of Mary (PBUH) shall descend from heaven before their eyes. He will lead the prayers. When the prayers are over he will say to the people: "Clear the way between me and this enemy of God." God will give victory to the Muslims over the hosts of Dajjal. The Muslims will inflict dire punishment upon the enemy. Even the trees and stones will cry out, "O Abdullah, O Abdul Rahman, O Muslim, come, here is a Jew behind me, kill him." In this way God will cause the Jews to be annihilated and Muslims shall be the victors. They will break the Cross, slaughter the swine and abolish Jizya (levied on non-Muslims).

(Mustadrak Hakim - A brief version of this tradition has been recorded in Muslim. Hafiz Ibn Hajar in Fath-ul-Bari Vol. VI, p. 450 declares this tradition to be authentic.)
Biblical Jesus descends and lands on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, Zechariah 14:4

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11

15. Islamic Jesus destroys Antichrist at Lydda (in Israel)

Christ (PBUH) will advance with the Muslims for fighting against Dajjal (Antichrist). The enemy will retreat before the powerful assault of Christ son of Mary, and Dajjal will run away towards Israel by way of the slope of Afiq* (Reference to Tradition No. 21). Christ (PBUH) will pursue Dajjal and destroy him on the airfield of Lydda (Traditions No. 10-14- 15). A great slaughter of the Jews will ensue and every one of them will be annihilated. The nation of Jews will be exterminated (Traditions No. 9-15-21). At the proclamation of truth by Christ, the Christian religion will become extinct (Traditions No. 1-2-4-6). Later the son of Mary will pursue Dajjal and will overtake him at the gate of Lydda and put him to death." (Muslim, Dhikr Dajjal; Abu Dawud, Kitab ul-Malahim, Bab: Khuruj; Dajjal; Tirmidhi, Abwab-ul-Fitan; Bab: Fi Fitna al-Dajjal; Ibn Majah, Kitab ul-Fitna, Bab: Fitna al-Dajjal) *Afiq is a mountain near City of Fiq in Syria in the Golan Heights.

Biblical Jesus destroys Antichrist with the spirit of his mouth at his return to the Mount of Olives

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2 Thessalonians 2:8

See also Rev. 1:16 and Rev. 19:15

 

16. Islamic Jesus who returns will not be pierced

They killed him not nor crucified him, (Surah 4.157)

Biblical Jesus who was pierced for our transgressions

They shall look upon me whom they have pierced...Zechariah 12:10

17. Islamic Jesus will marry a woman and have children

 

He (Jesus) will live for forty years during which he will marry, have children, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage). (Wali ad-Din, Miskat Al-Masabih, (tr. James Robson), Vol.II, p.1159; Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, p.92).

Biblical Jesus who will marry his Bride Christ (the Christian Church) at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made herself ready. Revelation. 19:7

 

18. Islamic Jesus will break every cross

Christ son of Mary (PBUH) shall descend from heaven before their eyes. .. Even the trees and stones will cry out, "O Abdullah, O Abdul Rahman, O Muslim, come, here is a Jew behind me, kill him." In this way God will cause the Jews to be annihilated and Muslims shall be the victors. They will break the Cross, slaughter the swine and abolish Jizya (levied on Christians and Jews). (Mustadrak Hakim - A brief version of this tradition has been recorded in Muslim. Hafiz Ibn Hajar in Fath-ul-Bari Vol. VI, p. 450 declares this tradition to be authentic.)

Biblical Jesus who breaks every curse of sin and death

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 3:13

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb [Jesus Christ] shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: Revelation 22:3

 

19. Islamic Jesus will die forty years after his return

He (Jesus) will perish all religions except Islam. He (Jesus) will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4310). After his death, he will be buried beside the grave of the Prophet Muhammad (Wali ad-Din, Miskat Al-Masabih, (tr. James Robson), Vol.II, p.1159; Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, p.92).
Biblical Jesus is alive forevermore

But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Hebrews 7:24

I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

 

20. RE LOVE:

Islamic Jesus: There is no Scripture in the Koran or Haddiths which speaks of Jesus' love for the world.

Biblical Jesus who loves the world:

A new commandment I give unto you (Jesus Christ speaking), That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5

 

Islam 101: What Islam Really Says About Jesus and his Return

 What Islam believes about the End

When reading the Quran, or the Hadith(s), the reader cannot help but understand the end is firmly in view by the Muslim.  Muslims do not view this life as the end, but only as the start of the next life. The role of the current life is to determine the next life.  The result of the Muslim’s restoration and relationship with Allah through Mohammad.

The subject of the end times is known as eschatology and covers both what happens after death and the events at the end of time.  Christianity and Islam share some similar beliefs, with much different outcomes.  For one, in Christianity and Islam, Jesus Christ plays a central role in the timing of end; Islam believes the return of Jesus will occur at the end, like Christians.  Muslims also believe in the resurrection of both the wicked and the righteous and the final judgment.  Islam and Christianity both proclaim an eternal dwelling of the lost and saved, in either Hell or Heaven (Paradise).  Therefore, in many ways, the structure of the end (eschatology) is similar to Christianity.

However, Christians and Muslims have two different views of what the final matter is.  Both views of the end, however, cannot be true since they are diametrically opposed to each other.  The Muslim Jesus descends and converts the world to Islam, kills the Jews, breaks crosses, declares himself a Muslim and gets married.  He dies after 40-years. 

Therefore, in the Muslim view, the end has a much different outcome compared to the Christian or the Jewish view.  All Muslims do not agree on every aspect of Muslim eschatology.  Sunnis and Shiites have a different view on the role of Muslim end time figure, known as the Mahdi, who will arrive before the return of Jesus.  The Shiites view this person as someone who will establish order in the world and turn people to Islam before the return of Jesus.  Even the particular events of the end are not completely spelled out in the Quran.  The Hadith supplements what the Quran does not say. 

Belief in the end-times or the last days is mandatory in Islam.  It is listed as the fifth article of faith.   

The Five articles of faith in Islam 

1. God: He is One; his nature and qualities are chiefly revealed in his ninety-nine 'Most Beautiful Names'.

2. His angels: these include four archangels (e.g. Gabriel) and an indefinite number of ordinary
angels. There are also creatures between angels and men called jinn, some of which are good and
some evil.

3. His books: Scriptures were revealed to Adam, Seth, Enoch and Abraham, but these have now been lost. These are the main Scriptures:                              a. The Pentateuch (tawrat)
b. The Psalms (zabur)
(Both of these are said by Muslims to have been corrupted or misinterpreted by the
Jews.)
c. The Gospel (injil)
(said by Muslims to have been corrupted or misinterpreted by the Christians)
d. The Quran, revealed to Muhammad

4. His apostles: The Quran names twenty-eight apostles, most of whom are biblical characters.
The six greatest are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, (Jesus) and Muhammad.

5. The Last Day: the day of judgment, when all will be judged according to their deeds, and
admitted to Paradise or to hell.  Some summaries add the following two doctrines:

6. The predestination of good and evil by God.

7. The bodily resurrection of all people at the last day. 

After death, What? 

What happens after someone dies?  According to the Quran, is not entirely clear.  For this reason we need to examine the Hadith (traditions) to shed additional light on the matter.  The event of death is something every human being will experience according to Islam.  On the Day of Judgment, people will be paid full recompense. The experience for the faithful Muslim is different than the non-Muslim. 

185. Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion. Surah 3;185 (Pickthall) 

The exact process of death is not clear, but the events at death are peppered throughout the Quran. First, the soul of a dying person comes to his throat, 

      “Why, then, when (the soul) cometh up to the throat (of the dying) Surah 56:83”.  

This is then followed by the angels, who come and remove the soul from the body.  The soul of the non-Muslim is violently removed; angels smite the soul in the process. 

when the wrong doers reach the pangs of death and the angels stretch their hands out, saying: Deliver up your souls.
 Surah 6;93 

If thou couldst see how the anguish receive those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning!
Surah 8:50

 According to the Hadith, what happens to a believer (Muslim) and a non-Muslim is vastly different. 
Geisler summarizes these events, 

“The soul of the faithful person, which is easily removed from the body, is clothed in a heavenly and sweet smelling garment by radiant and smiling angels. The soul is taken through the seven heavens, entering the presence of God who then orders the angels to return the soul to its earthly body until the day of judgment.  On the other hand, the soul of the unbelieving person is removed from its body with a great deal of struggle.  The angel of death clothes the soul with a foul smelling garment.  The angel responsible for the wicked soul also tries to take the soul through the various levels of heaven but he gates of heaven are not opened to them (7:40), and the soul is then returned to the body”[1] 

All these events take place while the body is being washed, demonstrating how quick the above events take place. 

1. Life in the Grave (Barzakh) 

According to Islam, life continues in the grave after the body is buried.  Life in the grave is known as Barzakh.  According to Islamic tradition, while in the grave, two angels question the newly dead.  Their names are Munkar and Nakir.  They ask the person three questions:

1. Who is your God?

2. Who is your prophet?

3. What is your faith? 

If the person answers correctly -- Allah, Islam and Muhammad -- the angels will make the grave more comfortable.  They open a window where the view and orders of paradise can be enjoyed.  For those who do not answer correctly, a window to hell will be opened, their grave will narrow, their ribs are crushed as they feel the heat and hot winds of hell. This will continue while the person awaits judgment.  Only those who die in Jihad will go directly to Paradise.  

Torment in the grave is clearly taught in Islam, especially in the traditions of the prophet.  In the Bukhari we read the following.

Narrated Anas bin Malik:Allah's Apostle said, "When (Allah's) slave is put in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask, 'What did you use to say about this man (i.e. Muhammad)?' The faithful Believer will say, 'I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle.' Then they will say to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell Fire; Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' So he will see both his places." (Qatada said, "We were informed that his grave would be made spacious." Then Qatada went back to the narration of Anas who said;) Whereas a hypocrite or a non-believer will be asked, "What did you use to say about this man." He will reply, "I do not know; but I used to say what the people used to say." So they will say to him, "Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Quran)." Then he will be hit with iron hammers once, that he will send such a cry as everything near to him will hear, except Jinns and human beings. (See Hadith No. 422). Volume 2, Book 23, number 456 Bukhari

Aisha, Mohammad’s favorite wife, relates Mohammad’s comments about punishment in the grave.  She states how Mohammad feared punishment in grave and prayed that he would be kept from it.

Narrated Masruq: 'Aisha said that a Jewess came to her and mentioned the punishment in the grave, saying to her, "May Allah protect you from the punishment of the grave." 'Aisha then asked Allah's Apostle about the punishment of the grave. He said, "Yes, (there is) punishment in the grave." 'Aisha added, "After that I never saw Allah's Apostle but seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment in the grave in every prayer he prayed." Volume 2, Book 23, Number 454:Bukhari

There is, however, an exception for the believer who dies in Jihad.  He goes directly to Paradise, foregoing life in the grave, as others who die.  He is guaranteed by Allah to go right to Paradise. 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Paradise (if martyred) or bring him back to his dwelling place, whence he has come out, with what he gains of reward and booty."      Volume 4, Book 53, Number 352: Bukhari

Regarding the rest of the believers (Muslims) there is speculation.  The Quran does not go into detail about life after death.  According to Al-Ghazzali, a famous Muslim theologian, the condition of the believer can vary between four categories.  Some will wander the earth; some God allows to slumber; martyrs are flown up to heaven after a few months in the grave; and the prophets can choose to remain on earth or go to heaven.[2]  All of this continues until the Final Hour, when history is concluded.

The End Times  

Like both Christianity and Judaism, Islam has a point when history is brought to a conclusion -- the final hour or the end times.  In Islam, Christianity and Judaism, this end time is a conflict between nations and God’s Messiah.  Both Christianity and Islam, see Jesus as the Messiah, while Judaism rejects Jesus as Messiah. Judaism however, looks to the coming of their Messiah at the end of days.

All three faiths see the coming of an antichrist.  Although the term used might differ in each, they see an end times world leader who opposes God and his rule.  The Muslims call him, Dajjal; in Judaism he is called Armilus;[3] while in Christianity he is known as the Antichrist or the Beast[4].  In all three faiths, the Messiah defeats this end times world leader, who opposes God’s law.  God's law for the Muslims is the Quran.

Also, playing a prominent role in end times events for all three faiths, is the appearance of Gog and Magog.  These nations are mentioned in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 38 & 39), in the book of Revelation (Chapter 20) and in the Quran (Surah 18:94,97, 21:96). Gog and Magog head a group of nations opposed to God in the end of days.

Another character playing a prominent role in Islam, especially in the Shia sect is the Mahdi.  Mahdi comes either before or with the return of Jesus, to set things in order.  There is dispute within Islam regarding his nature and function.  The Shia sect views this individual as the 12^th Imam, hidden until the time when he should appear.   

The time of the end 

According to the Quran, the end times is hidden by Allah, who will reveal the time when it is at hand. 

15. Lo! the Hour is surely coming. But I will to keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it striveth (to achieve)
Surah 20:15

63. Men ask you of the Hour. Say: The knowledge of it is with Allah only. What can convey (the knowledge) unto thee? It may be that the Hour is nigh.
Surah 30:63

Even though the time is hidden, according to the Quran, there are signs, which Muslims are told to watch for.   These signs are recorded in the 81st and 82nd Surahs.  They list environmental events which effect the whole earth.  

1. When the heaven is cleft asunder, 2. When the planets are dispersed,
3. When the seas are poured forth, 4. And the sepulchres are overturned,
5. A soul will know what it hath sent before (it) and what left behind.
Surah 82:1-5. Al-Infitar 

1. When the sun is overthrown, 2. And when the stars fall,
3. And when the hills are moved,
6. And when the seas rise,
10. And when the pages are laid open,
11. And when the sky is torn away, 
Surah 81:1-3, 6, 10-11

In addition to the Quran, the Hadith (or traditions) also focuses on end-times.  The Hadith refers to the end times as the Last Hour.   In fact, the 41^st book of the Sahih Muslim Hadith deals entirely with the Last Hour. In the Last Hour, Muslims view events leading to the return of Jesus, son of Mary.  Sahih Muslim lists ten signs leading to the return of Jesus.

Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said: What do you discuss about? They (the Companions) said. We are discussing about the Last Hour. Thereupon he said: It will not cone until you see ten signs before and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (Allah be pleased with him), the Gog and Magog, and land-slidings in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly. Sahih Muslim Book 041, Number 6931

The Dajjal (The Imposter) 

According to Islamic tradition, the person of the Dajjal or Antichrist plays a prominent role.  Many Hadith repeat information; some Hadiths conflict with others; one Hadith has him linked to the fall of Constantinople[5] in 1453 A.D.; another links him to a contemporary of Mohammad[6], Ibn Sayyad, indicating Mohammad expected his day to be the Last Hour.

In Islam, the Antichrist is described in several ways, one of the more common understandings is he will be a Jew who will have one eye, with the word Kafir on his forehead. He will lead the armies against Islam, only to be defeated by Jesus Christ, at the second coming. 

He is a Jew … (Book 041, Number 6995: Sahih Muslim)

Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Dajjal is blind of one eye and there is written between his eyes the word" Kafir". He then spelled the word as k. f. r., which every Muslim would be able to read. ( Book 041, Number 7009 Sahih Muslim)

The Second Coming of Jesus, who is referred to as the Son of Mary, has several descriptions in the Hadith.  The description below describes a coming confrontation between the "Muslim" Jesus and the Dajjal (Antichrist). Here the Dajjal turns people to the wrong religion, causes rainfall and draught and does signs and wonders.

An-Nawwas b. Sam'an reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) made a mention of the Dajjal one day in the morning……. If he comes forth while I am among on, I (Muhammad) shall contend with him on your behalf, but if he comes forth while I am not amongst you, a man must contend on his own behalf and Allah would take care of every Muslim on my behalf …... He (Dajjal) would be a young man with twisted, contracted hair, and a blind eye. I compare him to 'Abd-ul-'Uzza b. Qatan. He who amongst you would survive to see him should recite over him the opening verses of Sura Kahf (xviii.). He would appear on the way between Syria and Iraq and would spread mischief right and left. O servant of Allah! adhere (to the path of Truth). We said: Allah's Messenger, how long would he stay on the earth? He said.. For forty days, one day like a year and one day like a month and one day like a week and the rest of the days would be like your days. ……..He would come to the people and invite them (to a wrong religion) and they would affirm their faith in him and respond to him. He would then give command to the sky and there would be rainfall upon the earth and it would grow crops. …..He (Dajjal) would then walk through the waste, land and say to it: Bring forth your treasures, and the treasures would come out and collect (themselves) before him like the swarm of bees. He would then call a person brimming with youth and strike him with the sword and cut him into two pieces and (make these pieces lie at a distance which is generally) between the archer and his target. He would then call (that young man) and he will come forward laughing with his face gleaming (with happiness) and it would at this very time that Allah would send Christ, son of Mary, and he will descend at the white minaret in the eastern side of Damscus wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two Angels. When he would lower his head, there would fall beads of perspiration from his head, and when he would raise it up, beads like pearls would scatter from it. Every non-believer who would smell the odour of his self would die and his breath would reach as far as he would be able to see. He would then search for him (Dajjal) until he would catch hold of him at the gate of Ludd and would kill him. Book 041, Number 7015 Sahih Muslim

These descriptions in the Quran and the Hadith do not always match - several conflict with others.  The main point is that Jesus returns in the end and kills the Dajjal, the Antichrist.   Another person who plays a part in the Muslim perspective, is the Mahdi. 

The Mahdi (the guided one) and the Muslim Jesus

The Mahdi will lead the armies of Islam in the end times struggle against the enemies of Islam.  The Shia sect of Islam puts a greater emphasis on the Mahdi as opposed to the Sunni sect of Islam.  The Mahdi is not mentioned in the Quran, so almost all understanding of his role comes from Islamic tradition and history.  Regarding the Hadiths, he (the Mahdi) is not in the most reliable hadiths such as Bakhari or Sahih Muslim.  However, his coming is also sought in the Sunni part of Islam as well. 

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The Mahdi will be of my stock, and will have a broad forehead a prominent nose. He will fill the earth will equity and justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny, and he will rule for seven years.        Abu Dawud Book 36, Number 4272:

Encyclopedia Britannica writes regarding the Muslim belief in the Mahdi,

(Arabic: “divinely guided one”), in Islāmic eschatology, a messianic deliverer who will fill the Earth with justice and equity, restore true religion, and usher in a short golden age lasting seven, eight, or nine years before the end of the world. The Qurʾān (Islāmic sacred scriptures) does not mention him, and almost no reliable ḥ adīth (saying attributed to the Prophet Muḥammad) concerning the mahdī can be adduced. Many orthodox Sunnī theologians accordingly question Mahdist beliefs, but such beliefs form a necessary part of Shīʿī doctrine……………..The doctrine of the mahdī seems to have gained currency during the confusion and insecurity of the religious and political upheavals of early Islām (7th and 8th centuries). In 686, al-Mukhtār ibn Abū ʿUbayd at-Thaqafī, leader of a revolt of non-Arab Muslims in Iraq, seems to have first used the doctrine by maintaining his allegiance to a son of ʿAlī (Muḥammad's son-in-law and fourth caliph), Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥanafīyah, even after al-Ḥanafīyah's death. Abū ʿUbayd taught that, as mahdī, al-Ḥanafīyah remained alive in his tomb in a state of occultation (ghaybah) and would reappear to vanquish his enemies. In 750 the ʿAbbāsid revolution made use of eschatological prophecies current at the time that the mahdī would rise in Khorāsān in the east, carrying a black banner……………Belief in the mahdī has tended to receive new emphasis in every time of crisis. Thus, after the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212), when most of Spain was lost for Islām, Spanish Muslims circulated traditions ascribed to the Prophet foretelling a reconquest of Spain by the mahdī. During the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt, a person claiming to be the mahdī appeared briefly in Lower Egypt. 

According to the Shia sect, the Mahdi is the 12^th Imam, Muḥammad Al-muntazar, the Hidden Imam, who disappeared in 878 A.D. They believe he is alive and will reappear at the end of time to lead the Muslim armies.  Jesus and the armies of Mahdi conquer the world and force everyone to become Muslims.  The Dajjal, the Antichrist, and his force of 70,000 Jews will be destroyed.  In the process, Jesus will kill the pigs, break the crosses and kills the Jews.  After this, Jesus will get married, live fourty-years, and have children.  He will die and be buried next to Mohammad in Medina.

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews.  Book 041, Number 6985: Sahih Muslim:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).                                  Volume 3, Book 43, Number 656  Bukahri

Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus (peace_be_upon_him). He will descent (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish jizyah. Allah will perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him. Book 37, Number 4310: Abu Dawud

The Resurrection

Following the death and burial of Jesus, will be the resurrection of all, according to Islam.  This event will be preceded by the trumpet blast, which crushes the mountains.  In Islam all will be gathered and submit to Allah. 

13. And when the trumpet shall sound one blast
14. And the earth with the mountains shall be lifted up and crushed with one crash,
15. Then, on that day will the Event befall.
16. And the heaven will split asunder, for that day it will be frail.
Surah 69:13-16 

Every living creature will die, even the angels, causing all to submit to the oneness of God, tawhid. (Surah 55:26-27, 28:88)  Then all will be resurrected, including the angel who blows the trumpet to the resurrection.  All will be gathered before the throne of God to be judged for their deeds.  On this day, two groups will be separated.  The believers will have joy and the disbelievers will face doom. 

33. But when the Shout cometh  34. On the day when a man fleeth from his brother 
35. And his mother and his father  36. And his wife and his children, 
37. Every man that day will have concern enough to make him heedless (of others). 
38. On that day faces will be bright as dawn,       
 39. Laughing, rejoicing at good news;  
40. And other faces, on that day, with dust upon them, 
41. Veiled in darkness, 
42. Those are the disbelievers, the wicked.
Surah 80:33-42 

The Day of Accounting 

With the masses of humanity and jinn assembled before the throne, the time comes for them to be divided, according to judgment.  The sins and actions of humanity recorded in the book of deeds will be placed before them, according to the Quran. 

49. And the Book is placed, and thou seest the guilty fearful of that which is therein, and they say: What Kind of a book is this that leaveth not a small thing nor a great thing but hath counted it! And they find all that they did confronting them, and thy Lord wrongeth no one. Surah 18:49 

Individuals whose good deeds outweigh their bad deeds will attain “Success”.  Those whose scales are light will loose their souls. (Surah 7:8-9)   The people will be gathered to the right and the left of the throne of God, which is upheld by eight angels. 

Those on the right will enter the Gardens of Paradise, those on the left will get chains for hell.  Both groups will then be forced to cross over the bridge of “Hell”, called sirat (seerat).   

18. On that day ye will be exposed; not a secret of you will be hidden.  19. Then, as for him who is given his record in his right hand, he will say: Take, read my book!   20. Surely I knew that I should have to meet my reckoning.  21. Then he will be in blissful state  22. In a high Garden  23. Whereof the clusters are in easy reach.  24. (And it will be said unto those therein): Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in past days.   25. But as for him who is given his record in his left hand, he will say: Oh, would that I had not been given my book  26. And knew not what my reckoning!  27. Oh, would that it had been death!  28. My wealth hath not availed me,  29. My power hath gone from me.  30. (It will be said): Take him and fetter him   31. And then expose him to hell fire  32. And then insert him in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits. 
Surah 69:18-31 

The believers will be successful in their crossing, but those on the left will fall into Hell when they try to cross.  The Hadith, and not the Quran, sheds the most light on this event.  Muslims will also face Hell, to pay for their sins, but eventually, the Mercy of Allah will free them. 

Narrated 'Ata' bin Yazid Al-Laithi:……….Then a bridge will be laid across Hell (Fire)' I and my followers will be the first ones to go across it and none will speak on that Day except the Apostles. And the invocation of the Apostles on that Day will be, 'O Allah, save! Save!' In Hell (or over The Bridge) there will be hooks like the thorns of As-Sa'dan (thorny plant)…… Those hooks will snap the people away according to their deeds. Some of the people will stay in Hell (be destroyed) because of their (evil) deeds, and some will be cut or torn by the hooks (and fall into Hell) and some will be punished and then relieved. When Allah has finished His Judgments among the people, He will take whomever He will out of Hell through His Mercy. He will then order the angels to take out of the Fire all those who used to worship none but Allah from among those whom Allah wanted to be merciful to and those who testified (in the world) that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah.  Volume 9, Book 93, Number 532c: Bukhari 

Mohammed as Intercessor 

            Muslims are dependent on their works to save them from the fires of Hell.  If their bad deeds outweigh the good, they are destined to burn in Hell fire.  Unlike Islam, Christianity has a Messiah who paid for the sins of those who are lost, by dying on the cross.  Islam has no such savior in the Quran.  However, in the Hadith, Mohammad takes on the role as intercessor for the Muslim.  Even Jesus and Abraham cannot equal the intercession of Mohammad.  So Muslims, on the day of judgment, put their ultimate hope on Muhammad and his ability to intercede.  

"Muhammad talked to us saying, 'On the Day of Resurrection the people will surge with each other like waves, and then they will come to Adam and say, 'Please intercede for us with your Lord.' He will say, 'I am not fit for that but you'd better go to Abraham as he is the Khalil of the Beneficent.' They will go to Abraham and he will say, 'I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to Moses as he is the one to whom Allah spoke directly.' So they will go to Moses and he will say, 'I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to Jesus as he is a soul created by Allah and His Word.' (Be: And it was) they will go to Jesus and he will say, 'I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to Muhammad.' ……………

They would come to me and I would say, 'I am for that.' Then I will ask for my Lord's permission, and it will be given, and then He will inspire me to praise Him with such praises as I do not know now. So I will praise Him with those praises and will fall down, prostrate before Him. Then it will be said, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to; and ask, for your will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers! My followers!' And then it will be said, 'Go and take out of Hell (Fire) all those who have faith in their hearts, equal to the weight of a barley grain.' I will go and do so and return to praise Him with the same praises, and fall down (prostrate) before Him. Then it will be said, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers! My followers!' It will be said, 'Go and take out of it all those who have faith in their hearts equal to the weight of a small ant or a mustard seed.' I will go and do so and return to praise Him with the same praises, and fall down in prostration before Him. It will be said, 'O, Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers!' Then He will say, 'Go and take out (all those) in whose hearts there is faith even to the lightest, lightest mustard seed. (Take them) out of the Fire.' I will go and do so… Volume 9, Book 93, Number 601: Bukhari 

Heaven and Hell 

The description of Heaven and Hell as the final destination are presented in both the Quran and the Hadith.  Like the rest of Islam, the more detailed presentation is made in the Hadith as opposed to the Quran.  The Quran describes Hell in graphic terms, a place of torment and burning. 

62. Is this better as a welcome, or the tree of Zaqqam?
63. Lo! We have appointed it a torment for wrong doers.
64. Lo! it is a tree that springeth in the heart of hell
65. Its crop is as it were the heads of devils
66. And lo! they verily must eat thereof, and fill (their) bellies therewith.
67. And afterward, lo! thereupon they have a drink of boiling water
68. And afterward, lo! their return is surely unto hell. Surah 37:62-68 

35. On the day when it will (all) be heated in the fire of hell, and their foreheads and their flanks and their backs will be branded therewith (and it will be said unto them): Here is that which ye hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what ye used to hoard. Surah 9:35 

While Heaven (Paradise) is described as a place where one enjoys his wives, drinks non-intoxicating wine, and lives in bliss in the shade.  The Bukhari Hadith describes heaven (Paradise) as having a pearl sixty miles wide, where one set of wives do not see the others.  This allows the believer (Muslim) to visit his many wives in Paradise, without having the other wives know. 

43. In the Gardens of delight, 44. On couches facing one another 45. A cup from a gushing spring is brought round for them,
46. White, delicious to the drinkers, 47. Wherein there is no headache nor are they made mad thereby.
48. And with them are those of modest gaze, with lovely eyes, Surah 37:43-48 

55. Lo! those who merit paradise this day are happily employed, 56. They and their wives, in pleasant shade, on thrones reclining;  57. Theirs the fruit (of their good deeds) and theirs (all) that they ask;  58. The word from a Merciful Lord (for them) is: Peace!
Surah 36:55-58

Narrated Abdullah bin Qais: Allah's Apostle said, "In Paradise there is a pavilion made of a single hollow pearl sixty miles wide, in each corner of which there are wives who will not see those in the other corners; and the believers will visit and enjoy them. And there are two gardens, the utensils and contents of which are made of silver; and two other gardens, the utensils and contents of which are made of so-and-so (i.e. gold) and nothing will prevent the people staying in the Garden of Eden from seeing their Lord except the curtain of Majesty over His Face.”    Volume 6, Book 60, Number 402: Bukhari

In contrast to the rest of those in Paradise, the martyr or the person who dies in Jihad, receives 72 wives in Paradise and has the right to intercede for seventy relatives.

Al-Miqdam ibn madikarib Ma'dikarib (Hadith)
MISHKAT AL-MASABIH (Hadith)
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The martyr receives six good things from Allah: he is forgiven at the first shedding of his blood; he is shown his abode in Paradise; he is preserved from the punishment in the grave; he is kept safe from the greatest terror; he has placed on his head the crown of honour, a ruby of which is better than the world and what it contains; he is married to seventy-two wives of the maidens with large dark eyes; and is made intercessor for seventy of his relatives."
Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

 

 

Jesus has Power

Many a times I was asked this question, "Who is Jesus? Is Jesus God or a mere man like me and you?"

Let us analyze it from the Bible and the Quran. What is the quality of God? And what are the qualities of God that makes Jesus God.

Jesus has power to forgive sin

Bible and Quran both say that, only God has the authority to forgive sins. In Isaiah 43:25 God says, "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins."

We read from scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

And also in Jeremiah 31:34, "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Now look to Jesus, when He was in this world He forgave the sins of people as the Bible says: -

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."

And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,

"Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?

"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?

"But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"; He said to the paralytic,

"I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

(Mark2: 5-11)

The scribes were correct in their conclusion that only God can forgive sins. By claiming this right for Himself, Jesus declared His deity.

Yes, no man in this world has power to forgive your sins but God. If you repent of your sins Jesus will forgive your sins. As we read in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

And also the Bible says in 1 John 1:7, "…and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

If we go into the lives of the prophets, we can see that they asked God to forgive people. By themselves they had no power to forgive the sins of people. But Jesus had power to forgive sins.

Jesus has power over Life and Death

Both the Bible and Quran says that only God has power over life and death. God who created Adam and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life has power to give life and has power to take away life.

And we read in the Bible that Jesus has power over Life and Death.

Jesus said in John 5:21, "For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will."

Also we read in John 10:14-17, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

"As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

"And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

And again Jesus said, "I am the bread of life.

"Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

"This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

(John 6:48-51)

Jesus has not only power over life and death but He is life – eternal, life Himself. If we want to live forever, we need to take Jesus in our lives. Without Him we are dead and there is no life in us. No one killed Jesus but He gave His life for us so that we may live forever and forever and that we may never see death…

Jesus has power over Evil Spirit and Sicknesses

The Bible very clearly says that God has power over every sicknesses and demons.

Exodus 15:26, says, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."

Psalms 103:3, "Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases."

And we see that Jesus demonstrated the same power of God.

When Jesus saw the sick and suffering people, He was moved with compassion. Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons from the lives of people. We read in Matthew 10:1, "And when He had called unto him his twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."

Yes, Jesus has power over every sickness and over every evil spirit and demons. Bible says that He healed all kinds of diseases and all kinds of sicknesses, Matthew 4:23-24, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them."

Jesus will come, rule and judge the people

Bible says in Psalms 7:11, "God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day."

God is the judge and He gives reward to everyone justly. Also the Bible says that Jesus will come again to judge the world see Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

Quran also says that, "God is judge and going to judge on the Day of Judgment"

Al-Baqara (The Cow)

Sura 2:113 The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

Quran also says that Jesus is going to come on the earth in the last days as we read in:

Glorious Qur'aan (Ornaments Of Gold, Luxury)

Sura 43:61! . And he ['Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour (Day of Resurrection) [i.e. 'Iesa's (Jesus) descent on the earth] . Therefore have no doubt concerning it (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And follow Me (Allâh) (i.e. be obedient to Allâh and do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path (of Islâmic Monotheism, leading to Allâh and to His Paradise).

Hadith confirms that Jesus will come as a just ruler and will judge the world:

003.034.425 - Sales and Trade -
Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection, of the Muslim government). Then there will be abundance of money and no-body will accept charitable gifts

And also the Hadith says in
004.055.657 - Prophets -

Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely (Jesus,) the son of Mary will soon descend amongst you and will judge mankind justly (as a Just Ruler); he will break the Cross and kill thepigs and there will be no Jizya (i.e. taxation taken from non Muslims). Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it, and a single prostration to Allah (in prayer) will be better than the whole world and whatever is in it." Abu Huraira added "If you wish, you can recite (this verse of the Holy Book): -- 'And there is none Of the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) But must believe in him (i.e. Jesus as an Apostle of Allah and a human being) Before his death. And on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness Against them." (4.159) (See Fateh Al Bari, Page 302 Vol 7)

This verse says that, "Jesus will judge mankind justly". Yes. Jesus is going to come as King of kings and Lord of lords and He is going to rule and judge the world.

Jesus is the Truth, the Life and the Way to heaven

Bible and Quran both says that God is the Truth and beside Him there is no other truth and when we read about Jesus, we find that Jesus is the Truth.

Deuteronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He."

Bible tells us that Jesus is the Truth. We read in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

We are separated from God because of our sins and there is a big gulf between us and God so that no one can cross the gulf and go to heaven without a bridge. But Jesus came and by shedding His precious blood and by giving His precious life for us, He became the bridge between us and God. Jesus is the bridge (way) to heaven and those who do not go through this bridge will fall into hell fire as Jesus Himself said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me."

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6. Jesus is the creator of the whole universe: -

Quran and Bible both say that God is the creator of the universe. No one else could create heaven and earth, as only God is qualified because of His creative power with which He created heaven and earth.

Isaiah 40:28, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable."

The Bible also says in Isaiah 48:12-13,

"Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last.

"Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call to them, They stand up together."

(Isaiah 48:12-13)

"Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it."

(Isaiah 42:5)

All these verses say that God the LORD is the creator of the universe.

And we read in New Testament that Jesus is the creator of heaven and earth. John 1:3-4 says, "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men."

Further reading tells us that world was established by God’s wisdom and understanding.

Jeremiah 10:12, "He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion."

Jeremiah 51:15, "He has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom, And stretched out the heaven by His understanding."

And the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God as we read in 1 Corinthians 1:24, "but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." We read in Ephesians 3:9-10, "and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places."

So Jesus is the creator of the universe and this quality makes Him God. Because God alone made the heaven and earth there is no other beside Him who can do this.

7. Lord Himself is God: -

"God is the Lord of the Universe." The Bible says in Deuteronomy 4:35, "To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him."

In the New Testament we read in acts 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Here we can distinguish the difference between God and Lord: God means "Theos" in Greek which means (taken from Greek Lexicon):

1. a general name of deities or divinities as used by the Greeks

2. spoken of the only and true God, trinity

3. 1. of Christ

   2. Holy Spirit

   3. the Father

3. spoken of the only and true God

a. Refers to the things of God
b. his counsels, interests, things due to him

4. Whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way

1. God's representative or viceregent

0. of magistrates and judges

But Lord means "Kurios" in Greek. The meaning of the latter words is always "authority" with the legislative and executive aspect of it. The authority of God reveals itself in Jesus Christ in many ways.

8.  Yahoshua is the same Yahweh God

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology says like this:

Yahweh/Yah. yhwh, the tetragrammaton because of its four letters, is, strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. It is also the most frequent name, occurring in the Old Testament 6, 828 times (almost 700 times in the Psalms alone). Yah is a shortened form that appears fifty times in the Old Testament, including forty-three occurrences in the Psalms, often in the admonition "hallelu-jah" (lit. praise Jah). English Bibles represent the name yhwh by the title "Lord" (written in capitals to distinguish it from "lord" [adonai] [y"nod}a]). The Septuagint rendered yhwh as kyrios [kuvrio"] (Lord). The line from yhwh to 'adonai [y"nod}a] to kyrios [kuvrio"] is significant for the Pauline statement: "And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Php 2:11).

The Deity named Yahweh (Lord) is identical with Elohim [yihl\a] (God). The shema—"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deut 6:4) underscores that identity, as do expressions like "Yahweh your/our God." Yahweh as God is exclusively God: "This is what the Lord says—Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God" (Isaiah 44:6).

The name yhwh is prominent in salvation oracles (Zep 3:14-17) and in petitions (Psalm 79:5, 9; 86:1). The salvation dimension of the name recurs in the announcement of the incarnation: the one born is to be called "Jesus" for (as an echo of the name yhwh) "he will save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21). In the name yhwh God's character as the savior of a people is revealed.

The name Jesus is Greek for the Hebrew Yahoshua, a name meaning Savior; Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew Messiah, meaning Anointed. Jesus who came to save the world and the quality of Yahweh as Savior makes it clear that Jesus is the same Yahweh God.

9. Jesus is the Savior of the World

From the Bible or the Quran we see that only God can save us from our sins and from hell fire. Bible very precicely says that God is our Savior and that beside Him there is no other Savior.

Isaiah 43:11, "I, even I, am the LORD, "And besides Me there is no savior."

And also the Bible says in IsaIah 45:15, "Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!"

And in New Testament we see that Jesus was born as the Savior of the world. Once I read the statement of a Muslim scholar which is quoted below and it really shocked me:-

One reason we believe Allah is our Savior and not Jesus, is because Jesus throughout the entire New Testament never stated "I am your savior" or "I will save you from Hell". While on the other hand, Allah throughout the Old Testament and the Final Testament (The Holy Quran), stated we will be saved from Hell through the Grace of Allah. In fact, Jesus even denied being our Savior.

But this statement is not at all true. The whole of New Testament and Old Testament is proof of the

redeeming power of Jesus. But contrary to it Allah did not promise eternal life, forgiveness of sins or salvation of his followers as we read in:

Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

Sura 3:185, "Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception."

This Suras from Quran very clearly says that every soul shall have a taste of death, that is, hell fire then judgment.. If a person has to pass through hell fire, then how and why is it possible that he/she can come out of hell fire and go to paradise.. no way.. This verse does not say anything about eternal life. This verse very clearly says that every believer in Allah will be tasting death which means that they did not get the life which Jesus promised – that is, eternal life and heaven as we read in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

According to Quran every soul is going to hell fire till the Day of Judgment which means that they are not reaching heaven. There is no chance to go to heaven once you go to hell fire... But yes, Jesus can save you when you are still in this world as He said in John 3:15-16,

"That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

(John 3:15-16)

How can a person save himself/herself from hell fire when he/she is already in hell fire? And this verse says that they will be there till the time of Day of Judgment. Do you think a person who is already in hell fire will get a seat in heaven after judgment? Judgment is a day when people get their final sentence or verdict...

Let us see some of the New Testament text in which Jesus was called Savior or He said about Himself as Savior.

Angels proclaimed, "Savior is born"

Angels proclaimed the birth of the Savior as we read in Luke 2:11, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Also we read in Matthew 1:20-21, "But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."

Jesus Himself said – Savior of the world

Jesus Himself said many a times that He came to save the world and He came to save the lost souls of the world. As we read in these verses.

John 12:47, "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world."

Matthew 18:11 "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."

Luke 9:56, "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them."

And also we read in John 4:42, Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

All these verses say that Jesus is the Savior of the world and there is no other Savior beside Him. And Jesus proved it on the cruel cross by shedding His precious blood to redeem us from hell fire.

10. Even the wind and the sea obey Him

Jesus showed His authority over wind and storm as He rebuked the storm and there was a great calm as we read in Mark 4:37-41.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

(Mark 4:37-41.)

Yes, God has power over everything and Jesus came to this world and demonstrated His mighty power and authority over everything.

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