The descent of Jesus (Isa ibn Maryam, peace be upon him)

By Sheikh Jamaludin Osman

Introduction

In Islam, the second coming of Jesus (Prophet Isa ibn Maryam), peace be upon him, stands as a central tenet of the end times, marking one of the most significant major signs of the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that Jesus (Prophet ʿĪsā ibn Maryam), peace be upon him, will return not only as a Prophet of God but also as a just and righteous ruler who will de feat the Dajjal (the False Messiah), restore justice, and unify humanity under Islam.

This article explores the descent of Prophet ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) at the end of time, drawing on the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah (authentic Prophetic traditions) to examine this profound and widely discussed aspect of Islamic belief.

1.The Ascension of Jesus (ʿĪsā, peace be upon him)

Allah clarifies that the Jews neither killed nor crucified Jesus, but that Allah raised him to Himself: “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them. Those who differ about it are in doubt. They have no knowledge except following assumption, and they did not kill him for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.” [Surah An Nisā’ 4:157–158]

2.His Descent (Coming Down to Earth) is one of the Major Signs of the Day of Judgment.

Allah says: “And indeed, he (Jesus) is a sign of the Hour.” [Surah Az‑Zukhruf 43:61] And Allah also says: “There is none from the People of the Book except that he will believe in him before his death.” [An‑Nisā’ 4:159]

3. Description of Jesus at His Descent

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “There is no prophet between me and Jesus, and he will certainly descend. So when you see him, recognize him: a man of medium height, with a reddish‑white complexion, wearing two light garments, and his hair will appear as if water is drip ping from it even though it is not wet.” (Abu Dawud)

4. His Arrival and the Prayer Behind the Imam

Jesus will descend during a time when the Muslims are preparing for battle against the Dajjal, and their leader will offer him the leadership in prayer, but he will refuse out of humility. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “What will you do when the son of Mary descends among you and your leader is from among you?” (Bukhari and Muslim) And also The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “A group of my people will continue fighting for the truth, victorious until the Day of Judgment. Then Jesus son of Mary will descend, and their leader will say: ‘Come and lead us in prayer,’ but he will say: ‘No, some of you are leaders over others, as an honor from Allah to this nation.’” (Muslim)

5. How Jesus will Rule

Jesus (peace be upon him) will rule by the Sharia of Islam and not bring a new law. He will follow the Proph et Muhammad ﷺ and judge by the Qur’an. Scholars explained that his descent does not contradict the saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “There is no Prophet after me.” Because Jesus will not come as a new prophet with a new revelation, but as a follower of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) implementing Islamic law.

6. Killing the Dajjal

The first major act of Jesus will be killing the Dajjal. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “When the Dajjal sees him, he will melt like salt dissolves in water.” He will then pursue and kill him, ending his great deception.

7. Gog and Magog (Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj)

Gog and Magog will appear during his time and spread corruption. Jesus will supplicate to Allah, and Allah will destroy them completely.

8. Justice, Abundance, and the Abolition of False Religions

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, the Son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill and the pig, abolish jizyah...” (Bukhari and Muslim) This signifies the establishment of truth, the end of distorted religions, and the dominance of Islam.

9. General Prosperity in His Time

A time of great peace and abundance will follow: “Wealth will become so abundant that no one will accept it.” People will live in unprecedented peace, justice, and prosperity.

10. Duration of His Stay and Death

Jesus will remain on earth for forty years, then die, and the Muslims will perform the funeral prayer for him. He will also perform Hajj.

Conclusion

The descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) is a firmly established belief in Islam, supported by the Qur’an and authentic mutawatir hadiths. It represents the triumph of truth over falsehood, the defeat of the Dajjal, and the final establishment of justice and peace under Islam before the end of the world.

The author is the Imam of Jamia Mosque, Nairobi