Author: Dr Muhammad Saad Saleem
Descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) – The Coming of the Messiah
The descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) from the heavens is one of the ten major signs of the Day of Judgment, mentioned only in the Hadith. Like other prophecies, this descent has been interpreted symbolically as a state. This symbolic interpretation corresponds to the vision presented in the Book of Daniel, where the final era of the Babylonian Empire is likened to a human figure.1
This state, as the saviour of humanity or the ‘chosen one’ by God—that is, like a Messiah—plays a decisive role in the great conflict between Gog and Magog. The alignment of European nations against each other as a result of the fascist state of Germany, which is described in Surah Al-Kahf as Gog and Magog “surging against each other like waves” before the trumpet is blown, reflects this catastrophic clash.2 Furthermore, this state also aligns itself against the Dajjal (the false Messiah), i.e., the Soviet Union—the power that kept making false promises of delivering humanity from suffering, but in reality became a source of atheism, state oppression, and religious persecution. From World War II to the end of the Cold War, the United States played this symbolic role in this context.
It is noteworthy here that the scope of the return of Jesus (peace be upon him) is described in the Hadith, where his battle against the Dajjal and confrontation with Gog and Magog are mentioned. We should limit our expectations to these events as described in the Hadith, because this return is not, in the true sense, the return of the Prophet, but rather a symbolic phenomenon. Had the United States not played a prominent role as a global power during World War II and the Cold War, the world would have been drastically different in terms of scientific progress and geopolitics, as the dominance of fascist and communist states could have severely affected global conditions.
Arguments Against the Physical Descent of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him)
The purpose of this article is not to prove the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) in a physical or symbolic sense. The renowned Islamic scholar Javed Ahmad Ghamidi has discussed this topic in detail.3
Evidence from the Qur’an
The arguments of Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, which are against the physical descent of Jesus (peace be upon him), are based on several Qur’anic references:
Details of the life of Jesus (peace be upon him) in the Qur’an
The Qur’an describes all the significant aspects of Jesus’s life (peace be upon him), from his miraculous birth to his death, ascension, and resurrection on the Day of Judgment. However, the Qur’an does not mention his descent before the Day of Judgment, which is a key argument against the concept of physical descent.
Mention of the death and ascension of Jesus (peace be upon him)
The Qur’an clearly mentions the death of Jesus (peace be upon him). It explicitly states that Jesus (peace be upon him) was saved from the crucifixion4 and, after his death, his body was ascended.5
Lack of knowledge of divinity after ascension
In Surah Al-Ma’idah, on the Day of Judgment, Jesus (peace be upon him) states that he never instructed people to worship him or his mother (peace be upon her). He further clarifies that after his ascension, Allah alone was a witness to the deeds of the people, and he had no knowledge of their subsequent actions.6 This lack of knowledge indicates that he did not return to Earth to witness these events. Some scholars argue that this statement was only for those who lived during the time of Jesus (peace be upon him). However, historical evidence shows that the event of granting divine status to Mary (peace be upon her) occurred at the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, centuries after the time of Jesus (peace be upon him). In the early centuries of Christianity, his mother (peace be upon her) was not worshipped as divine, and this concept developed later. These facts indicate that the question posed to Jesus (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment is not limited to his followers before his ascension, but is also relevant to all Christians who came after him, which shows that Jesus (peace be upon him) will not return to this world after his death and ascension.
Islamic Scholars’ Opinions Against the Physical Descent
Many scholars have questioned the physical return of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). Some of these opinions are presented here:7
Mawlana Mahmud Hasan (renowned Hanafi scholar)
He considered these Hadiths to be influenced by Jewish traditions and criticised their authenticity.
Mawlana 'Ubayd Allah Sindhi
According to him, the Jews fabricated these Hadiths to weaken the dominance of Muslims.
'Allamah Mahmud Shaltut (Egyptian scholar)
He examined these Hadiths critically and questioned their authenticity.
Mawlana Shabbir Ahmad Azhar Miruthi
He regarded these Hadiths as being in conflict with the principle of the finality of Prophethood.
Mawlana Abu al-Kalam Āzad
He said that the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) can only be accepted when the Qur’an explicitly mentions it.
'Allamah Muhammad Iqbal
He considered the concept of the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Mahdi as a result of influences external to Islam.
Qamar Ahmad 'Uthmani (Deobandi scholar)
He regarded the principle of the Finality of Prophethood as incompatible with the possibility of the return of Jesus (peace be upon him).
Correction of a common misunderstanding
Surah al-Nisaʾ, verse 159:
“Among the People of the Book, there is none but will certainly believe in (this Qur’an) before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.”
This verse is often presented in support of the physical descent of Jesus (peace be upon him).
However, the context of this verse makes it clear that it refers to the People of the Book during the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is presented as a warning, stating that these People of the Book will acknowledge the Qur’an as the Book of Allah before their death, even if they do not openly admit it. On the Day of Resurrection, this acknowledgment will serve as evidence against them.
The Symbolic Meaning of Authentic Hadith
In this article, the authentic Hadiths regarding the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) have been accepted as authoritative. However, the events described in these Hadiths as occurring before the Day of Judgment are presented as allegories rather than literal physical occurrences.
The Descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) in Hadith
In the Hadith, the descent of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) is described in a symbolic manner, which aligns with various political and geographical contexts.
The Scene of the Descent
The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will descend to earth dressed in saffron-coloured garments, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels. When he bows his head, drops like dew will fall from it, and when he raises his head, drops like pearls will scatter like dew.8
Here, the act of descending with hands placed on the wings of angels symbolises the factors that brought the United States into the Second World War—including Japan’s attack on the United States and the declarations of war by Germany and Italy. Following these events, the United States abandoned its isolationist policy and decided to play an active role on the global stage. Similarly, the scene of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) bowing and then raising his head, with drops scattering like pearls of sweat, symbolises the United States’ dignified entry into the Second World War, while the saffron-coloured garment is a metaphor for the United States’ economic greatness and boundless resources.
Time and Place of the Descent – Events of November 1942 during the Second World War
According to the Hadith, the Dajjal will kill a young man and then bring him back to life, and the young man will return laughing with joy. At that very moment, Allah will cause Jesus (peace be upon him) to descend at the white minaret in eastern Damascus.9 As previously mentioned, the act of the Dajjal killing people and then reviving them actually symbolises the communist revolutions, where previous governments are overthrown by force and new governments are established in their place.
This young man represents Yugoslavia, which was established in 1918 and became known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. During the Second World War, after the German invasion of Yugoslavia, the communist movement gained momentum. In November 1942, the communists established the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) to organise the movement for Yugoslavia’s independence, and at that time, they gained control over some regions of Yugoslavia.
In the same month of November 1942, the United States, together with the Allied forces, launched its first major ground operation—Operation Torch. In Hadith, the “minaret” is generally regarded as a symbol of a region’s Muslim population and Islamic identity, and the “descent upon the white minaret” is symbolically interpreted as the entry of the United States into those Muslim-majority regions—such as Algeria and Morocco—where this military action took place. At that time, these areas were under the control of Christian colonial powers, and after the European war fronts, these regions had become significant military arenas. For this reason, the Hadith depicts the mosque as being in Damascus, just as during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Damascus was an important military centre under the rule of the Byzantine Christian Empire.
The eastern part of Damascus historically opened towards the desert, from where, during the Byzantine era, Arab tribes or Iranian armies would often launch attacks. Similarly, in the Second World War, the United States entered North Africa via the Mediterranean Sea and carried out its first major land military operation from this very direction—the same route through which foreign invaders had repeatedly passed throughout history.
The fragrance of the breath of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and the death of the disbelievers—Moral narrative and the defeat of enemies
It is stated in the Hadith that any disbeliever who encounters the fragrance of the breath of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will not survive, but will perish, and the breath of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will reach as far as his gaze can extend.10
This narration, found in Sahih Muslim, mentions the Dajjal’s appearance and end before the events of Gog and Magog.11 Since the emergence of the Soviet Union (Dajjal) occurred before Na1zi Germany (Gog and Magog), the Hadith mentions and concludes the account of the Dajjal first. This sequence reflects the traditional structure of parallel narratives, in which one subject is completed before moving to another parallel topic—even if both events occurred in the same historical period. The major events of the Second World War related to the Dajjal are concisely encapsulated in the symbolic statement “the fragrance of the breath of Prophet Jesus and the destruction of the disbelievers,” and the narrative of the Hadith concludes with the destruction of the Dajjal. After this, the Hadith separately details the events of Gog and Magog, representing the parallel yet distinct historical aspects of that era.
In this context, the “fragrance of the breath” of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) symbolically represents the moral narrative that stood against racism, aggression, and fascism, and which the United States adopted during the Second World War. Here, “disbelievers” refers to the opposing Axis powers—namely, Germany, Italy, and Japan—who rejected this narrative. Their destruction not only symbolically expresses their decisive defeat in the war, but also represents the far-reaching effects of this “breath,” which attests to the success of that moral narrative. This narrative laid the foundation for a new global consensus after the war, in the form of the United Nations, human rights, and global peace initiatives.
The refusal of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) to lead the prayer—Encouragement for Muslims to assume leadership for their own freedom
The refusal of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) to lead the Muslims in prayer is mentioned in the Hadith, where, upon being invited to lead, he will say: “The Imam will be from among you”12 and “Some of you are rulers over others.”13 This statement can be understood symbolically in the context of the efforts of Muslim leaders for independence at that time. This interpretation aligns with the requests for freedom from European colonialism made by Muslim leaders in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia—where the United States conducted its first major land operation, Operation Torch—through appeals for the United States’ intervention.
For example, during the Casablanca Conference held in January 1943, the meeting between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sultan Mohammed V of Morocco became a symbol of hope for Morocco’s independence. Sultan Mohammed V expressed his aspiration for Moroccan sovereignty and requested the United States’ support for this goal. President Roosevelt indicated future support for Morocco’s independence, but did not promise immediate intervention, as the United States was then focused on its wartime alliances, including its relationship with France. Moroccan nationalists viewed this meeting as a promising step and regarded the United States as a potential ally in their struggle for independence.14
This stance of the United States was consistent with the anti-colonial principles outlined in the 1941 Atlantic Charter,15 which recognised the right of nations to freedom and self-determination. In this event, the analogy of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) declining to lead the prayer appears to encourage Muslim leaders to take charge of their own liberation, while the United States’ role remained supportive and indirect.
Events following the descent of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) as mentioned in the Hadith
Going to Mount Tur and the Siege by Gog and Magog – Resistance through Allied Cooperation and Treaties
The Hadith mentions that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and his companions, against whom none could fight, will go towards Mount Tur. Gog and Magog will besiege them, and they will pray to Allah Almighty for deliverance.16
Historically, Mount Tur symbolises the place of covenant, as Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) took a covenant from the Israelites at Mount Tur.17 It represents global treaties and strategies under which the Allied forces struggled against tyrannical powers during the Second World War. Numerous agreements and strategies were reached, such as the Casablanca Conference (January 1943), where the Allied powers agreed on the policy of unconditional surrender and the strategy for attacking Italy; the Quebec Agreement (August 1943), which ensured cooperation between the United States and Britain in the development of nuclear weapons; the Tehran Conference (November-December 1943), where Allied leadership discussed the establishment of a second front through Normandy and the post-war reorganisation of Europe; the Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944), which established the international financial system and led to the creation of the IMF and World Bank; and the Yalta Conference (February 1945), where the Allies agreed on the division of Germany, the establishment of the United Nations, and the Soviet role in the war against Japan.
The siege of Mount Tur by Gog and Magog symbolised Germany’s aggressive expansionism during the Second World War and the encirclement of Allied forces.
“Prayer to Allah” refers to the United States leadership’s supplication to God for success. For example, on the eve of D-Day (June 1944), President Roosevelt addressed the nation on the radio and earnestly prayed for the success and safety of the Allied forces. Some excerpts from this prayer are as follows:18
“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilisation, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith…They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken with the violences of war…With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies…Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.”
The price of a bull’s head exceeding one hundred dinars – Shortage of goods during the war
It is stated in the Prophetic Hadith that “the price of a bull’s head will exceed one hundred dinars,”19 which alludes to the inflation, economic decline, and severe food shortages during the Second World War. A similar depiction is found in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, where commodity prices rise so high that it becomes difficult for an ordinary person to obtain basic food.20 For example, during the Blitz in Britain in the Second World War, when war resources were prioritised, the public faced severe shortages of food and daily necessities. Unequal resource distribution and inflation almost paralysed ordinary life.
Killing the swine – The end of Japanese imperialism
It is mentioned in the Hadith that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will kill the swine.21 As described in the context of the sign of the beast of the land, animals in future prophecies represent empires, and in this context, the swine symbolises the imperialist attitude and strategy of Japan. The symbol of “killing the swine” is equivalent to the defeat of the Japanese imperial empire, in which the United States played a decisive role. The following factors contributed to this reasoning:
· Japan’s Duplicity: Japan claimed to liberate Asia under the slogan “Asia for Asians,” but its own imperial policies were extremely exploitative. This contradiction reflects the nature of the pig, which outwardly appears to be of the sheep and goat family, but also eats meat.
· Greed and Hunger for Resources: Behind Japan’s imperial expansion was its intense need for resources to meet its industrial and military requirements. The exploitation of raw materials and human resources from conquered territories was part of its strategy, symbolising the severe hunger of the swine.
· Naval and Territorial Expansion: Japan seized numerous islands and regions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This represents wars in marshy, hot, and humid areas, which resemble the natural habitat of the swine.
“Killing the swine” symbolises the act when the United States ended Japan’s imperial ambitions, halted its conquests, and transformed it into a modern, non-expansionist nation.
Supplication to Allah and Cleansing of the Earth after Gog and Magog – The End of the Remnants of War
It is stated in the Hadith that the Messenger of Allah, Jesus (peace be upon him), and his companions will descend upon the earth, and they will not find even a handspan of land that is not filled with the filth and stench of the corpses of Gog and Magog. Then Jesus (peace be upon him) and his companions will pray to Allah, and Allah will send birds whose necks are like the necks of two-humped camels, and they will carry away these corpses and dispose of them as Allah wills. Then Allah will send a rain that neither mud houses nor camel-hair tents can withstand, and it will wash the earth until it becomes as clean as a mirror.22
Here, the fact that Jesus (peace be upon him) and his companions, upon descending to earth, do not find even a handspan of land free from corpses, symbolises the widespread destruction and devastation in Europe as a result of the Second World War. Entire cities were reduced to rubble, millions perished, and the whole continent was filled with destruction, corpses, and afflicted populations.
Supplication to Allah after the Second World War is a plea for Allah’s help for peace, brotherhood, and the reconstruction of the world—for example, the President of the United States, after winning the war, said:23
“... Now, therefore, I, --- designate August 19, 1945, as a Day of Prayer. I appeal to people of all faiths in the United States to unite in giving thanks to God for the victory we have achieved, and to pray that He may guide and support us on the paths of peace...”
Two-humped camels were renowned among the Arabs for their majestic appearance and extraordinary endurance, distinguished by their strong necks and thick hair. The birds mentioned in the Hadith, whose necks were like those of two-humped camels and who carried away the corpses, symbolise the collective and large-scale efforts made after the war. They indicate that historical phase when the debris of war was cleared, humanitarian efforts were undertaken, and through the trials of war crimes, an example was set under international law against oppression and brutality. The eradication of Nazi ideology and bringing war criminals to justice were also part of this large-scale “cleansing.”
The subsequent rain symbolises the global transformations that washed away the devastation and ideologies of the Second World War and laid the foundation for a new world order—where Nazism, fascism, and colonial domination were systematically eliminated. Through the United States’ Marshall Plan, devastated Europe received economic and industrial aid, while institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank were established to find peaceful solutions to political and economic problems and to ensure global stability.
Ending Jizya – The Principle of Equality in Nation-States
The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will abolish the jizya.24 Abolishing jizya symbolises establishing a system where all citizens enjoy equal rights. After the Second World War, the United States established a new global order based on the principles of equality and self-determination, reflected in the formation of nation-states. This philosophy was formally adopted through frameworks such as the United Nations Charter, which emphasised equality and sovereignty. In Muslim-majority countries as well, this philosophy indirectly contributed to the abolition of jizya, as Muslim governments also became inclined to promote equality beyond religious distinctions.
Breaking the Cross – The Spread of Secularism in the Christian World
The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will break the cross.25 The “breaking of the cross” symbolises the secular transformations initiated by the United States in Christian-majority countries to promote the separation of church and state. Through diplomatic efforts and investments, the United States reduced the church’s political influence in these countries and facilitated the establishment of secular governments. These changes fundamentally altered the systems of governance in these nations. Today, Christian-majority countries, especially in the Western world, operate under secular governments where the church plays no significant role in state affairs. This is equivalent to the symbolic end of the cross.
Descent as a Just Ruler – Establishment of Global Institutions after the War
The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will descend as a just ruler.26 The symbolic interpretation of presenting Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) as a just ruler parallels the role of the United States in the formation of global institutions after the Second World War. The United States played a central role in establishing the United Nations, which aimed to promote international cooperation, resolve conflicts, and prevent future wars. Later, the United Nations Committee on Decolonisation was formed to ensure the end of colonial domination and to guide newly independent countries towards sovereignty and stability. The United Nations emerged as a comprehensive framework for establishing global peace and justice, reflecting the concept of just governance.
After the war, the United States leadership introduced initiatives such as the Marshall Plan to reconstruct war-torn Europe. Similarly, institutions like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which later became the World Trade Organisation, were established to make global trade fair and open. The Bretton Woods system (IMF and World Bank) was created to stabilise the global economy, so that countries would not be drawn into war again due to economic crises. These measures are in harmony with the role of the just ruler described in the Hadith, aiming to establish peace, justice, and economic stability on earth.
_______________
1. Daniel 7:4 (New International Version), Bible.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://www.bible.com/bible/111/dan.7.4.NIV.
2. Quran 18:99, Quran.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://quran.com/18/99.
3. Syed Manzoor-ul-Hasan, Nazul-e-Masih (Ghamidi Institute of Islamic Learning, November 2023).
4. Quran 4:157, Quran.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://quran.com/4/157.
5. Quran 3:55, Quran.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://quran.com/3/55.
6. Quran 5:116–117, Quran.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://quran.com/5/116-117.
7. Syed Manzoor-ul-Hasan, Nazul-e-Masih (Ghamidi Institute of Islamic Learning, November 2023).
8. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
9. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
10. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
11. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
12. Muhammad al-Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Al-Bukhari 3449, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/al-Bukhari:3449.
13. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 156, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:156.
14. “Presentation of Declaration of Independence: A Milestone in Morocco’s Freedom Struggle,” Kingdom of Morocco – Official Portal, accessed May 17, 2025, https://www.maroc.ma/en/news/presentation-independence-manifesto-milestone-moroccos-struggle-independence.
15. “Atlantic Charter,” Wikipedia, last modified May 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Charter.
16. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
17. Quran 7:171, Quran.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://quran.com/7/171.
18. “Franklin D. Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer: June 6, 1944,” The National WWII Museum, accessed May 17, 2025, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/franklin-d-roosevelts-d-day-prayer-june-6-1944.
19. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
20. Revelation 6:5–6 (New International Version), Bible.com, accessed May 17, 2025, https://www.bible.com/bible/111/REV.6.5-6.111.
21. Muhammad al-Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Al-Bukhari 2476, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/al-Bukhari:2476.
22. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim 2937a, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2937a.
23.
“Victory Day Prayer,” Harry S. Truman Presidential
Library and Museum, accessed May 17, 2025,
https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/
library/proclamations/2660/victory-day-prayer.
24. Muhammad al-Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Al-Bukhari 2476, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/al-Bukhari:2476.
25. Muhammad al-Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Al-Bukhari 2476, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/al-Bukhari:2476.
26. Muhammad al-Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Al-Bukhari 2476, accessed May 17, 2025, https://sunnah.com/al-Bukhari:2476.