The eschatological beliefs of Islam encompass a profound narrative regarding the end of times, known as akhirah (the Hereafter). Central to these beliefs is the concept of the Antichrist, or al-Masih ad-Dajjal (“the False Messiah”), and his eventual defeat at the hands of Jesus Christ, or Isa ibn Maryam. This dramatic event is illuminated through various hadiths—narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These narrations portray Jesus as a pivotal figure in the culmination of humanity’s ultimate moral and spiritual trial.
This article will explore the Islamic understanding of the Antichrist, the role of Jesus in Islamic eschatology, and the significance of their foretold encounter, emphasizing the unity and shared heritage of monotheistic traditions.
The Antichrist in Islamic Eschatology
In Islamic tradition, Dajjal is described as a deceptive figure who will emerge near the end of time, spreading unparalleled corruption and misguidance. The word Dajjal is derived from the Arabic root dajala, meaning "to deceive" or "to obscure the truth." The Antichrist is said to claim divinity, exploiting people's vulnerabilities and demonstrating deceptive miracles to convince them of his supposed divine status.
Hadith literature offers vivid descriptions of Dajjal. He is depicted as a man with one blind eye, a ruddy complexion, and the word kafir (disbeliever) written on his forehead, visible to believers. He will travel the earth rapidly, leaving trails of devastation and chaos. His power to perform extraordinary feats—such as reviving the dead and providing sustenance—will tempt many into forsaking their faith. However, his rise is portrayed as the ultimate test of faith for humanity.
Jesus Christ in Islamic Belief
While Christianity venerates Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior, Islam reveres him as one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God (Rasulullah). The Quran attributes miracles to Jesus, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, and highlights his unique birth to the Virgin Mary (Maryam). Muslims believe that Jesus was neither crucified nor killed but was raised to heaven by God, awaiting his second coming (nuzul Isa).
The return of Jesus is a cornerstone of Islamic eschatology. Unlike other prophets, his mission transcends his lifetime, extending to the final chapter of human history. When he returns, Jesus will uphold the truth of monotheism, correct misconceptions about his nature, and play a decisive role in defeating Dajjal, establishing justice, and restoring faith.
The Prophecy of the Final Confrontation
One of the most significant narrations regarding Jesus and Dajjal comes from Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes the climactic encounter. According to this hadith, Dajjal will emerge during a time of immense turmoil, rallying followers through deceit and exploiting material desires. At this critical juncture, God will send Jesus back to earth.
The hadith states:
“By Allah! Jesus, the son of Mary, will soon descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (tax on non-Muslims). Wealth will pour forth to the extent that no one will accept it, and a single prostration will be better than the world and all that is in it” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Jesus's descent will occur near a white minaret in Damascus, wearing garments dipped in saffron, and escorted by angels. His arrival will signal a turning point, as he joins the ranks of the believers led by Imam Mahdi. Together, they will confront the forces of Dajjal, culminating in a decisive battle near Lod (present-day Lydda, in Palestine).
The hadith specifies that Jesus will personally kill Dajjal using a spear. His death will mark the end of the greatest fitnah (trial) humanity has ever faced, symbolizing the triumph of divine truth over falsehood.
Symbolism of the Defeat
The encounter between Jesus and Dajjal carries profound spiritual and theological symbolism. It represents the ultimate victory of monotheism and the restoration of moral order. Dajjal’s claims to divinity reflect humanity's susceptibility to materialism, arrogance, and spiritual corruption. By contrast, Jesus's return and actions emphasize submission to God and the eternal nature of divine guidance.
The defeat of Dajjal also serves as a reminder of the continuity between Islam and earlier Abrahamic traditions. The shared reverence for Jesus underscores a broader message of unity, showing that the ultimate battle is not between religions but between truth and falsehood.
After the Defeat: The Reign of Jesus
Following Dajjal's defeat, Islamic tradition holds that Jesus will usher in an era of unparalleled peace and justice. He will govern as a just leader, applying the principles of Islam and abolishing practices and ideologies that contradict true monotheism.
Notably, Jesus will “break the cross,” signifying the rejection of the distorted beliefs about his divinity, and “kill the swine,” symbolizing the rejection of permissiveness toward actions contrary to divine law. These actions will affirm the universality of Islam's message and align with the monotheistic essence of Jesus’s teachings.
This period will witness an end to sectarian conflicts, widespread abundance, and spiritual revival. Eventually, Jesus will pass away a natural death, and his burial in Medina beside the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will signify the completion of his earthly mission.
Lessons and Reflections
The story of Jesus and Dajjal resonates with timeless themes relevant to believers of all traditions. It highlights the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of steadfastness in faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised reciting Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays as a protection against Dajjal's trials, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a connection to divine guidance.
Furthermore, the narrative challenges Muslims to recognize their shared heritage with Christians. Jesus's role as the defeater of Dajjal reinforces the interconnectedness of the Abrahamic faiths, encouraging mutual respect and dialogue.
The defeat of Dajjal also points to the transient nature of material power and the ultimate supremacy of truth. Dajjal’s deceptive allure mirrors modern challenges, such as consumerism, moral relativism, and the erosion of spiritual values. By reaffirming the eternal truths of faith, the story inspires believers to rise above such distractions and align their lives with divine purpose.
Conclusion
The prophecy of Jesus’s return to defeat the Antichrist is a cornerstone of Islamic eschatology that bridges theological divides and reinforces shared values among believers. Rooted in the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), this narrative emphasizes the triumph of monotheism, the restoration of moral order, and the eventual unity of humanity under the banner of divine guidance.
For Muslims, this story is not merely a glimpse into the future but a call to action. It urges believers to prepare for trials by strengthening their faith, adhering to righteousness, and fostering harmony among humanity. In a world rife with division and materialism, the lessons from this prophecy remain as vital today as they were fourteen centuries ago.
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