Chapter 7:
Belief in Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and The Messiah(pbuh) in The Divine Faiths

"The End Times" is a term used to describe the final days of earth, prior to Judgment Day. In this period, according to Islamic belief, humanity will be confronted by terrible corruption and degeneration. This dark age will be one of increasing injustice, oppression, famine and poverty, moral collapse, war and conflict, anarchy and disorder. It will come to an end with people returning to Allah and religious moral values. Want will be replaced by plenty, injustice and oppression by justice and understanding, and anarchy and disorder by an environment of peace and security, and the world will enjoy a hitherto unseen beauty and abundance. Allah will make the return to earth of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and Hazrat Mahdi (peace be upon him), a holy personage whose name means "he who has found the path of salvation" the means whereby the world attains enlightenment and abundance. These are all valuable glad tidings imparted by our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as indicated in the Qur'an.

The portents of the End Times, the characteristics of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) who will appear in that age, the changes to take place after his coming, and the return to Earth of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) have already been covered in detail in earlier books. (For details, see Portents and Features of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) Coming, The End of Times and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), The Golden Age, The Signs of Jesus' (pbuh) Second Coming, The End Times and The Beast of the Earth, The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will Come in this Century all by Harun Yahya)

In this book we will briefly describe the second coming of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), awaited with great excitement by Christians and Muslims, and the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) which appears in the Torah and bears a close resemblance to Islamic sources.

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will Appear in This Century

Works by great and esteemed scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah, including Sunan Abu-Dawud and Letters of Imam Rabbani, explicitly state that Allah sends an individual every century in order to revive and rid religious morals of any innovations:

"Allah will raise for this community at the beginning of EVERY HUNDRED YEARS the one who will renovate its religion for it." (Sunan Abu Dawud, 5/100)

One hadith handed down from our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear in 1400 in the words:

"People will gather around Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in the year 1400." (Risalat al-Huruj al-Mahdi, p. 108)

… We gave Clear Signs to Jesus, son of Mary, and reinforced him with the Purest Spirit...
(Surat Al-Baqara: 253)

The religious moral values of Islam will rule the whole world, as the result of a specific process, in this century, while the system of the dajjal (the antichrist) that opposes those values will entirely disappear. But following this period of progression, that will last for approximately 100 years, the world will again find itself in a phase of degeneration, around the 1500s according to the Islamic calendar. In one hadith narrated by many scholars, including Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, a great Ahl al-Sunnah hadith and Islamic jurisprudence scholar, our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) says that 5600 years had passed up until his own day:

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal transmitted in his 'Ilal:

FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED YEARS HAVE PASSED FROM THIS WORLD. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-zaman, p. 89)

Many other hadith contain explicit references to the life span of the world being 7000 years:

Anas Ibn Malik narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: THE LIFE SPAN OF THE WORLD IS SEVEN DAYS IN THE DAYS OF THE HEREAFTER. Almighty Allah has said: ONE DAY IN THE SIGHT OF YOUR LORD IS LIKE A THOUSAND OF YOUR YEARS. Allah will ASCRIBE THE EQUIVALENT OF GOOD DEEDS OF THE SEVEN THOUSAND YEARS OF THE AGE OF THIS WORLD to the one who meets the need of any of his brothers in the faith on the path of Allah as if he spends his days in fasting and his nights in worship. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 88)

Narrated from Daqqaq Ibn Zaid al-Juhani:

I told the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of a dream I had had. In that dream the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was at the top step of a seven-stepped pulpit. He said: THE SEVEN-STEPPED PULPIT YOU SEE IS THE SEVEN THOUSAND YEARS OF AGE OF THIS WORLD. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 8)

Said Nursi, the renovator of the Islamic 1300s and the greatest one of the last millennium, cited the 1500s as the period of dominion of Islamic moral values. He stated that Muslims would enjoy a time of clear and explicit victory up until then. He said that in the years after that, the rise of the moral values of Islam would come to an end and that the Last Day would break for the unbelievers in the Islamic year 1545. (Allah knows the truth.)

"A group from my community will remain in truth until Allah's command [the Last Day]."

The abjad calculation of the clause "A group from my community..." which is 1542 (2117) implies its (the community's) time of survival. The abjad calculation of the clause "will remain in truth" (when the gemination mark is counted) gives 1506 (2082); it indicates until that date (2082) it will continue its work of enlightenment evidently and obviously, and maybe victoriously; then until 1542 (2117) in secrecy and defeat. The abjad calculation of the clause "until Allah's command" (when the gemination mark is counted) suggests that THE LAST DAY WILL BEFALL the unbeliever in 1545 (2120). (Kastamonu Addendum, p. 33)

The great Sunni scholar al-Barzanji states that the life span of the world will not last until the Islamic 1600, in other words, that the Last Day is expected to come in Islamic 1500s by Allah's leave. (Allah knows the truth.)

THE LIFE OF THIS COMMUNITY WILL EXCEED 1,000 YEARS, YET BE LIMITED TO 1,500 YEARS ... (Muhammad ibn 'Abd ar-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li Ashrat as-Sa'ah, The Portents of the Last Day, p. 299)

Suyuti's statement made on the basis of the hadith handed down from our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is as follows:

"THE LIFE OF MY COMMUNITY WILL NOT EXCEED 1500 YEARS. (Suyuti, al-Kasfu an Mujawazati Hazihil Ummah al-Alfu, al-hawi lil Fatawi. 2/248, Tafsir Ruh-ul Bayan. Bursawi 4/262, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Kitab al-'Ilal, p. 89)

Bearing in mind that we are currently in the year Hijri 1430 and that the 14th Hijri century will last until Hijri 1500, then Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) should definitely appear in this century. Because no other century remains in which Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) could appear.

The fact that just about all of the signs of the End Times revealed by our Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) have been taking place one after the other since 1400 clearly shows that we are living in the End Times and that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear this century .

To summarize, as is clear from the hadiths of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and statements by great Islamic scholars, the Islamic 1400s we are now living in is the age of the second coming of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return to earth in this century, Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear and the moral values of Islam will rule the world.

The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) Second Coming According to The Qur'an

In the Qur'an Allah reveals that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) did not die and was not killed. Rather, he was raised up to Allah's presence and will be returned to Earth at a time of His choice.

This part of the book will examine the Qur'anic evidence for this. (For detailed information, see Harun Yahya, The Glad Tidings of the Messiah (pbuh), Global Publishing, [Istanbul: 2003].)

1. Those who sought to kill the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) failed. Thus, their claim to have killed him is based only upon their assumption:

And [on account of] their saying: "We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Messenger of Allah." They did not kill him and they did not crucify him; rather, it was made to seem so to them. Those who argue about him are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him. (Surat An-Nisa: 157)

2. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) did not die, but was taken from the dimension of human existence to the Presence of Allah:

Allah raised him [Jesus] up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat An-Nisa: 158)

3. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is a sign for the Hour:

He [Jesus] is a sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is a straight path. (Surat Az-Zukhruf: 61)

This verse signals the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return in the End Times, because the Prophet Jesus(pbuh) lived approximately six centuries before the Qur'an's revelation. Therefore, we cannot understand his first life as a sign of the Hour or, in other words, a sign of the End Times. Given this interpretation, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return in the End Times, in other words, in the period we are living in today and that this is a sign of the Day of Judgment.

4. The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) followers will be preferred over unbelievers until the end of time:

When Allah said: ''Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me, and purify you of those who do not believe. And I will place the people who follow you above those who do not believe until the Day of Resurrection. Then you will all return to Me, and I will judge between you regarding the things about which you differed." (Surah Al 'Imran: 55)

Allah says that the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) true followers will be superior to the unbelievers until the Day of Judgment. He only had a few followers while he was alive on Earth and, after his ascension to Allah's Presence, the true religion revealed to him was gradually falsified. During the next two centuries his followers were persecuted ruthlessly, for they did not have any political power. Therefore, we cannot say that the early Christians dominated the unbelievers and, therefore, that they were the subject of this verse.

Today, Christianity is far from its original state as the real religion taught by the Prophet Jesus (pbuh). In this situation, the expression I will place the people who follow you above those who do not believe until the Day of Resurrection, takes on a clear meaning: A community of the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) followers will live until that time. This community will emerge on the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming and be preferred over the unbelievers until the Day of Judgment.

5. All People of the Book will believe in Jesus (pbuh) before he dies:

There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him before he dies; and on the Day of Resurrection he [Jesus] will be a witness against them. (Surat An-Nisa: 159)

This verse contains three promises in relation to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), all of which have not yet been fulfilled: first, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will die like all other human beings; second, all People of the Book will believe in him before he dies. (Both of these prophecies will be realized when he comes again); and third, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be a witness over the People of the Book on the Day of Judgment.

6. The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming is proclaimed in Surah Maryam:

[Jesus said: ] "Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I am raised up again alive." (Surah Maryam: 33)

When this verse is considered together with Surat Al 'Imran: 55, an important fact emerges, for in this latter verse Allah states that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was raised up to Allah's Presence. This verse contains no reference to his death or killing. However, Surah Maryam 19: 33 speaks of the day that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will die. This second "death" is only possible with the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return to Earth to live among humanity for a certain number of years.

7. The following verse indicates the Prophet Jesus'(pbuh) return to Earth:

He will teach him [Jesus] the Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. (Surah Al 'Imran: 48)

When we look at other verses to understand the meaning of Book in this verse, we realize the following: As it is used in conjunction with the Gospel and the Torah in the same sentence, it must stand for the Qur'an, as the verse below suggests:

He has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what was there before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel. (Surah Al 'Imran: 3)

Many other verses state that wisdom and the Book were revealed to Mohammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The following is one such verse:

Allah has sent down the Book and Wisdom to you, and taught you what you did not know before. Allah's favor to you is indeed immense. (Surat An-Nisa: 113)

As the book revealed to Prophet Mohammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the Qur'an, the Book referred to in Surat Al 'Imran 3: 48, which the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be taught, is most probably the Qur'an. Given that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) knew the Torah and the Gospel, obviously he will learn the Qur'an on his second coming.

8. Surah Al 'Imran 3: 59 states: "The likeness of Jesus in Allah's Sight is the same as Adam." This verse points out similarities between the two Prophets. For example, both the Prophet Adam (pbuh) and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) did not have a father. Moreover, it could be indicating that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be brought down to Earth in the End Times, just as the Prophet Adam (pbuh) was brought down from Paradise.

9. The word kahlaan, in Surat Al-Ma'ida: 110 and Surah Al 'Imran: 46 is further proof for the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return to Earth. These verses are as follows:

Remember when Allah said: ''Jesus, son of Mary, remember My blessing to you and to your mother, when I reinforced you with the Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in the cradle and when you were fully grown." (Surat Al-Ma'ida: 110)

[The angels said to Mary: ] "He [Jesus] will speak to people in the cradle and also when fully grown, and will be one of the righteous." (Surah Al 'Imran: 46)

The dictionary meaning of kahlaan, which denotes the adult stages of the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) life, is between 30-50 years of age, at the borderline of youth and old age. Islamic scholars agree that this word denotes that part of a person's life that begins after one becomes 35 years old.

Islamic scholars base their view on the hadiths, transmitted by Ibn `Abbas, that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was raised up to the heavens at the beginning of his thirtieth year and that he will live for another 40 years on his return. Scholars say that his old age will occur after his return to Earth. Therefore, this verse is a proof for the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return.24

All Prophets spoke with people, invited them to religion, and taught religion at a mature age. But the Qur'an does not use this word for any other Prophet. Thus, kahlaan indicates the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) miraculous return to Earth, as the expressions of while in the cradle and when fully grown come one after the other in the verses, indicating the two miraculous times.

The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) speaking from the cradle was a miracle, for such a thing had never happened before. This suggests that the expression when fully grown, which appears immediately after the other, is also a miracle. If this expression indicates the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) life before he was raised up to Allah's Presence, the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) speech would not have been a miracle. This is why the verse points out two miraculous times: when he was in the cradle (the first) and when fully grown (the second). Therefore, the expression when fully grown most probably indicates the miraculous time following his miraculous return to Earth, when he will speak with people again.

The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) Return in the Gospel

The Gospel describes the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming in detail. (Matthew, 24: 36; Mark, 13: 32-33) and that he will come unexpectedly, which is why people must be aware and ready (Matthew, 24: 44, 25: 13; Mark, 13: 35-37; Luke, 12: 40)

During the initial period of the End Times, hardship, trouble famine, disorder, and conflict increase dramatically, and people long desperately for a savior.

The circumstances and telltale signs of his return that are known are given below: Anarchy and chaos will increase in the End Times (the final period of the world); wars and conflicts will be commonplace; decadence will be widespread; love and trust between people will be lost; treachery, infidelity, and cruelty will increase; and most people will be far from religious morality. One other indication will be the large number of false prophets or messiahs that will appear. The Gospel describes this era as follows:

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming: 'I am Jesus,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All of these are the beginning of birth pains... At that time, many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false Prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew, 24: 4-14)

It also depicts the situation of the societies before the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming, as follows:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the Last Days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy, 3: 1-5)

According to the Gospel, when these developments are taking place, the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return will be imminent (Matthew, 24: 33). One further telltale sign will be the widespread denial that he will really come. The Gospel reveals this, as follows:

First of all, you must understand that in the Last Days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say: "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: 3-4)

The signs of the End Times as described in the hadiths of Prophet Mohammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are very similar to those described in the Gospel. Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also related in detail the circumstances and condition of the world in this time, and revealed that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) would be sent back to Earth during that period. Some of these signs are given below:

• When anarchy prevails throughout the world, mischief appears, roads are cut, some attack others, the elder do not show mercy for the younger, and the younger fail to be polite toward the elder...25
• The Hour will come when one kills his own brother.26
• The Hour will come when the evil ones become successors in your world.27
• The Hour will come when violence, bloodshed, and anarchy become common.28
• The unlawful things become lawful… is one of the signs of the Hour.29
• Large cities perish, as if they never existed.30
• In the End Times, such people will appear who will trade their religion in return for worldly benefits. To appear clement, they will wrap around sheep skin; their tongues will be sweeter than candy, but their hearts will be as hard as a wolf's heart.31
• There are two great events before the Day of Judgment... and then years of earthquakes.32
• Deceiving years will pass by. During those years... people will trust the traitorous person, and the honest person will be deemed traitorous.33
• People will not respect the elderly or show mercy to the young ones. Adultery will become widespread... to such an extent that people will commit adultery in the middle of a street.34
• Hunger and the high cost of living will become widespread.35
• The Hour will become near when people cease to do good deeds, and do not enjoin good deeds and forbid bad deeds.36
• The increase in the number of evil ones, deeming liars as honest and honest ones as liars, deeming traitorous ones as reliable, and reliable ones as traitorous… are among the signs of the Hour.37

Those who pay attention to what is going on in the world, both in their own area and more further afield, can see that these signs are taking place one after the other in our own time. We receive almost daily news of conflict from different parts of the world; people are troubled by corruption, injustice, and other social ills; and dishonesty, fraud, cheating, fornication, and sexual license are rising by the day. Disregard for moral values prevents true love and compassion between people, and an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety eventually engulfs everyone. The numbers of devastating famine, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are increasing, and shocking events are clearly happening all around us. Of course such events have taken place in the past, but never have these signs occurred so clearly and comprehensively as they are right now. This situation is a clear sign, Allah willing, of the Prophet Jesus, the Messiah's (pbuh) imminent return in this period, a truly historic event and a cause for excitement and joy for all believers.

The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) Characteristics According to the Qur'an

Saint Columba Altarpiece, right panel, "Presentation of Christ," painted by Rogier van der Weyden

The Qur'an contains a great deal of information about the Prophet Jesus (pbuh). For example, he was born without a father, following the good tidings that an angel revealed to Mary, and performed miracles, by Allah's will, such as speaking with people while still an infant. Throughout his life, he was an exemplary servant of Allah and called people to become genuine servants of Allah.

Hz. İsa (as) Peygamber hakkındaki Kuran ayetlerinde bildirilen bazı özellikler şu şekildedir:

• The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is the word and Messenger of Allah:

O People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only the Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast into Mary, and a Spirit from Him. (Surat An-Nisa: 171)

• He was given the name Jesus, the Messiah (pbuh):

When the angels said: "Mary, your Lord gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, of high esteem in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near." (Surah Al 'Imran: 45)

• He is a sign for humanity:

… and she [Mary], who protected her chastity. We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds.
(Surat Al-Anbiya: 91)

• His mother Mary was chosen and preferred by Allah above all other women:

And when the angels said: "Mary, Allah has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you over all other women." (Surah Al 'Imran: 42)

• He spoke with people while still in the cradle:

[The angels said: ] "He will speak to people in the cradle and also when fully grown, and will be one of the righteous." (Surah Al 'Imran: 46)

• He performed many miracles by Allah's will:

As a Messenger to the tribe of Israel, saying: "I have brought you a Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it, and it will be a bird, by Allah's permission. I will heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead to life, by Allah's permission. I will tell you what you eat and what you store up in your homes. There is a Sign for you in that, if you are believers." (Surah Al 'Imran: 49)

Remember when Allah said: ''Jesus, son of Mary, remember My blessing to you and to your mother, when I reinforced you with the Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in the cradle and when you were fully grown; and when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created a bird-shape out of clay by My permission and then breathed into it and it became a bird by My permission; and healed the blind and the leper by My permission; and when you brought forth the dead by My permission; and when I held back the tribe of Israel from you, when you brought them the Clear Signs, and those of them who did not believe said: 'This is nothing but downright magic.' "(Surat Al-Ma'ida: 110)

• He preached the Gospel sent as guidance and confirmation of the Torah (errors, myths, and legends entered the Gospel at a later date):

And We sent Jesus, son of Mary, following in their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came before him. We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light, confirming the Torah that came before it, and as guidance and admonition for those who guard against evil. (Surat Al-Ma'ida: 46)

Then We sent Our Messengers following in their footsteps and sent Jesus, son of Mary, after them, giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. They invented monasticism – We did not prescribe it for them – purely out of desire to gain the pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not observe it as it should have been observed. To those of them who believed We gave their reward, but many of them are deviators. (Surat Al-Hadid: 27)

• He was supported with Purest Spirit:

We gave Moses the Book and sent a succession of Messengers after him. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with the Purest Spirit. Why, then, whenever a Messenger came to you with something your lower selves did not desire, did you grow arrogant, and deny some of them and murder others? (Surat Al-Baqara: 87)

These Messengers: We favored some of them over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them and raised up some of them in rank. We gave Clear Signs to Jesus, son of Mary, and reinforced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had willed, those who came after them would not have fought each other after the Clear Signs came to them, but they differed. Among them are those who believe and among them are those who do not believe. If Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other. But Allah does whatever He wills. (Surat Al-Baqara: 253)

• His Disciples assisted him:

O you who believe! Be helpers of Allah as Jesus, son of Mary, said to the Disciples: "Who will be my helpers to Allah?" The Disciples said: "We will be the helpers of Allah." One faction of the tribe of Israel believed, and the other disbelieved. So We supported those who believed against their enemy, and they became victorious. (Surat As-Saff: 14)

• He was a role model for the Israelites:

He [Jesus, son of Mary] is only a servant on whom We bestowed Our blessing and whom We made an example for the tribe of Israel. (Surat Az-Zukhruf: 59)

• The unbelievers conspired to assassinate him, but Allah foiled their plots and raised him up to His Presence:

They planned, and Allah planned. But Allah is the best of planners. When Allah said: ''Jesus, I will take you back, raise you up to Me, and purify you of those who do not believe. And I will place the people who follow you above those who do not believe until the Day of Resurrection. Then you will all return to Me, and I will judge between you regarding the things about which you differed." (Surah Al 'Imran: 54-55)

Recognizing the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)

People are curious about how the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be recognized on his second coming and what features will reveal his true identity. As a person of superior knowledge, intellect, body, and virtue, he will have an expression of Prophethood on his face. His strong fear and respect of Allah and deep faith will enlighten his face. This enlightenment on his face will be so revealing that people who encounter him will know that they are dealing with a superior human being.

Allah reveals that he is "of high esteem in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near" (Surah Al 'Imran: 45). Thus, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be recognized by his respectability, honor, and superiority, just as all other Prophets were. Those who see him will know him instantly, and their hearts will have no doubts; those who have denied his return will realize their error straight away.

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be recognizable by the qualities of Prophethood, but other signs will also make him recognizable, such as that he will have no family or relatives, and no one will have known him from an earlier period in his life.

When the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) Returns There Will No One Who Knows Him from Before

How will we recognize the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)? Surely he will have all the attributes of a Prophet, which will enable believers to recognize him. Moreover, no one will have seen or known him before, and no one will know his past. No one will know his physical qualities, face, or voice. Even if some people make such claims, they cannot prove them, for everyone who knew the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) has been dead for approximately two thousand years. Mary, Zachariah (pbuh), his Disciples, the Jewish leaders of that era, and those who were taught by the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) have all died.

As we explained earlier, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was created without a father, by Allah's command Be! Centuries later, he has no known relatives. In fact, Allah compares the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) creation to the Prophet Adam's (pbuh):

The likeness of Jesus in Allah's Sight is the same as Adam. He created him from earth and then He said to him: "Be!" and he was. (Surah Al 'Imran: 59)

As set out in the verse, Allah told the Prophet Adam to " Be ! " and that is how he was created. The first creation of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) also took place by Allah telling him to "Be!" The Prophet Adam(pbuh) had no mother or father. When the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) entered the world, he had only a mother, Hazrat Mary (pbuh); but he returns to earth, his mother will no longer be alive.

No doubt, this situation removes the threat of false Messiahs. On his second coming, no one will be able to cast doubt on the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) as the Messiah, because he will be instantly recognizable by this fact: No one will be able to say that he or she knows him. Besides, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will have all the attributes of His chosen Messengers: virtue, pureness, wisdom, convincing speech, foresight, and modesty. Naturally, these will set him apart from false Messiahs and enable true believers to recognize him in the light of faith and to believe in him.

And [on account of] their saying: "We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Messenger of Allah." They did not kill him and they did not crucify him; rather,
it was made to seem so to them. Those who argue about him are in doubt about it.
They have no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him.
(Surat An-Nisa: 157)

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will remove all of Christianity's false beliefs and practices, free both the Christian and the Islamic worlds from their errors, and call all people to live by the true religion and superior morality, and together with Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), he will instrumental in the moral values of Islam ruling the world.

Many hadiths of Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also give the good tidings about his return. A few of them are given below:

I swear, the son of Mary [Jesus (pbuh)] will perform hajj or umra or perform both.38

The Hour will not come until you see ten signs: the smoke, the antichrist, the Beast, the Sun rising from the West, the descent of Jesus (pbuh) son of Mary.39

By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary [Jesus (pbuh)] will shortly descend among you people [Muslims] as a just ruler...40

Nefsim kudret elinde olan Allah'a yemin ederim ki, Meryem oğlu İsa'nın adalet sahibi olarak inmesi yakındır...41

Hadiths reveal that a Golden Age era will begin after the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return, a time in which wealth, tranquility, peace, happiness, and ease of life will rule. It will see new developments in art, medicine, communication, manufacturing, transport, and many other fields, completely unlike what we have seen in any other time. In addition, morality will define the lives of people. The hadiths describe this era, as follows:

Earth will fill with union of faiths, just as a bowl is filled with water. No enmity will remain among people. And all enmities, struggle, hostility, and jealousy will disappear.42

...People will have so many possessions that no one will accept any.43

Earth will fill with justice, just as a bowl is filled with water. Everyone will worship Allah. No strife or war will remain… Earth will be like a silver table; it will grow its plants, just as it was in the time of Adam. A bunch of grapes will satisfy a person. A group of people will feed on a single pomegranate. An ox will be very cheap, just as a horse will be very cheap.44

Awaiting the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)

For us Muslims, Jesus' (pbuh) second coming is of utmost importance. Born as a miracle of Allah, he invited the Israelites to the righteous path, performed many miracles in their presence, and is the Messiah and Allah's word (Surat An-Nisa: 171). When he returns, the differences between Christians and Muslims, who actually share the same values and have the same belief in Allah, will be resolved. According to the Qur'an, Christians are the closest to Muslims in terms of affection. Once their differences have been resolved, Muslims and Christians will unite, and the Jews will believe in the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and find enlightenment (Surat An-Nisa: 159). Thus, these three divinely revealed religions will merge into one religion based on belief in Allah and obedience to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), and will then ideologically defeat all anti-religion philosophies and idolatry, thus finally ridding the world of war, conflict, racism, ethnic hostility, tyranny, and injustice. People will live in a golden age of peace, happiness, and tranquility.

This will be one of the most significant events in world history. The merger of the three divinely revealed religions will mean that both North and South America, Europe, the Islamic world, Africa, Russia, and Israel will form an alliance under a common religion, something that has never been witnessed before.

The Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming is one of the greatest miracles in human history. Allah's chosen Prophets, by His will, performed various miracles. By His grace, 2,000 years ago in Palestine, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) revived the dead, cured lepers and the blind, and gave life to lifeless objects (Surat Al-Ma'ida: 110), all by Allah's will.

It will be a great miracle to witness the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return to begin life once again without parents and as an adult. Existing materialist philosophies, already weakened to the point of collapse on a scientific as well as philosophical level, will be destroyed. People will see clear proof of Allah's existence and might.

Based on the signs revealed in the Qur'an and the hadiths, as well as the scholars' opinion, we believe that this event is imminent. We Muslims are excited about this and are doing everything we can to prepare ourselves and the world for the arrival of this celebrated guest. We call on Christians to be sensitive, conscientious, and passionate about this, too.

The Originator of the heavens and Earth. When He decides on something,
He just says to it, "Be!" and it is.
(Surat Al-Baqara: 117)

Is Christendom Ready for the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) Return?

The love of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) made Christians virtuous throughout history. Allah describes Christians in the following terms:

You will find the people most affectionate to those who have faith are those who say: "We are Christians." That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat Al-Ma'ida: 82)

In another verse Allah speaks of the Christians' positive morality:

Then We sent Our Messengers following in their footsteps, and sent Jesus, son of Mary, after them, giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. (Surat Al-Hadid: 27)

Throughout history Christians endured much tyranny, withdrew from the world's pleasures, and made many sacrifices. All of these are proof of their sincerity, but at a time when the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) return is imminent, this sincerity needs to be reaffirmed.

The Gospel states repeatedly that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return.

For example, it says that he [Jesus] will appear a second time, … to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews, 9: 28). Since this promise is certain, all Christians are obliged to make this the basis of their worldview, be ready and waiting at all times, and act accordingly wherever they may be.

Many Christians are convinced that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return soon, because most of the prophecies related to the Messiah's (pbuh) arrival have been fulfilled already. The expansion of religious morality across the world, the near collapse of materialist philosophies, and the fact that people are turning to the belief in Allah are important signs. It would be there inappropriate for Christians to remain impassive about this event.

Since his second coming is imminent, this must become the most important issue on Christendom's agenda. Since the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will unite all believers, the differences between Christians will soon be rendered meaningless and therefore, the separations, disputes, and animosities must be abandoned. As all Muslims and Christians will unite under one common belief when he arrives, it is necessary to begin working on overcoming the bias and distrust between them straight away.

The last chapter of the Gospel says:

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of Jesus [Messiah], and He will reign forever and ever. (Revelation, 11: 15)

Come, let us prepare together for the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) imminent arrival. Knowing that he will teach us the truth, let us respect our differences in faith. Let us try to bring the peace, brotherhood, compassion, love that he envisages to the world. Let us fight together the ideological war against the philosophies and ideologies that oppose him and deny Allah.

Come, let us await one of the world's greatest miracles together.

And We sent Jesus son of Mary following in their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came before him. We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light, confirming the Torah that came before it, and as guidance and admonition for those who guard against evil. The people of the Gospel should judge by what Allah sent down in it. Those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down, such people are deviators.
(Surat Al-Ma'ida: 46-47)

The Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is Announced in All The Holy Scrıptures

The "End Times," the period immediately preceding the end of the world, will contain a series of portents that Allah has revealed in all the sacred scriptures. In this special age, when disorder and strife reach their fiercest level, when people are as far removed from religious moral values as they can possible be, when degeneration is at a peak, our Lord will send Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) – "he who gives the way to salvation." With his powerful love and fear of Allah Who has sent him to fulfill this important task, Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will be a means of salvation for the whole world. By Allah's will, Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will be successful in this duty, as is written in his destiny, and will cause faith in Allah and religious moral values to reign supreme.

For that reason, the appearance of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will be one of the greatest events in history, one that is mentioned in all the sacred scriptures. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) has been awaited not just since the time of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but for many thousands of years. The hadith of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) reveal that the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is described in all the sacred scriptures Allah revealed:

Nuaym has stated: "I find Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) thus in the pages of the Prophets (in the scriptures revealed to Adam, Seth, Enoch and Abraham [peace be upon them]): There will be no cruelty and nothing shameful in the actions of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)." (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 21.)

The books of the Prophets reveal that "The work of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is not cruel and evil." (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 49.)

Ibn al-Munawi says: "Thus it is written in the book of Daniel (pbuh)… Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear, and Almighty Allah will save those previously subject to persecution and believers. The sunnah will be revived with him…" (This hadith is to be found in a handwritten copy of Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman in the Suleymaniye Library.)

These hadiths make it clear that all Abrahamic religions deal with the subject of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). Thousands of years ago, both the Torah and the Gospels described, the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), his qualities and activities, and how he will be a vehicle for the reign of faith in Allah and the religious values. Such passages can be seen in those parts of the Torah and the Gospels that are compatible with the verses of the Qur'an and the hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

That the Scriptures revealed by Allah contain descriptions of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), thousands of years before the fact, is another proof of this event's enormous significance. The attributes and activities of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), Allah's final herald and bearer of warnings, are of great importance in the End Times, so close to Judgment Day. In addition, all believers have a major responsibility to make everyone aware of this vital issue and to be the spiritual supporters of this holy person.

Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
(Surat An-Nisa: 158)

The Messiah Awaited by the Jews and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) Awaited by Muslims are One and the Same Holy Personage

The term "Messiah," also known as the "awaited savior" in the revealed faiths, is manifested as Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in Islamic belief. The system of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in Islam appears as the period of "Messiah" in Judaic scriptures. The Messiah whose coming the Jews anticipate for the salvation of mankind in the End Times is the same Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) awaited by Muslims.

However, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), whose second coming as the Messiah is awaited by Christians, is not Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). Muslims also believe that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return to earth during the End Times; however, when the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) does return, he will do so as a follower of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) – with whom, by Allah's leave, he will help Islamic moral values to prevail across the world.

According to reliable reports handed on from our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), "The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will perform the prayer behind Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)." (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 24.)

This report appears as follows in other hadiths:

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will appear from the sky and accept his sovereignty. People will say to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) "Lead the prayer," but he will respond, "The ameer is among you." He will say, "This is a gift of Allah to the community of Muhammad." (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 24.)

When Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is performing the morning prayer with the faithful at the Bayt al-Maqdis, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will appear, and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will place his hands on his shoulder and say, "The call to the prayer has been issued for you, so you must lead it," and finally Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will lead the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and the faithful in prayer. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 25.)

As mentioned above, the Messiah (Mashiach) awaited by the Jews, on the other hand, is in fact Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). In Judaic texts, the term "Messiah" in a general way can also be used to refer to kings and high priests, so that the meaning is those "anointed to serve and close to Allah." However, the specific Messiah awaited by the Jews is an envoy, a religious leader who will be sent by Allah in the End Times, bring the world under his dominion and, by the will of Allah, turn people towards His path. And this description fits Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in Islam.

In addition, an examination of the Torah and other Judaic scriptures shows that the individual described as the Messiah possesses the characteristics of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), and that their activities and changes these two will bring about in the world are exactly the same. For that reason, the Messiah awaited by the Jews is actually Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh).

In the hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) resemblance to the People of Israel, the descendants of the Prophets, is highly significant. Some of the hadiths on this subject read as follows:

Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) stature and posture resemble those of the People of Israel. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, pp. 36-29.)

His [Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh)] body is an Israelite one. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 24.)

Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is like one of the People of Israel. (His demeanor resembles theirs, it is majestic and wise.) (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, pp. 23-30.)

Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) has an Israelite body. He resembles one of the greatest of the People of Israel. (Ibn Hajar al-Makki)

His [Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh)] body is like that one of an Israelite. (Mar'i ibn Yusuf al-Maqdisi, Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr Fi'l Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar)

He [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] will resemble one of the Israelites [in his external appearance]. (Al-Uqayli, An-Najmu's-saqib fi Bayan Anna'l Mahdi min Awladi Ali b. Abu Talib Ale't-Tamam wa al-Qamal)

It is as if he [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] is a man from the people of Israel. (Nuaym ibn Hammad, vr. 52a; Mar'i ibn Yusuf al-Maqdisi, Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr Fi'l Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar)

Allah reveals in the Qur'an that He has chosen and sanctified the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his line (Surat Al-Baqara, 130, Surat Al 'Imran, 33). The same information also appears in the Torah (Genesis, 22: 17, 12: 2).

(For more detailed information on this subject, see Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) Is A Descendant of the Prophet Abraham(pbuh), by Harun Yahya)

They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths but Allah will perfect His Light,
though the disbelievers hate it.
(Surat As-Saff: 8)

Allah Promises Dominion to the Line of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh)

The People of Israel, the People of Isaac and the People of Ishmael referred to in the Torah are all from the line of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh). All are descended from the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), one blessed by Allah. The holy personage who bears the title of "he who bestows the path of salvation" in the Abrahamic religions – and who will appear in the End Times as a means whereby the moral values of true belief come to rule the world – is also descended from the Prophet Abraham (pbuh). This means that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) himself is descended from the Prophet Abraham (pbuh).

Allah protected the two branches of the descendants of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) in order for them to establish their dominion. In the End Times, He will unite the Imam al-Mahdi (pbuh) and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) in order for that promise to be fulfilled. This period of dominion, revealed in the Qur'an and in the hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is also promised in the Torah to a community descended from the line of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh):

I will bless you greatly, and increase your offspring like the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring shall inherit their enemies' gate; all the nations of the world shall be blessed through your descendants – all because you obeyed My voice. (Genesis, 22: 17-18)

God said to Abraham: ... I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you great; you shall become a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and he who curses you, I will curse. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis, 12: 1-3)

I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky, and grant them all these lands. All the nations on earth shall be blessed through your descendants. (Genesis, 26: 4)

Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. (Genesis, 28: 14)

Parts of the Torah that describe how true believers of Allah will have leadership and responsibility on earth and how religious moral values will prevail in the End Times, the final age of this world:

The Lord replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth." (Numbers, 14: 20-21)

... The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace... for the power of the wicked will be broken, the Lord upholds the righteous. The days of the blameless are known to the Lord and their inheritance will endure forever... (Psalm, 37: 11, 17-18)

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord. (Psalm, 22: 27-28)

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. (Psalm, 37: 9-10)

... For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous... The wicked will perish: The Lord's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish – vanish like smoke. (Psalm, 37: 17, 20)

Wait for the Lord and keep his way... The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord... The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Psalm, 37: 34, 39-40)

Those who disbelieve are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption.
(Surat Al-Anfal: 73)

As these passages make clear, the "dominion" described in the Torah is not that of one specific group or lineage over other communities, but that of sincere faith in Allah and of the moral values of the true faith – commanded to everyone by Allah – over the world. However, expressions of praise for the believing Jews in the Torah are the good news imparted to devout believers when the Torah was revealed. Therefore, taking Torah passages referring to the dominion promised to the People of Israel as the superiority of a certain nation, without considering sincere faith in Allah, will not be a correct approach.

In fact, the concept of "the dominion of the moral values of the religion (deen)," which exists in Islam and Judaism, is the eradication of evils and difficulties stemming from religious moral values not being complied with on earth with the commencement of that compliance, and the spread of moral virtues. Muslims hope that the moral values commanded by Allah – namely, solidarity, justice, honesty, loyalty, modesty, forgiveness and compassion – will form the basis of relations between people, and construct an environment wherein everyone competes to behave in accord with moral values to attain Allah's pleasure. The establishment of such a climate will undoubtedly eradicate all evils stemming from the lack of these virtues. Muslims who share that understanding aim not to possess power and sovereignty, but to use any blessings Allah bestows on them in the finest manner in order to spread the moral values of the faith. This excellent attribute of Muslims is revealed in the Qur'an:

... those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will establish the prayer and pay alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surat Al-Hajj, 41)

Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Abraham, a man of pure natural belief?...
(Surat An-Nisa: 125)