Return of ‘Isa (AS)

He was not killed or crucified

Allah saved ‘Isa (AS) from his enemies and raised him to Himself. This is core Islamic belief.

Qur'an

And their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah”… They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them… Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise. Qur’an 4:157–158

His descent before the Hour

He will descend wearing two garments, his hands on the wings of angels, his head bowed in prostration to Allah. He will kill the Dajjal, break the cross, kill the pig, abolish jizyah, and wealth will overflow until no one accepts charity.

Hadith

By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pig, abolish the jizyah, and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it. Sahih al-Bukhari 2222; Sahih Muslim 155

Hadith

‘Isa (AS) will descend at the white minaret east of Damascus, placing his hands on the wings of two angels… He will pursue the Dajjal and kill him at the gate of Ludd. Sahih Muslim 2937

He will pray behind the Mahdi

‘Isa (AS) will follow the leadership of the Muslim Imam (al-Mahdi) in prayer — showing that prophethood ends with Muhammad ﷺ and that ‘Isa returns as a follower of his law, not a new scripture.

Hadith

While he is like that, Allah will send ‘Isa ibn Maryam… The Imam will step back, but ‘Isa will place his hand between his shoulders and say: “Go forward and lead the prayer.” … He will say: “Some of you are leaders over others, as an honor from Allah to this nation.” Sahih Muslim 156

His death

After living on earth for a period, ‘Isa (AS) will die and the Muslims will pray janazah for him — like all prophets, he returns to Allah.

Hadith

‘Isa (AS) will live on earth for forty years after his descent, then he will die and the Muslims will pray over him. Sunan Abi Dawud 4324 — graded sahih by al-Albani