| Muslims believe that
Jesus did not die on the cross. Does that mean he died of natural
causes? Will he come again? Why is he the only prophet to return?
Muslims believe that God's messenger
Jesus, son of Mary, on whom be peace, did not die yet. God tells us in
His own words that Jesus was raised up by God and that he was neither
killed nor crucified (see Qur'an 4:157-158). Furthermore, God tells us
that in order to foil the plans of the unbelievers, God recalled Jesus
and raised him up (see Qur'an 3:55). Muslims understand from these
Qur'anic passages that Jesus did not die.
Muslims believe that Jesus will be coming again. A common explanation
of verse 159 of Surah 4 in the Qur'an is that when Jesus returns, the
people of the book will each believe in Jesus as he really is. Another
verse in the Qur'an calls Jesus, on whom be peace, a sign of the day
of Judgement (see Qur'an 43:61). This was further explained by the
prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, when he said that Jesus's return
will be a sign that the day of Judgement is near.
God alone knows the full wisdom behind what He does. We can only try
to understand some of the reasons. With God's help we can point to
several reasons why Jesus will be coming again. One reason is that
when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary about the birth of Jesus, he
prophesied that Jesus will speak to mankind while he is a baby and
again when he is mature (see Qur'an 3:46). The Arabic word Kahlan here
translated 'maturity' actually refers to a maturity at 40 years old.
When Jesus comes back he will live to this age and the prophecy will
be fulfilled. Jesus also foretold his death (see Qur'an 19:33). This
too will be fulfilled when he returns, and Jesus will be buried in
Medina near his brother in faith, the last prophet, on whom be peace.
Another reason for Jesus's second coming is that he will be honored
with the opportunity to personally correct the belief of his people.
Too many have disbelieved and rejected him. Many others have believed
incorrectly about him. When he returns, everyone will believe in him
correctly. Yet another reason for his coming is that some of his
teachings have been forgotten (see Qur'an 5:14), and replaced by
misguided teachings (see Qur'an 5:77, 9:30). Jesus will have the honor
of breaking the symbols of such false teachings and dramatically
confirming his true teachings which were also taught by his brother in
faith, the last prophet, on whom be peace.
A further reason is that in the last days an evil man called the
Antichrist will arise. He will spread much corruption on the earth.
Jesus will return to slay this man and restore peace on earth.
As to why Jesus alone and no other prophet will come back is for God
alone to say. The above are only a few indications.
Finally, we must admit that Jesus, on whom be peace, was very unique.
His entry into the world was unique, his departure was unique, and his
return will be spectacular. The Qur'an rightly calls him "illustrious
in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto
Allah)" (Qur'an 3:45). |