"And peace on me on the day I was born, and on the day I die, and on the day I am raised to life. Such is Jesus, the son of Mary; (this is) the saying of truth about which they dispute."    (Quran 19:33-34)

Dear Reader,

Please confirm the following verses (if possible) in your Arabic Qur'an. The translations are mostly from M.H.Shakir, Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Asad's translations of the Qur'an, except some places where I have highlighted words myself. All emphasis are mine, but one should confirm all the verses in Arabic as it is the Arabic which is the source of confirming the translations. It is hoped that those who do not understand the Arabic of the Qur'an will also find this article comprehensible.

Before coming to the subject under discussion there is an important principle which needs to be discussed.

HOW DOES THE QUR'AN EXPLAIN ITS SUBJECTS ?

The Qur'an is not like an ordinary book whose chapters are bifurcated according to subject at one place, rather the Quran has its topics scattered within its Sura's (Chapters) at many places. So if one needs to understand a topic then he has to look  into all the locations within the Qur'an where that subject occurs and compile all the verses related to it. If we do this excersize, then we observe that all the verses about one particular subject explain and clarify each other. And once we organize those verses according to subject, we see what it really is that the Qur'an is saying about that topic.This manner of Qur'anic study is not my own invention but already presented in the Qur'an.The following verses identify this aspect:

"And thus do We REPEAT the Ayat <nussariful Ayat> and that they may say: You have read; and that We may make it clear to a people who know." (6:105)

"And certainly We have REPEATED <sarrafna> for men in this Quran every kind of similitude, but most men do not consent to aught but denying." (17:89)

It is by repeating the Ayat at different places within the Quran that Allah discusses different subjects, and by gathering and analyzing those Ayat, we get the explanation <Tafseel> of the Book  of Allah, as said in the following verse:

"And this Quran is not such as could be forged by those besides Allah, but it is a verification of that which is before it and a clear explanation of the book, <tafseel al Kitab> there is no doubt in it, from the Lord of the worlds." (10:37)

The above verse informs us that the Quran is itself <Tafseel al Kitab>, i.e. "A detailed explanation of the Book". Whatever may be the subject under discussion, the Quran elucidates it by it self. What is not clear in one verse is clarified through some other passage of the Qur'an itself. So it is by this method that research should be conducted on the Qur'an, and it is by this method that this topic will be presented to you.

ASCENSION AND SECOND COMING OF JESUS - THE ORIGIN OF THIS BELIEF

It is popular among many that Jesus was not crucified but 'taken up into heaven alive' and will be coming back before the Day of Judgement. Almost all over the World, many people have this belief as an article of faith.Where does this belief originate from? In very clear terms it is to be found in the Bible. Here are some references:

ASCENSION OF JESUS:

"So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN,AND SAT ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD." - MARK 16:19

"And it came to pass,while he blessed them, he was parted from them, AND CARRIED UP INTO HEAVEN."- LUKE 24:51

SECOND COMING:

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE WAS TAKEN UP; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold,two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said,'Ye men of Galilee,why stand ye gazing up into heaven? THIS SAME JESUS,WHICH IS TAKEN UP FROM YOU INTO HEAVEN, SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN."- ACTS 1: 9 - 11

"And behold, I COME QUICKLY; and my reward is with me,to give every man according as his work shall be."- REVELATION 22:12

The above verses from the Christian Bible leave no ambiguity in demonstrating that the Ascension and Second coming of Jesus are 
Christian ideas. Further more the Jews also have the concept of a 'Promised Messiah', and 'Ascension into heaven' as stated in the 
Jewish scriptures. ideas. Further more the Jews also have the concept of a 

"And it came to pass,as they still went on,and talked,that,behold,there appeared a chariot of fire,and horses of fire,and parted them both asunder;AND ELIJAH WENT UP BY A WHIRLWIND INTO HEAVEN."  2 KINGS 2:11

"And Enoch walked with God; and he was not; FOR GOD TOOK HIM."- GENESIS 5:24

Apart from these many other faiths also have the concept of a coming 'Saviour' and Ascensions in body or spirit. As we have seen that this faith is that of the Jews and the Christians, now let us proceed to see as to what does Al-Qur'an say about this matter. It should be kept in mind that to be a Muslim one has to believe in and agree with what the Qur'an is saying. Even the slightest disagreement with the Qur'an invalidates the claim to be a Muslim. (See 41:26)

DEPARTURE OF JESUS FROM THIS WORLD - A QURANIC PERSPECTIVE

When Jesus (p) propagated the message of Allah, and invited people to obey the laws of Allah alone, the Religious leaders and Priests felt threatened, as in a Social order where subservience and obedience is only for Allah's Laws, there is no room left for the Clergy and they in turn showed severe opposition to the mission of Jesus:

"But when Isa perceived UNBELIEF <kufr> on their part, he said Who will be my helpers in Allah's way? The disciples said: We are helpers (in the way) of Allah: We believe in Allah and bear witness that we are submitting ones <Muslims>." (3:52)

Now the unbelievers in Jesus' message plotted to stop the message of Allah from gaining ground, so they plotted against the person of Jesus.

"And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah." (3:54)

But Jesus  himself stated that the unbelievers would not be able to kill him but instead his death would be in peace:

"And PEACE IS ON ME on the day I was born, and on the DAY THAT I DIE, and on the day I am raised to life." (19:33)

Allah himself assured Jesus that the unbelievers will not kill him, instead it is Allah who will complete his period of life and cause him to die, as said in the following verse:

"Lo ! God said:`O Jesus! Verily I shall cause thee to die,and shall exalt thee unto me,and cleanse thee of those who are bent on denying the truth;and I shall place those who follow thee above those who are bent on denying the truth,unto the day of resurrection.In the end unto Me you all must return,and I shall judge between you with regard to all on which you were wont to differ." (3:55) Muhammed Asad's translation.

The expression in arabic <MUTE VA FEEKA> comes from the root word <VAFFA> which carries the meaning of  'Completing something or some task to such an extent that nothing else is left out'. In the same manner <Vafaat> means 'Death',as in Death the life term of a person is fully completed. Following are some references from Standard Arabic dictionaries which tell us about the meaning of the word <VAFFAT>.

'VAFFAT' =  "Death", "Decease" (An advanced Learners Arabic-English Dictionary by H.Anthony Salmone pp1222)

'VAFFAT' = "Death", "Demise", "Decease" (Al Mawrid Arabic-English Dictionary pp 1240)

'TUVAFA' = "To take the life of anyone" (A Dictionary & Glossary of the Koran by J.Penrice pp 161)

'TUUFFA' = "To die", "Expire", "Pass away", "Give up the ghost", "Breath ones last", "Part ones life" (Al Mawrid Arabic-English Dictionary pp 391)

In English to Arabic dictionaries ie reverse the meaning of 'vaffat' is again confirmed;

"DEATH"  = 'vaffat'  (Al Manar English-Arabic Dictionary pp 157)

"DEATH"  = 'vaffat'(Al Asri English-Arabic Dictionary pp 193)

"DEMISE" = 'vaffat' (Al Asri English-Arabic Dictionary pp 199)

"DEMISE" = 'vaffat' (Al Mawrid English-Arabic Dictionary pp 259)

"DEATH" = 'vaffat'  (Al Mawrid Eng Arabic Dictionary pp 251)

And much more.

However apart from General Arabic works of Reference, this word has also been used in the sense which conveys the meaning of  death or demise or completion of one's life term in the Qur'an it self. The following verses are very clear in ascertaining the meaning of  "Vaffa", "Mutavafa" etc in the Qur'an itself. Please check all of these and above in Arabic to confirm them yourself. They are from M.H.Shakir's translation where otherwise stated.

IN THE QURAN 'TAVAFFA' HAS BEEN USED FOR 'DEATH' IN MANY VERSES:

"Our Lord! surely we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us therefore our faults, and cover our evil deeds and MAKE US DIE <TUWAFFANA> with the righteous." (3:193)

"And you do not take revenge on us except because we have believed in the communications of our Lord when they came to us! Our Lord: Pour out upon us patience and CAUSE US TO DIE <TUWAFFANA> in submission." (7:126)

"My Lord! Thou hast given me of the kingdom and taught me of the interpretation of sayings: Originator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my guardian in this world and the hereafter; MAKE ME DIE A MUSLIM <TUWAFFANI MUSLIM AN> and join me with the good." (12:101)

"But how will it be when the angels CAUSE THEM TO DIE <TAWAFAT'HUM> smiting their backs." (47:27)

"And (as for) those of you WHO DIE <YUTAWAFFAUNA> and leave wives behind,"(2:234)

"And as for those who are guilty of an indecency from among your women, call to witnesses against them four (witnesses) from among you; then if they bear witness confine them to the houses until DEATH TAKES THEM AWAY <YATAWAFFAHUNNE> or Allah opens some way for them." (4:15)

"And Allah has created you, then He CAUSES YOU TO DIE <YATAWAFFA'KUM> , and of you is he who is brought back to the worst part of life, so that after having knowledge he does not know anything; surely Allah is Knowing, Powerful." (16:70)

"O people! if you are in doubt about the raising, then surely We created you from dust, then from a small seed, then from a clot, then from a lump of flesh, complete in make and incomplete, that We may make clear to you; and We cause what We please to stay in the wombs till an appointed time, then We bring you forth as babies, then that you may attain your maturity; and of you is he who is CAUSED TO DIE <YUTAWAFFA> , and of you is he who is brought back to the worst part of life.." (22:5)

"Say: The angel of death who is given charge of you shall CAUSE YOU TO DIE <YATAWAFAAKUM>, then to your Lord you shall be brought back." (32:11)

The above verses are very distinct and clear in informing us the meaning of 'Yutavafa'.Now let us again see the verse which discusses about Allah's 'Vaffat' to Jesus (p).

"Lo ! God said:`O Jesus! Verily I shall cause thee to die <inni mutavafeeka>, and shall exalt thee unto me,and cleanse thee of those who are bent on denying the truth;and I shall place those who follow thee above those who are bent on denying the truth,unto the day of resurrection.In the end unto Me you all must return,and I shall judge between you with regard to all on which you were wont to differ."- [3:55] Muhammed Asad's translation.

In above Allah clearly informs that He will complete Jesus' life on earth, and this is confirmed again, namely that Jesus had to die a natural death, when we are reminded through Jesus himself stating on the Last Day:

"I did not say to them aught save what Thou didst enjoin me with: That serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord, and I was a witness of them so long as I was among them, but when Thou didst CAUSE ME TO DIE <TAVAFAYTANI>, Thou wert the watcher over them, and Thou art witness of all things"  (5:117 M.H.Shakir)

In above verse Jesus' statement that :

"..when Thou didst cause me to die..<fallamatavafaaytani>"

Is confirming what Allah had earlier said to him in 3:55:

"..Verily I shall cause thee to die...<inni mutavafeeka> "

In other words Jesus was neither crucified nor taken up into heaven but Allah caused him to die a natural death, i.e. fully completed his life span. 
(Note:  Please click HERE , read the end part of that article, to learn more on the subject of the Last Days of Jesus and about Sheikh Ahmed Deedat's SWOON theory and the CRUCI-FICTION of Jesus).

Then in the above mentioned verse  5:117 Jesus is saying:

"..and I was a witness of them AS LONG AS I WAS AMONG THEM..<WA KUNTU ALAYHIM SHAHIDUN MAA DUMTU FEEHIM>.." And further he says; "...but when Thou didst cause me to die, Thou wert the watcher over them..<FALAMA TAVAFAYTANI KUNTA ANTAr RAQIBA ALAYHIM>."

Here Jesus  clearly mentions two periods, one in which he dwelt among his people, and the other in which Allah caused him to die. There is no other period mentioned here which informs of a stage of being taken up and stationed in heaven temporarily. Furthermore in 19:31 he says:

"And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be and hath enjoined on me Prayer (Salat) and Charity (Zakat)as long as I live." (19:31)

In above verse the words "..as long as I live.." bear some importance. Jesus is to establish Salat and give Zakat AS LONG AS HE LIVES. Now if we accept that Jesus is taken up into heaven alive, then how is he performing these activities up there? He  mentions that Allah has enjoined Salat and Zakat on him AS LONG AS HE LIVES <MAA DUMTU HAY'YAA>. Now some one can say that in heaven he may be performing Salat. But what about Zakat? Are there any Orphans and Unfortunate persons in heaven as well to whom Jesus is paying Zakat? Does God have any poor people in heaven too? Giving Zakat in heaven would say that in heaven there are poor people! Does this make any sense?!

The above verse is very clear in informing that as long as Jesus lived this earth, he performed these activities, i.e. Salat and Zakat, and Allah caused him to die a natural death. Now we come to the other issue which creates confusion for people, that is, Jesus being raised unto God.

ALLAH RAISED JESUS TO HIMSELF - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ?

The opponents of Jesus (p) wanted to depict that Jesus was false in his position as a Messenger of God, and wanted to have him crucified.Crucifixion would mean that Jesus was a (Allah forbid us) cursed person and his death was a cursed death. As crucifixion is mentioned in Jewish law (Old testament) as a punishment for blasphemy, and the crucified person is considered cursed and degraded in God's law (According to the Jews). Their Book says:

"His body shall not remain all night upon the tree,but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;(for he that is hanged is accursed of God;)that thy land be not defiled,which the Lord thy God giveth thee for inheritence."- DEUTERONOMY 21:23

In the New Testament it is also said that Jesus (p) died an accursed death (Astaghfirullah):

"Christ hath redeemed us,from the CURSE of the law,being made a CURSE for us: for it is written, CURSED IS EVERYONE THAT HANGETH ON A TREE."- GALATIANS 3:13

It is evident from above that the unbelievers want to show the world that Jesus being hanged on the cross died a cursed death, and this boast of theirs is also mentioned in the Qur'an;

"That they said (in boast) We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the Apostle of  God.." (4:157)

But Allah confirmed in the Qur'an that Jesus did not live a cursed life nor died a cursed death but on the contrary he enjoys an exalted and honourable status from Allah. This is what is said in 3:55, that: <Yaa essa inni mutavafeeka wa ra'afiuka illaya> "..O Jesus! Verily I shall cause thee to die,and shall EXALT thee <RAFI'UKA ILAYA> unto me.."

The word in above Ayah is <rafi uka> which means elevate you or exalt you.The word <raf'aa> literallymeans 'to raise or elevate', but in the Qur'an it has been used in many verses to convey the meaning of 'Raising one's ranks or status in the sight of Allah' ,and not physical raising up.Some verses are produced here to show that the meaning of <Raf'aa> is to raise in ranks and exalt someone:

"It is He Who hath made you (His) agents inheritors of the earth: He hath RAISED <RAF'AA> you in ranks some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving Most Merciful." (6:165)

"And RAISED <RAF'ANA> high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?" (94:4)

Above verse mentioned of raising with degrees or <Zikr>. But in following verses only raising alone is used to convey the meaning of elevation of ranks and exaltation.

"Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity) (and) a prophet:" 19:57 "And We RAISED HIM <RAF'A NA HU> to a lofty station." (19:56)

In above Nabi Idris (p) is being 'raised' to a <makan an alaiya> i.e. a lofty station. This is not that Allah placed him up on a high mountain or sky scraper, but that his rank and status near Allah is exalted and he is elevated in that aspect. Finally the following verse clearly demonstrates that for 'raising' ones rank or status the word <raf aa> alone is used.

"And if We had pleased, We would certainly have EXALTED him <LE RAFA'NAHU> thereby; but he clung to the earth and followed his low desire, so his parable is as the parable of the dog; if you attack him he lolls out his tongue; and if you leave him alone he lolls out his tongue; this is the parable of the people who reject Our communications; therefore relate the narrative that they may reflect." (7:176)

It is this exaltation which is mentioned in 7:176 that Allah is mentioning about Jesus in 3:55 and 4:158. The opponents of Jesus want to convey to the World that as Jesus is crucified he has died a cursed death, but Allah refutes this allegation and confirms that he was neither killed nor crucified:

"That they said (in boast) We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the Apostle of God ;- but they killed him not nor crucified him but so it was made to appear to them and those who differ therein are full of doubts with no (certain) know ledge but only conjecture to follow for of a surety they killed him not." (4:157)

And Allah further negates their insinuation that Jesus had a cursed personality, when Allah himself confirms that his status and rank is not that of a cursed person but of an Exalted and elevated status:

"Nay God raised him to Himself; and God is Exalted in Power Wise." (4:158)

The exalted position of Jesus was also confirmed earlier when he was described as;

"Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah." (3:45)

Now see the verse again which talks about Jesus' exaltation and see the clear meaning.

"Lo! God said:`O Jesus! Verily I shall cause thee to die,and shall exalt thee unto me.." (3:55)

This exaltation of Jesus or raising of his status by Allah is also made clear in another verse where Allah himself affirms:

Those apostles We endowed with gifts some above others: To one of them God spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit.." (2:253)

Now if we were to accept the understanding that Jesus was physically raised 'to Allah' then this would mean that Allah is sitting someplace in heaven and one needs to travel up to him. Such an idea about God is un Quranic and is an invention of Jewishand Christian theology, where they have a concept of 'Holy father in heaven'. But the Qur'an on the other hands informs us clearly that Allah (God) is not sitting someplace high up in heaven but:

"..He is with you wherever you are.." (57:4)

"..Nowhere is there a secret counsel between three persons but He is the fourth of them, nor (between) five but He is the sixth of them, nor less than that nor more BUT HE IS WITH THEM WHERESOEVER THEY ARE.." (58:7)

"..We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein." (50:16)

"And We are nearer to it( the human soul) than you, BUT YOU DO NOT SEE." (56:85)

The above verses clearly negate the concept of a 'Father (or God situated) in Heaven' or God confined to a space, so that to reach him you need to travel up into heaven.This concept that God is confined in heaven is a Jewish and Christian idea, clearly mentioned at many places in the Bible. But the Qu'ran does not uphold this view and on the contrary clearly negates it. God is not restricted to time and space but His presence is everywhere, all the time but we cannot see or comprehend it.So again the idea of God stationed someplace in heaven and Jesus ascending unto Him is not verified by the Qur'an.

Now many people also give the argument that when Allah talks about Jesus being raised to Him, then it says: "..Verily I shall cause thee to die,and shall exalt thee UNTO ME.." (3:55)

In this verse the words <wa ra fi'uka ILLAYA>  they claim, denotes that, since Allah says he will raise Jesus TO HIMSELF or 'Unto me' ( <illaya> in Arabic) then this suggests that Jesus was taken to heaven as it says he was raised 'towards' Allah, and already they are under the influence of the idea that God is stationed  some place in heaven, a concept which the Qur'an most certainly negates.

But again if we analyse this through many other places in the Quran we clearly see that when Allah says about calling or bringing something closer to himself,doesnt mean physically bringing that object near Him.The arabic preposition <illaya> used in 3:55 and the word <ilayhi> used in 4:158 convey the meaning of Allah raising Jesus towards Him.Now Let us analyse from other Ayat what does <illaya> and <illayhi> i.e. getting near  or going to Allah mean?

Following verses describe this namely <illaya> or <illayhi> has not been used for Jesus (p) alone but also for other objects:

"Have you not considered (the work of) your Lord, how He extends the shade? And if He had pleased He would certainly have made it stationary; then We have made the sun an indication of it. Then We take it to Ourselves, <summa qabadnaahu 'ILLAYNA> taking little by little." (25: 45-46)

Above verse informs that Allah takes the Sun to His self  <summa qabadnahu 'illayna> Does this mean that the Sun goes to visit Allah on the seventh heaven or someplace like that?

Again this going or calling to Allah has been mentioned not in a physical aspect but a metaphorical one. Nabi Lut (p) informs:

"And Lut believed in Him, and he said: I am fleeing to my Lord,<inni muhaajirun 'ILLAA rabii> surely He is the Mighty, the Wise." (29:26)

Lut's hijrat to Allah was not to the seventh heaven,but to such an environment where he can obey and implement the commands of Allah.This is again confirmed through Ibrahim (p):

"He said: 'I will go to my Lord! <inni zahibun ILLAA rabii> He will surely guide me!"(37:99)

In the above verse Ibrahim did not go to the heavens to meet His Sustainer, but abandoned the environment of Shirk and went to such an environemt where he could establish the 'Deen' of Allah.This is metaphorically described in above verse as <zahibun illaa rabi> or going to my Sustainer.And not physically going up into heaven or someplace like that.The above verses very clearly describe what is meant by <illaya> or <illayhi>.Now keep the above usage of the verses and  one more time look at the verses where Allah talks about His raising Jesus to himself.

"Nay God raised him to Himself, <bar rafa-'a-hullahu 'ILLAHYI> and God is Exalted in Power Wise." (4:158)

In above Allah nullifies the claim of opponents of Jesus that he was cursed being crucified on the cross, but confirms that his status is honoured and exalted.This is what is meant by <bar rafa-'a-hullahu 'illayhi> and what was previously confirmed by Allah in 3:55: <inni mutavafeeka wa rafi uka illaya>

The Qur'an negates the crucifixion of Jesus, and informs that he did not have a cursed life or death.The punishment of crucifixion occurs in the Qur'an as well for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger.(See 5:33)

To sum it up again, Allah is not confined to a place or station up in the heavens.We have seen verses negating this idea.Allah caused Jesus to die a natural death.The word <vaffat> has been seen at many places in the Quran to mean death, and this has also been confirmed by dictionaries.Then <rafa-a> and <illaya> have been confirmed through other verses where these words occur and we have seen what meaning they convey through the Quran itself.

SIMILARITY BETWEEN ADAM (MANKIND) AND JESUS (P.B.U.H)

The verse which mentions about example of Jesus (p) to that of Adam is self explanatory and itself informs that in what manner is Jesus like Adam.The Christians have been going to extremes regarding Jesus' personality and giving him a divine status.But Allah informs:

"Surely the likeness of Jesus is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, Be, and he was." (3:59)

As Adam was created by Allah with the command <kun fa yakun> i.e. "Be and he was", so is the manner of Jesus' creation in the sight of Allah. This verse is further made clear in 3:47 when the Malaika (force appointed for delivering divine commands) gave the good news to Mary, it informed her:

"..Even so, Allah creates what He pleases; when He has decreed a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is."  (3:47)

The words used in 3:47 for Jesus' birth in Arabic <fa innama ya-quulu lahuu'KUN'-fa-yakuun> "He only says to it, Be, and it is." are conveying the same meaning as that mentioned about Adam's creation i.e. <summaa qaala-lahu- 'KUN'-fa- yakuun> "then said to him, Be, and he was.".

It is in this aspect that Jesus is likened to Adam, i.e. in their creation with the will (Law) of Allah  (not comparison with clay or being sent down from heaven) but both were created by the command of Allah i.ee <Kun'-fa-yakuun> or "Be and it is". Comparing these two verses makes this similiarity very clear.

WHAT IS MEANT BY JESUS BEING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUR?

The verse quoted from Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation, which mentions Jesus as being  a Sign for the coming of the Hour and implying that before the last day he will descend to earth once again, is not a correct representation from the Arabic. The verse in Yusuf Ali's translation says:

"And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour) but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way." (43:61)

But in Arabic it says: <Wa 'innahuu la-:ilmul-lis-Saa-'ti>

"And most surely he (Jesus) is knowledge of the hour, therefore have no doubt about it and follow me: this is the right path."(43:61 M.H.Shakir)

Here it says that He (Jesus) is <ILM U LISAA-TI>  i.e.  Knowledge of the Hour. Now in the Qur'an the only Messenger who is mentioned by name to be questioned by Allah on the last day,and giving his answers to them is none else but Jesus (p). It is through his answers in the Qur'an that we are informed about the <ILM> or Knowledge of what is going to happen in that Hour, i.e. the Day of Judgement. And that is clarified through the Quran when it describes the complete manner what Jesus will be questioned about and his replies concerning the Christians, thus he is conveying that knowledge about the hour to us in the Quran so that we can amend our lives before hand (In case we are having wrong concepts about his personality as the Christians do). The verses where the knowledge of the hour is being conveyed to us through Jesus are as follows:

"And when Allah will say: 'O Jesus the son of Mary! Did you say to people, Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah?' He will say: 'Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to (say); if I had said it, Thou wouldst indeed have known it; Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I do not know what is in Thy mind, surely Thou art the great Knower of the unseen things. 1 did not say to them aught save what Thou didst enjoin me with: That serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord, and I was a witness of them so long as I was among them, but when Thou didst cause me to die, Thou wert the watcher over them, and Thou art witness of all things. If Thou shouldst chastise them, then surely they are Thy servants; and if Thou shouldst forgive them, then surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise.' Allah will say:  'This is the day when their truth shall benefit the truthful ones; they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide in them for ever: Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Allah; this is the mighty achievement." (5:116-119)

The knowledge of what is happening on that hour is related with Jesus in the Qur'an as he is the only messenger who is mentioned by name in being questioned on the Last Day,and through his answers we are getting the knowledge of what is going to happen on that hour.

WHO ARE THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (P.B.U.H)?

The followers of Jesus are those who are always prevailing on the unbelievers as Allah reminds us:

"..and I shall place those who follow thee above those who are bent on denying the truth, unto the day of resurrection.." (3:55)

These people are not some group to come about in the last days, but these are those who are upholding the teachings and practices of Jesus in the world. For this we have to see what is the message of Jesus and what are his practices. His message is:

TO SERVE ALLAH ALONE, I.E. TO OBEY HIS LAWS AND NOT TO ASSOCIATE ANYTHING WITH HIS SOVEREIGNTY.

"..and the Messiah said: O Children of Israel! serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Surely whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden to him the garden, and his abode is the fire; and there shall be no helpers for the unjust." (5:72)

"Surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path." (3:51)

TO ESTABLISH SALAH AND GIVE ZAKAT

"And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer (Salat) and poor-rate (Zakat) so long as I live;" (19:31)

Now the people who are upholding this message, i.e. obedience to Allah alone and establishing Salat and giving Zakat, and not associating any thing with Allah are the true followers of Jesus (p) Now the persons who have been doing this in all times have been identified in the Qur'an to be none else but Muslims.The disciples of Jesus are identifying themselves as Muslims in the following verse:

"When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: 'Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah?' Said the disciples: 'We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims." (3:52)

The 'Deen' of Allah has been one 'Deen' in all times,and Allah has called those who follow his 'Deen' as 'Muslim' in all times. Not Jew or Christian. Ibraheem (p) was identified as a Muslim, though he came long before Jesus.

"Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was (an) upright (man), a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists." (3:67)

The 'Deen' of Allah which has also been identified as 'Millat e Ibrahim' is the 'Deen' preached by all the messengers .And their followers have always been called as 'Muslim' by Allah.This is again verified in the Qur'an:

"..It is He Who has named you Muslim both before and in this (Revelation).." (22:78)

So the followers of Deen of Allah have been named as Muslim in all times by Allah. Now the message of Jesus is Islam, and its followers are not the Christians, but those who are upholding the Qur'an in their lives. It is this group who is really following Jesus by serving Allah alone and not associating anyone with Allah along with establishing Salat and giving Zakat. All the activities which Jesus is made to preach in the Quran.It is this group, i.e. the Muslims who are upholding the true message of Jesus in its correct form and it is these that are victorious over the unbelievers in all times, till the last day. As Allah clearly informs us that His Deen is destined to supersede every other way of life and system;

"And say: 'Truth has arrived and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (17:81)

Those who are presenting the truth of Allah to the world are to be victorius till the day of Judgement.

"Allah has written: 'It is I and My Messengers who must prevail' : For Allah is One full of strength able to enforce His Will." (58:21)

"They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths but Allah will perfect His light, though the unbelievers may be averse." (61:8)

"He it is Who sent His Messenger with the guidance and Deen-ul-Haqq (the Social Order based on Factual principles) that He may make it prevail over all the religions; and Allah is enough for a witness." (48:28)

Finally one verse makes this fact very much evident that the followers of Jesus i.e. those who are Muslims and believe in the message of Jesus (which in reality is the message of all the messengers) are not some group to emerge before the last day but they are those who are believed in Jesus in his time and after he departed this world. The emphasised portion of the translation below informs this.Please check it in Arabic as well:

"O you who believe! be helpers (in the cause) of Allah, as Jesus the son of Mary said to (his) disciples: Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We are helpers (in the cause) of Allah. So a party of the children of Israel believed and another party disbelieved; AND WE AIDED THOSE WHO BELIEVED AGAINST THEIR ENEMY,AND THEY BECAME UPPERMOST." (61:14)

Compare the Arabic words in above verse <fa ayadn alazina amanu -ala- adu'wihim FA ASBAHU ZAHIREEN> with the Arabic of 48:28 <.li yuzhirahu -ala- dinni kulli>

The followers of Jesus became 'Zahireen' i.e. prevailing or uppermost against the unbelievers and the 'Deen-ul-Haqq' with whom Allah sent Muhammad (S.A.W) ( which has the same message as that of Jesus. See 42:13 and 46:9) is to prevail over every other 'Deen' (Social Order and Religion). So the followers of Jesus who are to prevail on unbelievers are not a group to emerge on the time before the Day of Judgement, but they are the Muslim world of all times, i.e. those in Jesus' time as well as those  after him, who are upholding the message of Allah.

Someone might say that we Muslims are not the followers of Jesus, but of Muhammad (S.A.W) only. This concept is not correct as in the Quran we have been told to take guidance from every messengers 'Qasas' (Related message. See12:111), the narratives of all the messengers are a reminder for the Believers (See 11:120) and we are ordered to copy the guidance that every messenger received without making a distinction between any of them. (See 6:84-91 and 3:84)

GIVING GOOD NEWS OF AHMAD (S.A.W)

The most important verse in this subject is the one in which he prophecises Ahmed, i.e. Muhammad (S.A.W). When Allah informed Jesus that He will cause him to die, Jesus gave the following lecture to the Children of Israel:

"And when Jesus the  son of Mary said: 'O children of Israel! surely I am the Messenger of Allah to you, verifying that which is before me of the Taurat and giving the good news of a Messenger who will come after me, <yaati mim ba-di> his name being Ahmad.' But when he came to them with clear arguments they said: This is clear magic." (61:6)

In the above verse the Arabic words <yaati mim ba-di> are very important for the topic under discussion.This clearly indicates that Ahmad (Muhammad S.A.W) is to come AFTER Jesus departed from the world, and not before or while Jesus is in any interim state in heaven, but after Jesus has left the world. This is further clarified if we relate this verse with 5:117 where Jesus answers the question Allah has asked him:

"..and I was a witness of them so long as I was among them,.." (5:117)

and in 61:6 he says;

"..giving the good news of a Messenger who will come after me, his name being Ahmad.." (61:6)

It is evident from above that Jesus was to be a witness on them as long as he was among his people, and when Allah caused him to die or completed his life term it is Allah who is a watcher over them, as said in the same verse:

"..but when Thou didst cause me to die, Thou wert the watcher over them, and Thou art witness of all things." (5:117)

And before Jesus left he foretold the coming of  Muhammad (SAW) who was to come after he had left. I think if someone goes thruogh the above verses with out any preconcieved ideas he will realize that Jesus had left the world before Muhammad's arrival.

THE UN QUR'ANIC CONCEPT OF SECOND COMING OF JESUS - A FOUNDATION FOR CULTS AND CLAIMANTS TO PROPHETHOOD

We have seen clearly that this idea of Ascension and second coming of Jesus is an idea from the Jewish and Christian scriptures and cannot be confirmed in the Qur'an. On the contrary the Qur'an denies such concepts. Now using the advantage of this concept of second coming there has been the emergence of many cults and many persons had proclaimed themselves to be the 'Promised Messiah' and sometimes the 'Mahdi' who is to come in the last days. Such pretenders manipulate the simple people and usually take advantage of the emotions of their followers. In Christiandom this concept has resulted in numerous doomsday cults, whose founders claimed to be Jesus in his second coming and called that the end of the world is near. Such had many emotional devotees who were inspired by the charm of their charasmatic leaders, but unfortunately some met a terrible end. Examples of such are many. The likes of David Koresh made headlines in the World press during the recent years. Also in the South Asian Subcontinent there emerged a very controversial figure who also proclaimed himself as the Promised messiah and claimed Divine Prophethood and messengership for himself, thereby fooling many people. This concept of a Promised Messiah has made the Muslims very weak, and many  seem critical of themselves and demonstrate despair at the declining state of the Muslim World and instead lay their hopes not on their own talents but on a Messiah who will come to take them out from their misery.

Now the Qur'an nowhere says that any reformer will come in the last century or that any Messiah will come to take the Ummah out of its bad conditions. On the contrary we are clearly told that Muhammed (SAW) is the last and final Messenger (See 34:28, 6:115, 33:40, and 3:144) and the Qur'an is a detailed book which has everything which Mankind needs for guidance. (See 16:89 , 6:114) And by following the Quran will we be able to improve our conditions (See 5:15-16 , 20:124), not by some 'saviour' descending from heaven to solve our problems. Our problems will not be solved untill or unless we return to the Qur'an and take its opinions as the final authority for all matters. Our destiny is not linked to any Messiah, but is in our own hands.

"This is because Allah has never changed a favor which He has conferred upon a people until they change their own condition; and because Allah is Hearing, Knowing;" (8:53)

Kashif Ahmed Shehzada

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