What Does the Quran Say about Jesus’ “Second Coming?” And about Masih Al-Dajjal, the Antichrist?

First, the Quran says nothing about a “second coming” or “return” of Jesus/Isa, nor does it mention an Anti-Christ/Masih Dajjal or anything similar. This itself is a serious omission for such a significant and unprecedented event. But there is an aya in the Quran (43:61) that is often construed to possibly “fit” the idea that Jesus might somehow be “coming back.” And there are many hadiths which mention this idea. Hence for many Muslims, it’s a done deal. But how reliable are those hadiths and do they contradict the Quran? For one thing, the Quran, unequivocally states that prophet Mohammad is the “seal” of the prophets (33:40). The word khatam or “seal” is significantly different than to say “the last” or akhir prophet. A “seal” as used in the Quran means an irreversible decree from Allah Himself, the same word used repeatedly to say Allah “sealed the hearts” of rejectors/disbelievers (4:155, 9:87, 9:93, 16:108, 47:16, 63:3). Once Allah “seals” a person’s heart, there’s no turning back. For Jesus/Isa to come after Mohammad would “break the seal” and it doesn’t change this fact that Isa was not a new prophet. In fact, it goes against the Way of Allah with his prophets, discussed below, as well as breaches the impassable barrier between this world and alghaib – the unseen, which in this case refers to Allah’s timeless realm – and this is simply never allowed. There’s no room for equivocation! 

Islam Is Not a Club

Although this may be obvious to many, some Muslims seem to treat Islam as if it were a membership club. This is especially true when mosques become divided by nationality and culture. But also there’s a certain emphasis by many on d’awa or proselytizing Islam in order to bring as many people as possible into Islam. The problem is, what do people mean by “Islam?” If it means faith in God/Allah, the Hereafter which includes a “meeting” with Allah in an overwhelming event called Judgment Day, and acceptance of His prophets and His abiding Truth, then yes, this is indeed what the Quran endorses and tells us. But if it means joining an exclusive “club” involving other extraneous beliefs to be accepted without question,  this is not mentioned or required in the Quran. 

Thoughts on Allah and His Prophet

“Say: I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed.” (7:188)

“Say: I possess not for myself any harm or benefit except what Allah should will.” (10:49)

And do not invoke besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers.'” (10:106)

If we put these quotes together, the first two being statements that Allah the Exalted told prophet Mohammad to say, and the last being an admonition to all people, we can see that prophet Mohammad (pbuh) himself should not be invoked besides Allah in any way. But what does this mean in practical application? Of course, we should not call upon prophet Mohammad when we are praying to Allah, nor should we think within ourselves that we need to invoke him to assure that our prayers will be answered by the All-Hearing, All-Knowing. But what are the limits or guidance on this from the Quran?

The Moon-Splitting in the Quran: Sign of Resurrection or Mohammad’s Miracle?

In Surat Al-Qamar 54:1, the Quran states “The Hour has come near, and the moon has split asunder. 54:2: “And if they see a sign, they turn away and say: ‘Ongoing magic!’” The word “Hour” clearly refers to the Day of Resurrection, the word “sign” being aya which can have multiple meanings per my previous post. Some scholars, such as M.A.S. Abdul-Haleem and Sheikh Mohammed al-Ghazali, say this refers to one of the signs of the Day of Resurrection, others that it actually refers to a physical miracle given to Prophet Mohammad, or perhaps both. Here we discuss how the moon-splitting described in the Quran is clearly a sign of the approach of Judgment Day when studied in context of the surrounding verses and the significance, purpose, and meaning of ayat/“signs” in the Quran as a whole. Does this mean it cannot be Mohammad’s miracle? What is the best evidence for the truth?

Day 2: Reassess Priorities

No more predictions about what I’m going to write “tomorrow!” Surprise, the unexpected, and we are reminded that even our self-direction is subject to change——and that everything is in Allah’s hands. Reminded to say insha’ Allah. Humans love the unpredictable. Thrill rides, gambling, surprise parties, spontaneity, humor, and so much more, show how we gravitate to it, even playing with death… At the same time we also love control and security, to a fault. Irony! So we must find a balance.

Interpreting the Qur’an with the Qur’an

Tafseer, or interpretation of the Qur’an — and translation is a kind of tafseer — can make or break one’s understanding of the Qur’an. For what is understanding but how one interprets something? Misinterpretation causes misunderstanding. Which can lead to wrongful acts based on that misunderstanding. This is a common human error. But its significance is incalculable when we speak of wrong tafseer of the Qur’an, God’s message to the world…