Among the greatest and most awaited major signs of Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment) is the descent of Prophet Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام, the noble messenger of Allah who was raised to the heavens and will one day return to bring justice, truth, and peace to the world.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islam
In Islam, Prophet Isa عليه السلام (Jesus, peace be upon him) is one of the greatest messengers of Allah. He was born miraculously to Maryam (Mary) without a father, spoke in his cradle, and performed miracles by Allah’s permission, giving life to the dead, curing the blind, and healing the leper.
The Qur’an confirms his miraculous birth and his mission:
“(The angels said) O Maryam! Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Isa, the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the Hereafter.”
(Qur’an 3:45)
He was not the son of God, as some claim, but a prophet and servant of Allah. The Qur’an clearly denies his crucifixion, stating that Allah raised him up instead:
“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them… Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself.”
(Qur’an 4:157–158)
Where Is Prophet Isa Now?
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Isa عليه السلام is alive in the heavens, not dead. Allah protected him from the plots of his enemies and raised him up until his destined return.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O Isa! Indeed, I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve.”
(Qur’an 3:55)
His return will mark a pivotal moment in human history – a divine sign that Qiyamah is near.
When Will Prophet Isa Return in Islam?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foretold that Isa عليه السلام will return after the appearance of the false messiah – Dajjal (Antichrist). His descent will occur during a time of great turmoil, when Dajjal will be spreading corruption and claiming to be a god.
“By Him in Whose Hand is my life, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just ruler.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3448; Sahih Muslim, 155)
This confirms that Prophet Isa’s return will happen before the Day of Judgment and after Dajjal’s emergence.
Where Will Prophet Isa Descend?
The Prophet ﷺ described precisely where Prophet Isa will descend:
“He will descend near the white minaret in the east of Damascus (Syria), wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2937)
This minaret is part of the Umayyad Mosque (Masjid al-Umawiyyah) in Damascus – making it one of the most significant mosques in Islamic eschatology.
The Defeat of Dajjal – The False Messiah
After descending, Prophet Isa عليه السلام will join the believers led by Imam Mahdi. Together, they will face Dajjal. As soon as Dajjal sees Prophet Isa, he will begin to melt like salt in water.
Prophet Isa will then kill Dajjal at a place called Ludd Gate (near Tel Aviv, Palestine).
“Then the son of Mary will kill Dajjal at the gate of Ludd.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2937)
The Peaceful Reign of Prophet Isa عليه السلام
After Dajjal’s defeat, Prophet Isa will rule with justice and peace. He will abolish tyranny, break the cross (symbolizing the end of false beliefs), kill the swine (ending what was made unlawful), and eliminate the Jizyah tax, as all people will accept Islam.
“He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the Jizyah. Wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept charity.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2222; Sahih Muslim, 155)
Under his rule, peace, harmony, and justice will fill the world. There will be no war, and faith in Allah will be universal.
How Long Will Prophet Isa Stay on Earth?
Prophet Isa عليه السلام will live on earth for forty years after his descent. During this time, he will marry, have children, and continue spreading justice and truth.
“Then he will live for forty years, and then he will die, and the Muslims will pray over him.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, 4324)
Where Will Prophet Isa Be Buried?
It is reported that after his death, Prophet Isa عليه السلام will be buried beside Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Madinah, in the chamber that now holds the graves of the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr, and Umar (رضي الله عنهما).
The Prophet ﷺ once said:
“There is still a place left for Isa (son of Mary).”
(Al-Tirmidhi, 3617 – Hasan)
Prophet Isa’s Return in the Qur’an
Though the Qur’an does not explicitly name the “second coming,” several verses clearly imply it:
- Qur’an 3:55 – Allah promises to raise Isa and purify him from disbelief.
- Qur’an 4:157–158 – Denies his crucifixion and states Allah raised him.
- Qur’an 43:61 – “And indeed, he (Isa) will be a sign for the Hour, so be not in doubt about it.”
This verse confirms that the return of Prophet Isa عليه السلام is one of the signs of the Hour (Qiyamah).
Thus, the Qur’an says Jesus will come back to judge and establish justice before the final resurrection.
What Will Happen When Prophet Isa عليه السلام Returns?
When Prophet Isa عليه السلام returns:
- He will descend in Damascus at the Umayyad Mosque.
- Join Imam Mahdi in prayer — refusing to lead as a sign of respect for the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ.
- Kill Dajjal at Ludd.
- Establish peace and universal justice.
- Live for 40 years, marry, and die a natural death.
- Be buried in Madinah.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prophet Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام in Islam
Q1. Which mosque will Isa descend on?
Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will descend near the eastern minaret of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria, wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron and resting his hands on the wings of two angels.
Reference: Sahih Muslim (2937)
Q2. Where will Jesus kill Dajjal?
Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will pursue the false messiah, Al-Masih ad-Dajjal, and finally kill him at Bab Ludd (the Gate of Ludd) — a location near present-day Lod, close to Tel Aviv in Palestine.
Reference: Sahih Muslim (2937)
How long will Prophet Isa stay on earth?
After his descent, Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will live for 40 years, ruling with justice, spreading peace, and reviving the true message of Islam.
Reference: Abu Dawood (4324)
Who will Prophet Isa marry?
It is narrated that Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will marry and have children, though authentic Hadiths do not specify the name of his wife. His life after return will be marked by normal human experiences — marriage, family, and eventually, natural death.
Where will Prophet Isa be buried?
According to some reports, Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will be buried beside Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Madinah, though this is not a definitive Hadith and remains among scholarly opinions.
Reference: Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah
Where is Prophet Isa now?
Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) was not crucified or killed, but raised alive to the heavens by Allah ﷻ, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:158)
He remains in the heavens and will return at the time appointed by Allah.
When will Prophet Isa return in Islam?
Prophet Isa’s return will occur after the appearance of Imam Mahdi and during the time of Dajjal. His descent marks one of the 10 major signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day).
Reference: Sahih Muslim (2937), Ibn Majah (4077)
What will Prophet Isa do when he returns?
When Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) returns, he will:
• Defeat and kill Dajjal.
• Rule the world with justice under Islamic law.
• Break the cross, kill the swine, and end false beliefs.
• Unite humanity under one true faith — Islam.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari (3448), Sahih Muslim (155)
Is the return of Jesus mentioned in the Quran?
Yes, the Qur’an mentions the return of Prophet Isa (عليه السلام):
“And indeed, he (Jesus) will be a sign for the Hour.”
(Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:61)
This verse is a clear indication that the second coming of Jesus will be among the signs of Qiyamah.
Does the Quran say Jesus will come back to judge?
The Qur’an and Hadith together affirm that Jesus (عليه السلام) will return to establish justice, judge according to the Shariah of Muhammad ﷺ, and restore true monotheism.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari (2222), Sahih Muslim (155)
Will Prophet Isa come before Dajjal?
No, Dajjal will appear first, spreading corruption and deception across the earth. Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) will descend afterward to destroy him and bring peace.
Where will Prophet Isa descend according to?
As confirmed by authentic Hadiths and scholarly consensus, Prophet Isa will descend near the white minaret of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.
What will happen when Prophet Isa comes?
When Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) returns, peace and justice will prevail. Wars will cease, truth will triumph, and people will live in prosperity and harmony. Eventually, he will pass away naturally, and after him, corruption will gradually return, leading closer to the final moments of Qiyamah.
Is Prophet Isa mentioned in other Quranic verses?
Yes, the Qur’an mentions Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) in many places, as a Messenger, the son of Maryam, the Word of Allah, and a sign for mankind.
Notable verses include:
• Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:45–55)
• Surah An-Nisa (4:157–158)
• Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:61)
The Wisdom Behind His Return
Why will Prophet Isa, out of all prophets, return? Because it was he whom people falsely worshipped. His second coming will clear his name, end false beliefs, and confirm the finality of Islam.
His mission will complete the divine circle from the first creation (Adam) to the last messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) and his presence will mark the beginning of the end times.
The return of Prophet Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام is a divine truth, a major sign of Qiyamah, foretold in the Qur’an and Hadith. His descent will be the dawn of justice and peace after an era of chaos and deceit.
In his life, we learn mercy.
In his return, we await truth.
And in his story, we find the promise that no matter how strong falsehood seems, truth will always prevail by Allah’s will.
