The Descent of Jesus: A Comparative Analysis of the Views of the Ahl al-Sunnah and Javed Ahmad Ghamdi

Abstract

This study investigates the contrasting views on the ascension and descent of Jesus between Ahl al-Sunnah and Javed Ahmad Ghamidi. Sunni scholars interpret the Qur’an as explicitly affirming Jesus’s ascension and supporting his future descent near the Day of Judgment, which they consider a core belief substantiated by numerous strong narrations from prominent companions, 21 of which are included in this paper. Rejecting this belief, according to Sunni thought, constitutes misguidance. Conversely, Javed Ahmad Ghamidi posits that Jesus was taken to the heavens after his natural death and argues there is no Qur'anic evidence of his return. Ghamidi further highlights inconsistencies within Ḥadīth literature regarding Jesus’s descent, diverging from traditional Sunni interpretations. This analysis reveals the theological divide, with Ghamidi’s views challenging mainstream Islamic positions on this eschatological subject. Furthermore, it reveals the contradiction in Ghamidi’s methodology in signs of Qiayamah.