Palestine, the Antichrist, and the Return of Jesus: An Islamic Guide to the End of Times

The world watches as events unfold in Palestine, a land central to the prophecies of the three Abrahamic faiths. For Muslims, these events are not just geopolitical; they are deeply intertwined with the eschatology of Islam, the teachings about the end of times. When will Jesus return? What is the significance of Jerusalem? And who is the prophesied Antichrist?

To shed light on these profound questions, OnePath Network sat down with Islamic teacher and speaker, Ustadh Wahaj Tarin. This post breaks down his detailed explanation of the signs, figures, and events that will shape the final chapter of human history according to Islamic tradition, while also exploring the perspectives of Judaism and Christianity.

Disclaimer: The following discussion includes interpretations of religious texts and prophecies. While based on scholarly views, some details are matters of interpretation and should be approached with an open and respectful mind.

Understanding Key Figures in the Islamic End of Times

Before diving into the prophecies, it’s crucial to understand the three central figures who will appear towards the end of times: the Messiah, the Antichrist, and the Mahdi.

The Messiah (Isa ibn Maryam)

The word “Messiah” (Masih) literally means “the anointed one.” In ancient traditions, anointing a person with oil signified their appointment to a sacred office, like that of a king or a prophet. In Islam, the true Messiah is unequivocally Jesus, the son of Mary (Isa ibn Maryam).

The Quran confirms his identity: “Verily the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary…” He is the awaited Messiah who came once and, as established in authentic narrations (hadith), will return again before the Day of Judgment.

The Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal)

The term for the Antichrist in Arabic is Al-Masih ad-Dajjal. The word Dajjal denotes deception and falsehood, making him “the false messiah.” He represents the greatest trial to ever befall humanity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“There is no trial or tribulation to come upon mankind from the time of Adam till the Day of Judgment greater than the calamity of the Dajjal.”

The Mahdi (The Rightly Guided One)

The Mahdi is “the rightly guided one,” a just leader from the progeny of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who is promised to appear towards the end of times. According to an authentic hadith, even if only one day remained before the world’s end, Allah would extend that day until the Mahdi emerges. His name will be Muhammad ibn Abdullah, and he will fill the earth with justice as it was once filled with injustice.

A Comparative Look: Eschatology in Abrahamic Faiths

All three Abrahamic faiths await a messianic figure, but their beliefs about his identity and purpose differ significantly. Understanding these differences provides crucial context for current world events.

The Messiah in Judaism

For our Jewish cousins, the Messiah has not yet arrived. They rejected Jesus’s prophethood and are still awaiting the first coming of their messiah. A core belief is that his arrival is delayed because the people are not yet ready to receive him. To prepare, they believe they must:

Return to their faith.
Rebuild the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem.

They believe their messiah will not just rule over a biblical Israel (from the Euphrates to the Nile) but will reign over the entire world.

The Messiah in Christianity

Evangelical Christians also await the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Their prophecy shares a key prerequisite with the Jewish belief: the rebuilding of the Temple. They believe that after the Temple is built, the Antichrist will enter it, declare himself a god, and call people to worship him. In this moment of great tribulation, believers will pray for salvation, and Jesus will return to defeat the Antichrist.

This shared goal creates a “marriage of convenience” where Christian evangelicals strongly support the Zionist state, believing that the construction of the Temple by Jewish people will pave the way for the return of their Messiah.

The Major Signs: Islamic Prophecies Unveiled

Unlike the often vague prophecies in other traditions, Islamic prophecies about the end of times are remarkably detailed, leaving little room for ambiguity.

The Return of Prophet Jesus (Isa)

Muslims believe that Prophet Jesus (Isa) will return, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave specific details of his descent:

“Jesus, the son of Mary, will descend covered in two beige garments, his hands on the wings of two angels, near the white minaret on the eastern side of Damascus.”

At the time this was said, there was no minaret in Damascus. Today, a white minaret stands at the Umayyad Mosque, exactly as prophesied.

Upon his return, Jesus will not bring a new law, as the religion of Islam was perfected with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Instead, he will follow the final shariah (Islamic law) and rule as a just leader.

The Arrival of the Antichrist (Dajjal) and His Features

The Dajjal is the ultimate deception, and the Prophet (ﷺ) provided clear signs to identify him:

His Eyes: One eye will be blotted out or covered (like plaster), and the other will be flawed, described as resembling a dried-out grape.
The Word “Kafir”: The word Kafir (disbeliever) will be written on his forehead. This will be visible only to a true believer, whether they are literate or not, through the light of their faith (Iman).
His Power: He will possess immense, world-shaking powers to challenge the faith of every person on Earth.
His Time on Earth: His first day will be as long as a year, the second like a month, the third like a week, and the rest will be normal days. During this time, he will traverse the entire planet.

The Final Confrontation in Jerusalem

The Dajjal will attempt to enter Madinah, but angels will guard the city and push him away. He will then head towards Jerusalem, where the Mahdi and the Muslims will be encamped. Surrounded and facing certain defeat, the time for prayer will arrive. As the Imam (the Mahdi) steps forward to lead, a darkness will fall. When it lifts, Jesus (Isa) will be among them.

After leading the prayer, Jesus will command the gates to be opened. His very presence will be a weapon; any disbeliever who catches his scent will perish. He will pursue the Dajjal and defeat him at the Gate of Ludd (Bab al-Ludd) in Palestine, ending his reign of terror.

The Great Prophecy: Jerusalem’s Rise and Madinah’s Ruin

A profound hadith connects the fate of two of Islam’s holiest cities to the coming of the great wars.

The Prophetic Link Between the Temple and Madinah

Ustadh Wahaj Tarin highlights a critical hadith regarding the building of the Temple:

“The flourishing of Jerusalem will culminate in the destruction of Madinah, and the ruin of Madinah will spell out the start of the great wars (Armageddon).” (Hadith classified as Hasan/Sahih by scholars)

This prophecy suggests a chilling sequence: the successful rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (which would require the destruction of Masjid al-Aqsa and the suppression of all resistance) will empower its builders to expand their territory. This expansion will lead to attacks on Muslim cities, with the final city to be harmed being Madinah.

Another hadith describes Madinah being abandoned while in its most beautiful state, with its infrastructure intact. This suggests the city will become uninhabitable due to a non-physical threat, such as chemical or biological warfare, forcing its residents to flee.

What is the “Greater Israel” Agenda?

The ambition to rebuild the Temple is linked to the political agenda of a “Greater Israel.” This is not a state confined by the 1948 or 1967 borders. Proponents envision a territory stretching from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq. This expansionist goal, seen on maps displayed by Israeli politicians and on the badges of soldiers, is the driving force behind the continued conflict and a necessary step toward their envisioned global reign.

Your Spiritual Toolkit: How to Prepare for the End of Times

While these events may seem overwhelming and out of our control, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave us a clear and powerful toolkit for protection and preparation.

The Power of Surah Al-Kahf

The primary spiritual defence against the trial of the Dajjal is Surah Al-Kahf, the 18th chapter of the Quran. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised reciting it, especially on Fridays. However, mere recitation is not enough; the goal is to reflect upon its lessons and embody its virtues.

Lessons from the People of the Cave

Surah Al-Kahf tells the story of young men who held firm to their faith in a toxic, oppressive society. Their story offers a blueprint for survival:

Embody True Character (Futuwwa): The youth were described with the term Futuwwa, signifying nobility, courage, decency, and a commitment to helping the weak. We must strive to embody these characteristics.
Strengthen Your Faith (Iman): They were believers who stood firm. We must work constantly to deepen our belief in Allah. As the Quran says about them, “We increased them in guidance.” This increase comes through struggle and practice.
Cultivate Courage: Allah “tightened their hearts,” instilling in them the courage to stand for truth when it was most difficult. This is a quality we must develop in ourselves and our children.
Find Your Community: The youth found strength in each other. As trials intensify, it is essential to connect with righteous, supportive people who can serve as a spiritual fortress in times of need.

Faith in the Face of Turmoil

The prophecies surrounding the Islamic end of times are not meant to inspire fear, but to provide clarity and a call to action. They remind us that history is unfolding according to a divine plan and that our role is not to be passive observers, but active participants in faith.

By understanding these signs, strengthening our connection to Allah through the Quran, and building resilient communities, we can prepare our hearts for whatever lies ahead. Our strength, courage, and resilience in these trying times will only come from Alls.