Question:

Assalamualikum,

I have a question. When Jesus (AS) returns and we as Muslims follow him. Would that make us amongst the followers of Jesus (AS) or would we still be considered as followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

So as Muslims, should we follow Jesus (AS) on his return even though he came with his own religion (Christianity)?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Hazrat Isa (AS)’s reappearance in this world will not be as a Nabi but rather as an Ummati of Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه و سلّم). Hence, when Isa Alaihissalam will follow Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, anyone following Isa Alaihissalam will in essence be following Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.

For example, when the President of one country visits another country, he does not become the President of the country he visits. Rather he must follow the rules of the country that he visits. Similarly when Isa Alaihissalam will return in the era of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, he will follow the Shariah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

(Mufti) Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman