The Prophet (ﷺ) said: There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus (ﷺ). He will descent (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish jizyah. Allah will perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him.
Hadith Commentary: The Descent of Jesus (ﷺ)
This noble hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud (4324) in the Book of Battles (Kitab Al-Malahim) contains profound eschatological teachings regarding the descent of Jesus son of Mary at the end of time. The scholars explain that this establishes the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) prophethood while affirming Jesus' special role in the latter days.
Physical Description & Identification
The detailed physical description serves as divine authentication. His medium stature and reddish-white complexion distinguish him from false claimants. The two light yellow garments indicate simplicity and purity. The miraculous appearance of water droplets falling from his head—though it remains dry—manifests as a sign of his prophethood and spiritual purity, reminiscent of his miraculous birth without father.
Mission & Religious Reforms
Jesus will descend as a follower of Muhammad (ﷺ) and judge by Islamic law. Breaking the cross signifies abolishing false Christian doctrines about crucifixion and divinity. Killing swine represents eliminating impurities and unlawful practices. Abolishing jizyah occurs because Islam will become universally accepted, making the protection tax unnecessary when all embrace the truth.
Eschatological Significance
His destruction of the Antichrist (Dajjal) represents the ultimate victory of truth over falsehood. The forty-year reign establishes global justice under Islamic governance. His natural death and Muslim funeral prayers confirm his human nature and submission to Islamic rites, refuting Christian claims of his divinity and completing his earthly mission as a servant of Allah.