Hadith Text and Context

"How will you be when the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you and your imam is among you." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3449)

This noble hadith from the Book of Prophets in Sahih al-Bukhari addresses the eschatological return of Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him, during the final era before the Day of Judgment.

Scholarly Commentary

The descent of Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) is established through mutawātir (mass-transmitted) narrations, forming an essential article of Islamic creed. His return signifies divine completion of his earthly mission, not as a new prophet, but as a follower of Muhammad ﷺ.

"Your imam is among you" indicates Jesus will pray behind the Mahdī, the righteous leader of Muslims at that time. This demonstrates Islamic jurisprudence remains operative, with Jesus submitting to the established leadership and praying according to Muhammadan law.

The rhetorical question "How will you be?" invites self-reflection on spiritual preparedness. It emphasizes that even with Jesus' physical presence, the Ummah's unity under legitimate leadership remains paramount.

Legal and Theological Implications

Jesus will rule by Sharīʿah, not Gospel, confirming the abrogation of previous laws. He will break crosses, kill swine, and abolish jizyah - accepting only Islam - fulfilling his role as a just ruler in the final era.

This hadith refutes Christian claims of Jesus' divinity and Jewish assertions of his crucifixion, while affirming Muslim belief in his miraculous return and eventual natural death after establishing truth.