Is there a consensus (Ijma’) that Isa (AS) is Alive?

Introduction

Some ignorant non-Ahmadi Muslims claim there is a consensus that Isa (AS) is alive. They argue that since Ahmadi Muslims reject this supposed consensus, Ahmadis are Kafir (implying their blood may be shed and they are destined for eternal hellfire).

In this article, we will demonstrate not only that no such consensus (Ijma’) exists, but that the majority of early Muslims actually support the Ahmadi Muslim understanding of the Holy Quran.

Explanation

Tafsir Tabari, written by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari RH (d. 310AH) is one of the earliest and most notable Tafasir of the Holy Quran amongst the ‘Sunni’ Muslims. In the tafsir of the Quran 3:55, he writes that there is disagreement amongst the Muslims about what happened to Isa (AS). He then goes on to list 4 views of the early Muslims regarding Isa (AS). 3/4 of these views translate Tawaffa (توفى) as ‘taking of the soul’ unlike how the ignorant non-Ahmadi Muslims would do.

View #1: Tawaffa = Death

And others said: The meaning is: I will take you with the taking of death.

View #2: Tawaffa = Sleep

Some said: “It is the taking of sleep,” and the meaning according to them was: “I am causing you to sleep and raising you during your sleep.”

View #3: Tawaffa = Death (in the End Times)

And others said: The meaning is: When Allah said, “O Jesus, I am raising you to Me and purifying you from those who disbelieve, and I will cause you to die after I send you back down to the world.” They said: This is from what is presented earlier but meant to be later, and what is presented later but meant to be earlier.

View #4: Tawaffa = Taking of the Body

Others said: The meaning is: “I am taking you from the earth and raising you to Me.” They said: The meaning of “taking” is seizing, as in the saying, “I took from so-and-so what was owed to me,” meaning: I seized it and collected it in full. They said: The meaning of His saying “I will take you and raise you” is: I am seizing you from the earth alive to My presence, and taking you to what is with Me without death, and raising you from among the polytheists and those who disbelieve in you.

Conclusion

There are multiple lessons from this. Firstly, there is no Ijma’ (consensus) that Isa (AS) is alive, as even the early Muslims (Salaf) differed on this topic.

Secondly, there is no Kufr (disbelief) in believing that Isa (AS) has passed away.

Thirdly, 3/4 of the interpretations translate ‘Tawaffa’ as ‘taking of the soul’ and NOT the body.

Fourthly, 2/4 of the interpretations translate ‘Tawaffa’ as ‘death’.

Finally, Ahmadi Muslims have not invented a new interpretation regarding the death/ascension of Isa (AS).