Is there Ijma on Isa AS being Alive?

Introduction

In the realm of Islamic theology, few topics have generated as much discussion and controversy as the fate of Isa (Jesus) after his earthly mission. While many Muslims today believe in the physical ascension and future return of Isa, a closer examination of historical scholarship reveals a more complex and nuanced debate. This article aims to challenge the notion of a unanimous consensus (ijma) on Isa being alive in heaven, exploring the diverse views held by classical scholars and the evolution of this belief over time.

The narrative surrounding Isa’s fate has undergone significant changes throughout Islamic history. While some contemporary Muslims assert a unified stance on this issue, historical evidence suggests a rich tapestry of interpretations among early and classical scholars. From Ibn Abbas to Imam Malik, and from Imam Bukhari to Ibn Hazm, respected figures in Islamic scholarship have presented alternative views on Isa’s earthly conclusion.

This article will delve into the suppression of dissenting opinions, the development of a majority view, and the recent revival of the debate sparked by various movements and scholars. By examining primary sources, academic research, and the contributions of both classical and modern thinkers, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of this theological question. In doing so, we hope to encourage a more nuanced understanding of Islamic scholarship and foster open dialogue on this significant aspect of Islamic eschatology.

The concept of Isa’s natural death, though often attributed to the Ahmadiyya movement, has roots in classical Islamic scholarship. Renowned figures such as Ibn Abbas, Imam Malik, Imam Bukhari, and Ibn Hazm held views compatible with this interpretation.

Over time, Sunni Islam developed an pseudo-ijma (consensus) on Jesus’s residence in heaven.

It was the Promised Messiah, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who revived this debate in the late 19th century. He provided a vast array of Hadith and Quranic evidence supporting the concept of Isa’s natural death. This effort was continued by his followers, the Ahmadi Muslims, who have worked to recover and highlight the opinions of earlier scholars on this matter.

The Ahmadi perspective on Isa’s death should be distinguished from that of modernist scholars like Syed Ahmad Khan or Ghulam Ahmad Parwez. While modernists often reject core Islamic beliefs such as the virgin birth or the coming of any Messiah, the Ahmadiyya view aligns more closely with classical scholars in affirming these fundamental aspects of Islamic faith while differing on the specific issue of Isa’s fate.

In Sunni Islam, belief in Isa’s return is considered of utmost importance. Disbelief in his return or his mission as a Prophet is often viewed as going against the Islamic articles of faith. The coming of the Masih is seen as marking the beginning of the end times and the final victory of Islam.

Some Sunni ulema from Al-Azhar, like Mahmud Shaltut, briefly entertained the Ahmadi concept of Jesus’ death. However, this caused outrage and pushback. Shaltut’s fatwa, issued in response to an Ahmadi Muslim’s question, was disagreed with by other Al-Azhar teachers. They published counter-fatwas, with Al-Ghumari’s being particularly significant in reaffirming the belief in the physical return of a living Isa as a fundamental principle of Sunni Islam.

Promised Messiah AS: There is No Ijma on Isa (AS) being Alive

اگر یہ سوال ہو کہ اس امر پر اجماع ہوا ہے کہ ائمہ اربعہ کے مذاہب کے خلاف عمل نہ کیا جائے تو ہم اجماع کی حقیقت خوب کھول چکے ہیں … امام احمد بن حنبل جو خدا سے ڈرتے تھے اور اس کی اطاعت کرتے تھے اُن کے اس قول کو یاد کرو کہ جو اجماع کا دعویٰ کرے وہ کا ذب ہے۔ بہت سے اختلافات جزئیہ ائمہ اربعہ میں موجود ہیں اور ائمہ کے اجماع سے خارج ہیں اور اگر تم سمجھتے ہو کہ حیات عیسی” پر سند صحیح سے اور واضح بیان سے اجماع ہو چکا ہے تو یہ تمہارا اور تم جیسے دوسرے لوگوں کا افتراء ہے

‘۔ اتمام الحجة – روحانی خزائن جلد 8 صفحه 280 ترجمه از عربی عبارت )’۔ اتمام الحجة – روحانی خزائن جلد 8 صفحه 280 ترجمه از عربی عبارت )

If the question arises that there is a consensus on not acting against the religions of the four Imams, then we have explained the reality of consensus very well… Remember the saying of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, who feared God and obeyed Him, that whoever claims consensus is a liar. There are many minor differences among the four Imams, and they are outside the consensus of the Imams. And if you think that there is a consensus on the life of Jesus based on authentic narration and clear statement, then this is your fabrication and that of others like you.

Itmam-e-Hujjah Completion of the Proof – Roohani Khazain Volume 8, page 280 , Urdu Translation [Itmam-e-Hujjat p. 17-18]

“It would, therefore, be a daring invention to say that the bodily ascent of Jesus to heaven and his expected descent has been a matter of consensus.”

(Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 13, pp. 221 footnote)

We are merely told through coercion and authoritarianism that there is consensus of the entire ummah on this matter. But when we see that there is no agreement between the predecessors and successors on any single matter, why should we accept that there is indeed consensus? Well, if there is consensus on the life of the Messiah, then show one statement in which the predecessors have declared the Messiah’s life as a worldly life and accepted the necessities of worldly life for him while excluding others from it. In fact, the truth is that there seems to be consensus among all predecessors and successors that the Messiah has left this world and joined the people of another world, and his life is in accordance with their life without any addition or subtraction. Although some have ignorantly denied the death of the Messiah, they have nevertheless accepted that he has left this world like those who die and has joined the group of those who have died, becoming entirely like them. Well, any wise person should ask them that if this is not death, then what is it when someone has left the world of this life and reached another world, left the people of this world and become one of the people of the other world. If we don’t call this deceased, then what should we call it?”

Ruhani Khazain volume 3, p. 507-508

Proof that there is No Ijma on Isa AS being Alive

Ibn Hazm RH states:

They [The Ummah] differed regarding Jesus (peace be upon him), whether he will come before the Day of Judgment or not

No Ijma on Future Events in Hanafi Madhab

AL-BAHARI (d. 1119H) & AL-ANSARI (d. 1325H)

According to the Hanafiyyah there can be no Ijma’ about future events like Signs of the hour and matters of the hereafter because in matters of Ghaib (unseen) there is no role of Ijtihad. This is refutes non Ahmadis who say that there is an Ijma’ that Nuzul (descend) of Isa AS will happen in the literal physical sense.

“As for future matters like the signs of the Hour and affairs of the Hereafter, according to the Hanafis there is no consensus. This means there is no need to use it as proof, not that it is not a proof for them. How could it not be when the evidences are general? Because the unseen has no room for ijtihad (juristic reasoning) and opinion since conjecture is not sufficient for it. There must be a definitive proof indicating it. In that case, there is no need for consensus as proof. The truth is that it is valid to use it as proof for these matters as well, to support the evidences. It is possible they all heard it individually, so they reached consensus on what they heard but did not narrate it due to the existence of this agreement. Therefore, this consensus benefits us, but that definitive proof does not benefit due to the lack of its continuous mass transmission. So the truth is that future matters from reports are like religious rulings in being proven by consensus.” (This) and Allah speaks the truth and guides to the path.”

[Fawātih̩u r-Rah̩mūni, vol 2, pg. 296]

The belief of Jesus being Alive or Death was A Furui (non-fundamental) Issue

Although Promised Messiah AS and Hadhrat Musleh Maud RA said the first topic that to debate with Non-Ahmadi Muslims is on the Death of Isa(AS) however this belief is non a fundamental issue until the rise of the Promised Messiah AS

Promised Messiah AS states in Izala Auham:

اول تو یہ جاننا چاہیے کہ صبح کے نزول کا عقیدہ کوئی ایسا عقیدہ نہیں ہے جو ہماری ایمانیات کی کوئی جز یا ہمارے دین کے رکنوں میں سے کوئی رکن ہو بلکہ صد ہا پیشگوئیوں میں سے یہ ایک پیشگوئی ہے جس کو حقیقت اسلام سے کچھ بھی تعلق نہیں ۔ جس زمانہ تک یہ پیشگوئی بیان نہیں کی گئی تھی اُس زمانہ تک اسلام کچھ ناقص نہیں تھا اور جب بیان کی گئی تو اس سے اسلام کچھ کامل نہیں ہو گیا اور

First, it is important to understand that the belief in the descent of the Messiah is not a belief that is an integral part of our faith (Imaniyyat) or one of the pillars of our religion. Rather, it is one of the many prophecies, and this prophecy has no real connection to the true essence of Islam. Until the time this prophecy was not stated, Islam was not incomplete in any way, and when it was stated, it did not make Islam any more complete

[Ruhani Khazain vol. 3 p. 171]

What Promised Messiah AS means here is that it is not in the 5 pillars of Islam nor the six articles of faith. However he also states that rejection of the Nazul of Masih makes an individual a Mulhid as they are rejecting Mutawatir Ahadith.

Promised Messiah AS states:

میں نہیں چاہتا کہ چند الفاظ طوطے کی طرح بیعت کے وقت رٹ لیے جاویں اس سے کچھ فائدہ نہیں ۔ تزکیہ نفس کا علم حاصل کرو کہ ضرورت اسی کی ہے۔ ہماری یہ غرض ہرگز نہیں کہ مسیح کی وفات ، حیات پر جھگڑے اور مباحثہ کرتے پھرو۔ یہ ایک ادنی سی بات ہے اسی پر بس نہیں ہے۔ یہ تو ایک غلطی تھی جس کی ہم نے اصلاح کر دی لیکن ہمارا کام اور ہماری غرض ابھی اس سے بہت دور ہے اور وہ یہ ہے کہ تم اپنے اندر ایک تبدیلی پیدا کرو اور بالکل ایک نئے انسان بن جاؤ اس لیے ہر ایک کو تم میں سے ضروری ہے کہ وہ اس راز کو سمجھے اور ایسی تبدیلی کرے کہ وہ کہہ سکے کہ میں اور ہوں۔ میں پھر کہتا ہوں کہ یقیناً یقیناً جب تک ایک مدت تک ہماری صحبت میں رہ کر کوئی یہ نہ سمجھے کہ میں اور ہو گیا ہوں اسے فائدہ نہیں پہنچتا۔

I do not want that a few words are merely recited like a parrot at the time of initiation (bai’at). That is of no benefit. Acquire the knowledge of self-purification, as that is the real need. Our purpose is never for you to go around quarrelling and debating about the death or life of the Messiah. That is a minor issue, and it is not everything. That was merely a mistake which we have rectified, but our work and aim is still far beyond that. It is for you to bring about a transformation within yourselves and become entirely new persons. Therefore, it is essential for each one of you to understand this secret and undergo such a transformation that you can say, “I have become someone else.” I repeat, undoubtedly, undoubtedly, unless one stays in our company for some time and understands that “I have become someone else,” he does not derive any benefit.

[Malfuzat V. p. 478 (2022 Urdu Edition), Al-Hakam July 28, 1902 p. 5-16]

Prior to the advent of the Promised Messiah AS the life and Death of the Promised Messiah AS was indeed a furui issue but after his advent it indeed became an usuli Issue as he also states his purpose was to “kill a prophet” which can be seen below.

Proof from Sunnis that Death of Jesus was originally Furui and there was No Ijma

Ahmad Raza Khan states:

“Qadiani was a denier of hundreds of essential aspects of religion, and his followers raise the debate about the life and death of our master Jesus, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon our noble Prophet and upon him). This is a secondary (Furui) issue that is itself a matter of disagreement among Muslims, the affirmation or denial of which is not even considered misguidance, let alone disbelief.

(4) At present, the issue of the life and death of Jesus (peace be upon him) has been a matter of disagreement since ancient times, but there is no dispute about his return in the end times and his killing of the accursed Dajjal. This is undoubtedly the unanimous belief of Ahl al-Sunnah. So what benefit did the death of Jesus give to Qadiani, and how could a Mughal child become Jesus, the Messenger of Allah, born without a father, the son of Mary? Qadianis present this disagreement, but do they have any proof that before this Punjabi’s innovation in religion, Muslims believed that Jesus himself would not descend, but someone similar to him would be born, and this was called the descent of Jesus, and he was called the son of Mary? And when this is against the belief of common Muslims, then the verse…”

Fatawa Ridhawiyyah Vol 15. p. 613-615

Ahmadi Muslims Believe in the Nuzul of the Messiah

As for the descent itself, it is true and we do not argue with them about it, nor do we reject it. Rather, we believe in it as they believe, and we are not deniers. We have nothing but submission in this matter.

Whoever denies it has disbelieved in what has come in the traditions and the Book, and they are among the Mulhideen[Atheists]. However, we interpret this descent in a way that is safe from contradictions and free from objections.

It is the manifestational descent, which has been God’s way since the time of the ancients. Our denial is only of the personal descent of Christ from the heavens, for it contradicts God’s ways and the clear signs of the verses.

Indeed, the Quran has made it obligatory for us to believe in the death of Christ and to consider him among the dead.

Therefore, the belief in Christ’s life [on earth] is contrary to the tradition of Allah and the clear verses of the Quran.”

“And his return to the mortal world necessitates denial of the Quran and its clear, decisive verses. None would speak such words except those whose hearts are veiled, who are like the concealed ones and among those who turn away.

The life of Christ and his return to the world necessitates denial of the Quran and its decisive verses. Therefore, only those will speak such words whose hearts are veiled, who are like the concealed ones and among those who turn away.

Should we abandon [the truth] for weak assumptions?”

Ruhani Khazain Volume 11, p. 148-149

Pseudo-Ijma on Death of Isa

The first thing you should debate with Non Ahmadi Muslims is the Death of Isa (AS)

“Remember that the determination of truth and falsehood between us and our opponents hinges on the life and death of Isa (as). If Isa (as) is truly alive, all our claims are false, and our evidence is futile. However, if he has indeed died according to the Quran, then our opponents are in error. Now, place the Quran between us and contemplate it.”

(Ruhani Khazain Vol 17 Tufa Golarviya P.264

And the matter under discussion will be the death or life of Jesus. Because this humble one’s claim is based on this very foundation. When the foundation breaks, this claim will automatically fall apart. This is the core issue.”

“Sir, you know well that the main issue in this debate is the death or life of Jesus, son of Mary, and this is also established as the core matter in my revelation. Because the revelation states that “the true son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah, has died, and in accordance with the promise, one has come in his likeness.”

This is the primary and fundamental matter that has been established in the revelation – that Jesus, son of Mary, has died. Now, it’s obvious and any intelligent person can understand that if you prove Jesus to be alive, then just as the first part of the revelation will be invalidated, so will the second part. This is because Allah the Almighty has stated that the condition for the validity of my claim is the death of Jesus.

And according to the principle ‘When the condition fails, the conditional fails,’ with the proof of Jesus’s life, my second claim will automatically be nullified.”

[Maktubat-e-Ahmad vol 1. p. 231-232]

“You already know this and in your view, it’s a trivial matter that Jesus has died, and you have achieved victory using this point. Actually, my existence is for two things, First to KILL ONE PROPHET, and second is to kill Shaytan”

Malfuzat 10 p. 51

Musleh Maud RA states:

“Never leave your spot. Don’t believe that if they don’t believe in this, then they will believe in this way. In this manner they have not lost, you have because you could not prove your point and left it. There are many people who say that Non-Ahmadis get irritated by the topic of Death of Isa, let’s leave this topic of Death of Isa and make them accept some other topic. This is wrong. First make them accept the Death of Isa, then present ahead. Present in Sequence.

Anwar-ul-Uloom