Death of Jesus (peace be on him)

Akin to the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him), his death has been highly controversial. However, the Holy Qur’an removes any confusion or misconception in this regard. It states: “…they slew him not, nor crucified him, but he was made to appear to them like one crucified” (4:158). Another interesting piece of evidence is the prophecy of Jesus himself as recorded in Matthew 12:39-40 and Luke 11:29-30. It states: “There shall be no sign given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophet. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Now it is an admitted fact that Jonah entered alive into the whale’s belly and also came out alive. Jesus tells us that he shall be in the heart of the earth in the same manner as Jonah entered alive into the whale’s belly. In other words, he would enter alive into the heart of the earth and come out alive. No other interpretation can establish a similarity between the two. In citing his resemblance with the prophet Jonah, Jesus foretold his own end, indicating that he would not die on the cross but would, like Jonah, be only in a state of unconsciousness. Additionally, The Old Testament says that “a person who dies on the cross is accursed of God”. His death on the cross would thus confirm him as a false prophet.

Islam not only refutes the notion of such a humiliating death for Jesus (peace be upon him), it gives clear proofs indicating his migration as stated in the Qur’an: “And We made the son of Mary and his mother a Sign, and gave them refuge on an elevated land of green valleys and springs of running water.” (23:51). The following quotes from the Holy Bible also confirm that Jesus (peace be on him) did not abandon his mission to preach to the lost tribe of Israelites.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd” (John 10:16).

“And he said unto them, l must preach the Kingdom of’ God to other cities also; For therefore l am sent” (Luke 4:43).

“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel”

(Matthew 15:24).

Ten out of twelve tribes of Israel had scattered in the eastern countries extending from Palestine to India during his lifetime. Jesus would not have fulfilled his mission, had he not preached to the lost sheep of Israel. There is adequate historical evidence that Jesus Christ, after his escape from the cross, migrated to the East in search of the lost sheep. He found them in Persia, Afghanistan and Kashmir, and disseminated his message. Prophet Jesus (peace be on him) died a natural death at the age of 120 years and was buried in Srinagar, Kashmir.