Isa alayhis salam
Question
Assalamu alaykum,
Was Isa alayhis salam sent only to bani Israel or was his message for everyone? It seems like the immediate followers of Isa alayhis salam traveled outside of Palestine and preached to the mushrikeen and that the followers of the followers of Isa alayhis salam did similarly. There’s also our belief that Isa alayhis salam will return at the end of the world and rule under the sharia of Habibullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Is it possible that Isa alayhis salam was meant to teach tawhid and ihsan to the mushrikeen and was not restricted to teaching bani Israel?
Jazakhallahu khayr.
Answer
Wa‘alaykum as-salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
‘Isā, peace be upon him, was indeed sent primarily to the Children of Isrā‘īl (Banī Isrā‘īl) during his earthly life, as emphasized in the Quran through several verses:
- Allāh quotes him saying: “And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Tawrāh and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allāh and obey me.” (Sūrah Āl-‘Imrān, 3:50)
- Allāh also records: “And [mention] when Īsā, the son of Maryam, said, ‘O Children of Isrā‘īl, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Tawrāh and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.'” (Sūrah aṣ-Ṣaff, 61:6)
While ‘Īsā (Jesus), peace be upon him, was initially sent to the Children of Isrā‘īl, his message holds universal significance. Thus, his followers spread his teachings to others too, which explains why there were people from the Ahl Kitāb amongst the Arabs and others prior to the time of the Prophet Muḥammad (ṣallAllāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
Regarding his return, we believe that ‘Īsā, peace be upon him, will return near the end of times. His return is described in prophetic traditions (Ḥadīth) as a just ruler who will uphold the teachings of Prophet Muḥammad (ṣallAllāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and establish justice and equity on earth.
In summary, while ‘Īsā, peace be upon him, was primarily sent to the Children of Isrā‘īl, his message of monotheism (Tawḥīd) and excellence (Iḥsān) holds universal relevance. His followers, including those who came after him, disseminated this message beyond the people of Isrā‘īl, spreading the call to monotheism to others. His future return will reaffirm the teachings of Islam and usher in a period of justice under the guidance of the final Prophet, Muḥammad (ṣallAllāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.