Jesus' (as) Glad Tidings of the Islamic Messiah: An Analysis of Surah Saff
Introduction It is common knowledge among the Islamic world that the Holy Prophet (SAW) gave glad tidings of a Messiah and Mahdi that would revive the Islamic faith in the latter ages, long after the essence of the true teachings were lost to time and people would have regressed and become ignorant. The Holy Prophet (SAW) foretold that this person, the Mahdi, would restore peace and justice to the world. However, Jesus (as) also foretold the advent of this person, according to the Holy Quran. In this article, an analysis of Surah As-Saff is presented, a chapter which describes the prophecy in question alongside the circumstances and repercussions of the Mahdi's appearance. The Surah's name, 'As-Saff', literally means 'the ranks'. This is in reference to the fifth verse of the Surah, where Allah Almighty expresses his approval of those believers that fight in his cause in organised ranks (more on this later). A brief introduction to Surah As-Saff is as follows:...