Pathway to Paradise — Page 21
PATHWAY TO P ARADISE 21 continue to do so till the end of time. Ahmadis interpret “Seal of Prophets” as a mark of distinction which implies great perfection of prophethood. They believe that prophethood will continue, but that there will never be any new law - bearing prophet after the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Any prophet coming after him must be his follower and, therefore, come from the fold of Islam. This is what the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) himself prophesied, when he fo retold the coming of Isa ibn Maryam from among his followers to rejuvenate Islam in the latter days. Ahmadis believe that this prophecy has been fulfilled in the coming of the Promised Messiah. Non - Ahmadi Muslims also believe this prophecy, but still await its fulfillment. 2. Jesus Christ’s Ascension to Heaven The differences between Ahmadi Muslims and non - Ahmadi Muslims regarding Jesus (peace be on him) are quite significant. Many non - Ahmadis believe that Jesus was never put on the cross and that his place was taken by someone who resembled him. According to th em, Jesus was physically lifted up into the heavens where he waits for his return to earth as the second advent. Ahmadis believe that Jesus was put on the cross, but did not die on it. He was unconscious when taken down from the cross, having been nailed to it for only a few hours. He was nursed back to health by his close companions, and then traveled east to Kashmi r, a northern province of India. There, he fulfilled his actual mission which was to preach to the lost tribes of Israel. He died a natural death at a considerable old age and his tomb can be