The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 46
THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND MAHDI. THE QUESTION ABOUT g. LIFE OR DEATH OF JESUS. The second doctrinal controversy is about the death or life of. Jesus, which was primary controversy during the lifetime of Hadhrat. Ahmad. Orthodox Muslims held the view that Jesus did not die on the cross but was taken up physically to heaven where he is alive and will descend from heaven as their Messiah. As opposed to this, Hadhrat. Ahmad maintained that this view of ascension and life of Jesus was totally erroneous and had no basis in the Holy Quran which makes it absolutely clear that Jesus had died a natural death, though not on the cross. We read in the Holy Quran: "The enemies of Jesus devised their plan and Allah devised. His plan. Allah is the best of planners. Allah reassured Jesus: 'I shall cause thee to die a natural death and shall exalt thee to Myself, and shall clear thee from the calumnies of those who disbelieve, and shall place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the day of Judgment; then to Me shall be your return and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ". (3:55-56). From above it is clear that Jesus died a natural death and not an accursed death on the cross and was spiritually exalted after death like all righteous prophets. Jews charged that Jesus having died on the cross had become accursed according to their scriptures. (Deut. 21:23) It is this calumny that is refuted in this verse. . This is confirmed in another verse. "They certainly did not slay him, indeed Allah exalted him to. Himself; Allah is Mighty, Wise". (4:158-159). Arabic word "Rafa" meaning spiritual exaltation in the Holy Quran is interpreted by orthodox Muslims as ascension to heaven. This interpretation of the word "Rafa" which is placed after mentioning natural death is totally erroneous. This word has been mentioned at many places in the Holy Quran, always meaning spiritual exaltation. and nowhere as physical ascension to heaven. 46