The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 47
THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND MAHDI. The Arabic word for natural death used in the first quoted verse of the Holy Quran (3:56), is 'Mutawaffi' which is derived from 'Tawaffa'. When God is the subject and a human being the object, 'Tawaffa' has no other meaning than that of taking away of the soul in death. All Arabic lexicographers are agreed on this point and not a single instance from the whole Arabic literature can be cited of this word having been used in any other sense. Prominent scholars and commentators like Ibne Abbas, Imam Malik, Imam Bukhari, Imam. Ibn Hazm, Imam Ibne Qayyam and others are agreed that this word. means natural death. The word 'Tawaffa' has been used twenty-three times in the Holy Quran meaning taking away of the soul at death. . Only in two places the meaning is to take away the soul at the time of sleep but here the qualifying word 'sleep' or 'night' has been added. (6:61 & 39:43). It is also important to point out that according to the Holy. Quran, the dead never return to life in this world. It is an absolute law. of God. . The Quran clearly rejects the idea that ascension to heaven with a physical body is possible. The opponents of the Holy Prophet demanded from him that he should bodily ascend to heaven and bring down a book which they may read. Indicating the impossibility of meeting such a demand, the Holy Prophet was commanded in the. Holy Quran to reply: "Holy is my Lord. I am but a human being sent as a. Messenger". (17:99). Physical survival of Jesus in heaven is refuted by the Holy Quran in the verse: "Muhammad is but a Messenger; of a surety all Messengers before him passed away. If then he should die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels"? (3:145). This clearly states that all Messengers before the Holy. Prophet had died which includes Jesus. When the Holy Prophet. Muhammad, peace be on him, died, some of his companions were so overwhelmed with grief that they maintained that the Holy Prophet had not actually died and would be soon revived. At this historic 47