The True Story of Jesus — Page 82
as 82 Afghanistan near the border of Iran. This is evident from a brief account of a community of people who claim to be the followers of Jesus as and are found even today, in and around Herat. In the book called Among the Dervishes, it is stated: ‘The followers of Isa, son of Maryam—Jesus, son of Mary, generally call themselves Moslems and inhabit a num- ber of villages scattered throughout the western area of Afghanistan whose centre is Herat. They believe in the doctrine that Jesus was the ‘son of God’ because he had attained that rank through his goodness and sacrifice. According to these people, Jesus escaped from the cross, was hidden by friends, was helped to flee to India. . . and set- tled in Kashmir where he is revered as an ancient teacher, Yuz Asaf. It is from this period of the supposed life of Jesus that these people claim to have got their message. 1 It appears that after leaving Nisibain, Jesus as assumed the name of Yuz Asaf as he was sometimes known by this name in the coun- tries he subsequently visited. Yuz is derived from Yusu meaning Jesus, and Asaf means the gatherer or collector. Thus, Yuz Asaf means Jesus, the Gatherer of the Lost Sheep of Israel. 1. Among the Dervishes, by O. M. Burke, published by Octagon Press Ltd. London, p. 107–109.