The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 306
CH. 23 AL-MU'MINŪN also established that the Afghans and the Kashmiris are descendants of the lost ten tribes of Israel and that in fulfilment of the prophecies of the Prophets of yore, Jesus had to search for these tribes to reclaim them, there remains no manner of doubt about the fact that he did come to Afghanistan and Kashmir. But the greatest and best proof of his having come to Kashmir and of having lived and died there is the presence of his tomb in Khanyar street, Srinagar, Kashmir. There is a tomb in this street which is called Rauzabal and is variously known as the tomb of Yūz Āsaf, of Nabi Ṣāḥib, of Shāhzādah Nabī and even of 'Īsā Ṣāḥib. According to well- established historical accounts this Yüz Asaf came to Kashmir more than 1900 years ago and preached in parables and used many of the same parables as Jesus did. In certain books of history he is described as a Nabī (Prophet). Moreover, Yüz Asaf is a Biblical name meaning "Yasu', the gatherer," which is one of the descriptive names of Jesus as his mission was to gather the lost tribes of Israel into the Master's fold as he himself says: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd" (John 10:16). The following historical quotations shed some light on this subject: The tomb next to that of Sayyid Nașīrud-Din is generally known as that of a Prophet who was sent to the inhabitants of Kashmir, and the place is known as the shrine of a Prophet. He was a Prince who came to PT. 18 Kashmir from a foreign land. He was perfect in piety, righteousness and devotion; he was made a Prophet by God and was engaged in preaching to the Kashmiris. His name was Yūz Āsaf and he was a descendant of Moses (Tarikh Ā‘ṇamī pp. 82-85). . . Yüz Āsaf wandered about in several lands till he reached a country called Kashmir. He travelled in it far and wide and lived and stayed there till death overtook him (Ikmālud-Din. . . pp. 358-359). Kashmir legend, I have been told, contains reference to a Prophet who lived here and taught as Jesus did by parables little stories that are repeated in Kashmir to the present day (John Noel's article in Asia, Oct. 1930). The flight of Jesus, therefore to India and his death in Srinagar is not foreign to the truth rationally or historically (Tafsīrul-Manār, vol. 6). The following facts clearly emerge from the above quotations and historical references: 1. The tomb in Khanyar street in Srinagar is variously described as that of Nabi Ṣāḥib, ‘Īsā Ṣāḥib, Shāhzādah Nabi and that of Yūz Āsaf. 2. This Yüz Asaf was a Prophet of the People of the Book, being a spiritual descendant of Moses. 3. He came to Kashmir from a far- off land. 4. He was called a Prince (Jesus was also known as Prince of Peace). 5. He talked in proverbs and parables (so did Jesus). 2220 6. He was not a follower of Islam as no prophet, according to Muslim belief, had appeared after the Holy Prophet.