Unveiling Overlooked Symbols: How Eschatological Signs in Hadith Align With Historical Events in the Light of the Bible and the Quran (Ch 2 Part Ii)

The Dajjāl Circumambulating Behind Prophet Jesus (PBUH) – the Pursuit of Global Supremacy During the Cold War (1946–1991)

In a dream, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw Prophet Jesus (PBUH) performing the Ṭawāf of the Kaʿbah while the Dajjāl followed behind him.⁴⁰

In this dream, the Kaʿbah represents the centre of global power, just as in Islamic tradition it is known as the House of God. Just as Muslims perform Ṭawāf of the Kaʿbah to seek God’s favour, in this dream, circling this symbolic centre of power signifies the pursuit of global dominance.

The symbolic interpretation of this Hadith refers to the global power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Prophet Jesus (PBUH) represents the United States, which held global leadership, while the Dajjāl symbolises the Soviet Union, which always tried to surpass the United States but failed. The Ṭawāf of the Kaʿbah symbolises the global influence of the United States and the Soviet Union, where the United States maintained its supremacy.

Prophet Jesus (PBUH) performing Ṭawāf with the support of two men on his shoulders symbolises the alignment and decisive political backing of the United States’ key allies during the Cold War, namely Britain and West Germany, under strategic aims.

Jesus (PBUH), Gog and Magog, and Subsequent Events in the Hadith

As noted earlier in this article, the Hadith presents the downfall of the Soviet Union before that of Nazi Germany, since the rise of the Soviet Union historically preceded the emergence of the Nazis. This ordering reflects a narrative style often found in parallel accounts, where events are arranged thematically rather than strictly chronologically. For further clarification and interpretive notes, see the section “Questions about the Interpretation” in the chapter on Gog and Magog.

The details concerning Gog and Magog are explored extensively in a dedicated chapter; here, the focus is on their sequence within the broader context of the Hadith. What follows is a chronological outline of these events as they unfold in history.

God Sending Gog and Magog – Sudden Expansion by Nazi Germany (1939–1942)

A detailed discussion of Gog and Magog and their broader role has already been presented in the previous chapter. Here, only the specific aspect of their sudden unleashing — symbolised by Nazi Germany’s rapid conquests between 1939 and 1942 — is highlighted.

The Encirclement of Mount Ṭ ūr by Gog and Magog – Resistance Through Allied Cooperation During the Second World War (1942–1945)

The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and his companions will find themselves besieged by Gog and Magog at Mount Ṭūr, and no one will have the strength to confront them. The situation will become so severe that the price of a bull’s head will exceed one hundred dinars. In this moment of great hardship, Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and his companions will supplicate to Allah for deliverance.⁴¹

The siege: The siege imposed by Gog and Magog symbolically reflects Nazi Germany’s unprecedented territorial expansion during the Second World War, particularly by 1942, when the Axis dominated most of continental Europe—from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic coast deep into Eastern Europe—occupying or controlling France, the Low Countries, much of the Balkans, Greece, and large parts of the Soviet Union, while simultaneously threatening North Africa through the Mediterranean theatre. Although Germany never achieved total global encirclement, this vast dominance created the perception of an overwhelming and inescapable siege, forcing the Allied powers into defensive positions and compelling close cooperation for survival, much like the seemingly unstoppable advance of Gog and Magog described in the Hadith.

Mount Ṭūr: Historically, Mount Ṭūr symbolises the place of covenant, as Prophet Moses (PBUH) took a covenant from the Israelites at Mount Ṭūr.⁴² It represents global treaties and strategies under which the Allied forces struggled against tyrannical powers during the Second World War. Numerous agreements and strategies were reached, such as: • the Casablanca Conference (January 1943) • the Quebec Agreement (August 1943) • the Tehran Conference (November-December 1943) • the Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944) • the Yalta Conference (February 1945)

Price of a bull’s head: The Hadith’s statement that “the price of a bull’s head will exceed one hundred dinars”⁴³ primarily signifies the collapse of the currency’s purchasing power and the onset of extreme hyperinflation, in which the currency loses its value and prices become detached from intrinsic value. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a bull’s head was considered a low-value byproduct, making its exorbitant price a deliberate symbol of severe economic distortion. A similar depiction appears in the Book of Revelation, where commodity prices rise to the point that it becomes difficult for an ordinary person to obtain basic food.⁴⁴ This imagery is explicitly linked to Greece through the earlier metaphor of Gog and Magog drinking the waters of Lake Tiberias, which was presented as a symbolic representation of Greece being drained of its resources under Nazi occupation. After this, Greece experienced precisely the condition described in the Hadith: by 1942, its currency had become nearly worthless, hyperinflation had spiralled out of control, and even basic goods had become unattainable, thereby vividly illustrating the monetary collapse and inflationary chaos conveyed by the prophetic symbol.

Supplication to Allah: Supplication to Allah refers to the United States leadership’s supplication to God for success. For example, on the eve of D-Day (June 1944), President Roosevelt addressed the nation on the radio and earnestly prayed for the success and safety of the Allied forces. Some excerpts from this prayer are as follows:⁴⁵

“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilisation, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith…They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken with the violences of war…With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies…Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.”

The Death of Gog and Magog – Unconditional Surrender of Germany (May 1945)

The broader details of Gog and Magog’s destruction are discussed in the dedicated chapter of this article. Here, the focus is on their symbolic “death” in history, reflected in Germany’s unconditional surrender in May 1945, which brought Nazi expansion and aggression to a definitive end.

Cleansing of the Earth after Gog and Magog – A New Global Landscape after the War (1945–1949)

It is stated in the Hadith that the Messenger of Allah, Jesus (PBUH), and his companions will descend upon the earth, and they will not find even a handspan of land that is not filled with the filth and stench of the corpses of Gog and Magog. Then Jesus (PBUH) and his companions will pray to Allah, and Allah will send birds whose necks are like the necks of two-humped camels, and they will carry away these corpses and dispose of them as Allah wills. Then Allah will send a rain that neither mud houses nor camel-hair tents can withstand, and it will wash the earth until it becomes as clean as a mirror.⁴⁶

The stench: Here, the fact that Jesus (PBUH) and his companions, upon descending to earth, do not find even a handspan of land free from corpses, symbolises the widespread destruction and devastation in Europe as a result of the Second World War. Entire cities were reduced to rubble, millions perished, and the whole continent was filled with destruction, corpses, and afflicted populations.

Supplication to Allah: Supplication to Allah after the Second World War is a plea for Allah’s help for peace, brotherhood, and the reconstruction of the world—for example, the President of the United States, after winning the war, said:⁴⁷

“… Now, therefore, I, — designate August 19, 1945, as a Day of Prayer. I appeal to people of all faiths in the United States to unite in giving thanks to God for the victory we have achieved, and to pray that He may guide and support us on the paths of peace…”

Birds with camel necks: Two-humped camels were renowned among the Arabs for their majestic appearance and extraordinary endurance, distinguished by their strong necks and thick hair. The birds mentioned in the Hadith, whose necks were like those of two-humped camels and who carried away the corpses, symbolise the collective and large-scale, organised efforts to clear the wreckage of war. efforts made after the war. They indicate that historical phase when the debris of war was cleared, humanitarian efforts were undertaken, and through the trials of war crimes, an example was set under international law against oppression and brutality. The eradication of Nazi ideology and bringing war criminals to justice were also part of this large-scale “cleansing.”

Cleansing rain: The subsequent rain symbolises the global transformations that washed away the devastation and ideologies of the Second World War and laid the foundation for a new world order—where Nazism, fascism, and colonial domination were systematically eliminated. Through the United States’ Marshall Plan, devastated Europe received economic and industrial aid, while institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank were established to find peaceful solutions to political and economic problems and to ensure global stability. The reference to camel-hair tents—renowned among the Arabs for their durability in the desert, particularly in withstanding rain—and mud houses, common in their permanent settlements, being washed away, underscores the extraordinary extent of the transformations brought about after World War II, which reshaped the world and are symbolised by the earth cleansed as if polished like a mirror.

Abundance of Wealth and Resources – The Post-War Era (1945–1973)

The Hadith mentions that the earth will become so blessed that fruits, livestock, and other resources will be sufficient for large groups, tribes, and families.⁴⁸⁴⁹

This scenario resembles the post-Second World War era, known as the Golden Age of Capitalism (1945–1973). During this period, there was unprecedented economic growth worldwide, including industrial development, technological innovation, increased global trade, and improvements in living standards. The Western world and many countries in Asia greatly benefited from this era of prosperity.⁵⁰

In contrast, regions that followed communist policies experienced delays in prosperity and were only able to develop after adopting free-market economic strategies. This era of material abundance is presented as a sign of a blessed time, characterised by wealth and abundant opportunities.

One Prostration Better than the World and All it Contains – The Challenges of Post-War Liberalism (Particularly During the 1960s)

It is stated in the Hadith that a single prostration will be more valuable than all the wealth and riches of the world.⁵¹

This points to the reality that the worth of worship increases all the more in times when worldly wealth and comforts tempt human beings to forget their Lord.

This condition was vividly reflected in the post–World War II era of liberalism, particularly during the 1960s, when Western societies experienced unprecedented material prosperity. Yet alongside this wealth came rapid cultural and moral shifts: the rise of individualism, the sexual revolution, challenges to traditional family structures, and the decline of religious authority.

Thus, while the world appeared to be overflowing with abundance and luxury, beneath the surface it was beset by moral and spiritual crisis. In this context, the Hadith’s message becomes clear: turning to God in worship is of greater value than all the riches and prosperity of the world.

Other Events Concerning Jesus (PBUH) in the Hadith

The following provides details of all the remaining events that are to occur after the descent of Jesus (PBUH).

Killing the Swine – the End of Japanese Imperialism by the United States (1942–1945)

It is mentioned in the Hadith that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will kill the swine.⁵²

As described in the context of the sign of the beast of the land, animals in future prophecies represent empires, and in this context, the swine symbolises the imperialist attitude and strategy of Japan. The symbol of “killing the swine” is equivalent to the defeat of the Japanese imperial empire, in which the United States played a decisive role. There are three main reasons to portray Japanese imperialism in the form of a swine:

• Japan’s Duplicity: Japan claimed to liberate Asia under the slogan “Asia for Asians,” but its own imperial policies were extremely exploitative. This contradiction reflects the nature of the pig, which outwardly appears to be of the sheep and goat family, but also eats meat.

• Greed and Hunger for Resources: Behind Japan’s imperial expansion was its intense need for resources to meet its industrial and military requirements. The exploitation of raw materials and human resources from conquered territories was part of its strategy, symbolising the severe hunger of the swine.

• Naval and Territorial Expansion: Japan seized numerous islands and regions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This represents wars in marshy, hot, and humid areas, which resemble the natural habitat of the swine.

“Killing the swine” symbolises the act when the United States ended Japan’s imperial ambitions, halted its conquests, and transformed it into a modern, non-expansionist nation.

The Descent as a Ruler — Emerging as a Global Power after the War (1945 Onward)

The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will descend as a just ruler.⁵³

This Hadith is often explained with emphasis on the attribute of “justice,” yet the essential and decisive point is that authority will rest directly in the hands of Jesus (PBUH), not with Muslims or any other group. The reason is that the concept of “justice” shifts with differing interests and perspectives.

The symbolic illustration of this rulership can be seen in America’s role in shaping the world order after the war:

• Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944) – creation of the IMF and World Bank. • Founding of the United Nations (October 1945). • Marshall Plan (1948) for European reconstruction. • NATO (1949) – institutionalising U.S.-led security.

These measures were concrete manifestations of governance and authority over the world — reflecting the very condition described in the Hadith regarding the rulership of Jesus (PBUH).

Breaking the Cross – the Decline of Church Authority Through Secularism (1945 Onward)

The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will break the cross.⁵⁴

The “breaking of the cross” symbolises the secular transformations that unfolded after the Second World War, particularly under U.S. influence in Christian-majority countries.

By the 1950s–1970s, church authority over politics had declined sharply across Western Europe, giving way to secular governance. Britain legalised abortion and divorce, despite church opposition; Italy upheld divorce in a 1974 referendum against Vatican pressure; and Spain, after Franco’s death, enshrined religious freedom in its 1978 constitution. France reinforced secular education, while West Germany pursued progressive reforms independent of church influence.

The United States played a key role in accelerating these changes. Through the Marshall Plan (1948) and its wider leadership of the post-war order, the U.S. strengthened secular democratic governments over religious institutions. Its cultural influence — from universities to media — spread liberal values and individualism that weakened traditional church authority. Moreover, America’s own model of church–state separation served as a reference for allies. In this way, U.S. political, economic, and cultural power reinforced the shift toward secular governance across the Christian world. Together, these transformations marked a decisive break from religious control of public life and fundamentally altered the systems of governance in these nations.

Today, Christian-majority countries — especially in the Western world — operate under secular governments where the church plays no significant political role, reflecting the symbolic “breaking of the cross.”

Ending Jizya – The Principle of Equality in Nation-States (1945 Onward)

The Hadith states that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will abolish the jizya.⁵⁵

Abolishing jizya symbolises establishing a system where all citizens enjoy equal rights. After the Second World War (1945), the United States established a new global order based on the principles of equality and self-determination, reflected in the formation of nation-states. This philosophy was formally adopted through frameworks such as the United Nations Charter (June 1945), which emphasised equality and sovereignty. In Muslim-majority countries as well, this philosophy indirectly contributed to the abolition of jizya, as Muslim governments also became inclined to promote equality beyond religious distinctions.

Events after Dajjāl in the Hadith

Unlike the detailed descriptions of the Dajjāl, the age of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) is not specified in Ṣahīh al-Bukhārī or Ṣahīh Muslim. However, several Hadith describe the period following the death of the Dajjāl—which, in this article, corresponds to December 1991, marking the end of the Soviet Union.

Seven Years Without Rancour — The Unchallenged Supremacy of the United States (1991–1998)

The Hadith⁵⁶ speaks of seven years without rancour following the death of the Dajjāl—a fitting parallel to 1991–1998, the years after the Soviet Union’s collapse, when the United States stood unchallenged at the height of its unipolar dominance, unmatched in military power and ideological influence.

Yet by 1998, cracks had begun to appear. The Russian financial crisis brought Yevgeny Primakov to power, championing a multipolar order. Under Zhu Rongji, China launched major economic reforms after the Asian Financial Crisis, setting the stage for its rise. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda’s 1998 declaration of jihad signalled the dawn of a new, asymmetric challenge to Western supremacy.

The calm ended as new poles of power and resistance emerged, marking the close of America’s uncontested era and the beginning of a more turbulent world.

The Breezes of Syria and Yemen Seizing the Souls of Believers — The Shift from Ideological Statecraft to Strategic Survivalism after Western Globalisation and China’s Rise (1998–Present)

According to the Hadith, seven years after the slaying of Dajjāl, Allah will send a cold breeze from Syria.⁵⁷ Another Hadith foretells of a breeze from Yemen, soft as silk.⁵⁸ These winds will draw out the souls of all who possess even a grain of faith or goodness, seizing their souls and leaving only the wicked upon the earth.⁵⁹

The death of Dajjāl—that is, the dissolution of the Soviet Union—occurred in December 1991, and the subsequent seven-year period connects to the end of the 1990s. This Hadith is interpreted as follows:

• The Cool Breeze of Syria – Western-led Globalisation. It symbolises the influence of the Western Christian world, just as, during the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Syria was under the control of the Byzantine Christian Empire. Just as cool breezes were considered a sign of comfort and relief in the scorching deserts of Arabia, in the modern era, consumerism and material progress of the Western world—through globalisation and the internet—have extended their influence to every region of the world.

• The Wind from Yemen, Softer than Silk – Cheap Goods from China. Yemen was historically a major commercial hub and a gateway for goods from across the world. China today plays a similar role on a global scale, becoming the primary source of affordable manufactured goods and an anchor of global supply chains. Its economic rise has reshaped material consumption patterns worldwide, echoing the Hadith’s description of a soft, abundant breeze.

Within this interpretive model, the “breezes” signal a civilisational shift: the end of an era shaped by ideological confrontation and the rise of one defined by strategic survivalism and competing spheres of influence. After 1998, Western-led globalisation and China’s commercial expansion—symbolised by the breezes of Syria and Yemen—produced an ideological vacuum. States remained intact, but the ideological spirit that once animated world powers faded. For example, the British Empire’s civilising claims, America’s language of freedom and democracy, and the Soviet promise of socialist equality no longer guide global conduct. Modern states increasingly act from narrow self-interest rather than ideology. This emerged in two key ways:

• China’s rise, coupled with Western economic weakening. Outsourcing drained the West’s productive capacity, shifting manufacturing and industrial strength to China. Meanwhile, China’s cheap goods kept Western inflation low, masking the depth of this internal erosion. The result is a world in which the West is weakened but not collapsing, and China is ascendant yet still unable to project ideological or civilisational leadership. In this equilibrium, globalisation has bound all major powers into the same interdependent system—one that moves, but no longer generates transformative energy.

• Effects of the internet. The attention economy fragmented national narratives and allowed ideologies such as climate activism, identity politics, and other transnational movements to spread rapidly across borders. These ideologies now circulate globally but lack a central home or state sponsor, creating widespread ideological energy without concentrated political authority.

These trends have pushed the world into a stage that can be described as a “global ideological death.” Unlike the twentieth century, no new ideology—such as liberalism, communism, or fascism—is emerging that could pull states out of this confinement.

Thus, the Hadith’s warning concerns not the collapse of nations but the collapse of the ideals that once animated them. The world continues to move, yet without direction or transformative purpose. Ideologies persist among populations, but states themselves now operate according to shifting interests rather than enduring moral missions.

Light as Birds with Desires of Beasts and Worshipping Idols — Fickle Policies, Imperial Ambition, and Nationalism

A Hadith describes that after the cold wind from Syria seizes the souls of believers, only the wicked will remain—“as light as birds and with the desires of wild beasts.” They will neither recognise good nor reject evil. Then Satan will appear, commanding them to worship idols; in this state of moral blindness, they will enjoy material comfort and prosperity—until the Trumpet is blown.⁶⁰

The symbols in the Hadith can be explained as follows.

• Light as Birds – Fickle Policies. Just as birds drift with the wind, nations have become unanchored and fickle, changing course with every shift in advantage. This “lightness” is evident in the rapid reversal of policies and alliances, in which long-term commitments vanish at the first sign of cost—for example, the erratic shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.

• Dreams of Beasts – Imperial Ambitions. In the Hadith, “beasts” symbolise those powers that establish dominance over others and devour their resources. Modern powers “dream like beasts” when they seek control over the lands and resources of others. The Trump administration’s proposals—such as purchasing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, or even suggesting Canada as the 51st U.S. state—reflect this imperial instinct: the desire to expand, possess, and dominate.

• Neither Recognise Good nor Reject Evil – Moral Confusion and Ethical Relativism. In earlier eras, U.S. foreign policy—however imperfect—claimed a moral foundation in defending democracy and human rights. In the modern era, especially under the Trump administration, this moral compass has eroded; policies now shift according to political gain rather than principle. Allies are praised or punished not for their values but for their usefulness. This erosion of moral clarity reflects the Hadith’s warning — an age when nations no longer distinguish between right and wrong, even at the most superficial level.

• Appearance of Satan – Symbolism of a Narcissistic Leader. Satan, by nature, is narcissistic, refusing to bow to Prophet Adam (PBUH) out of pride and self-adoration. This Hadith thus alludes to the rise of a leader who embodies the same arrogance, one who will brazenly glorify himself.

• Command to Worship Idols — Promotion of Nationalism. Since the discussion here concerns nations and empires, “idol worship” does not refer to the adoration of a stone image, but rather to the worship of a self-fashioned ideal — the image of a perfect, powerful, and pure nation. When a nation begins to regard itself as sacred, its own interests become the highest virtue. Moral or universal principles become secondary before them. The Book of Revelation⁶¹ speaks of people who are asked to worship “the image of the beast that rises from the sea.” That image symbolised the Roman Empire — a nation that worshipped its own power and glory. The same spirit appears in modern times when leaders call people to put their nation above everything else. For example, in his 2017 speech to the United Nations, Donald Trump spoke of nationalism as if it were the key to every nation’s salvation.⁶²

The Hadith concludes that after these events, the Day of Judgement will come.

Committing Adultery Like Donkeys — States Driven by Short-Term Interests in the Modern World

Another Hadith describes a wind that seizes believers from beneath their armpits, taking their souls until only the wicked remain—those who “commit adultery like donkeys.” Upon them, the Hour will be established.⁶³

Just as some Hadith mention a pleasant breeze as soft as silk, this Hadith likewise describes the souls being lifted from under the armpits—much like how adults gently lift small children by holding them under the arms. Once the souls with belief are lifted away, those who remain are the ones who have fallen to an animalistic level, represented by the imagery of donkeys engaging in sexual activity without restraint.

Unlike the ferocious beasts of the Book of Daniel⁶⁴ that symbolised predatory ancient empires, the donkey is a domesticated, grass-eating animal whose shortcomings lie in stubbornness, loud braying, and ill temper rather than devouring other creatures. For the Arabs, it was a beast of burden — a creature that lived within a system and pulled the loads assigned to it, unlike humans or predators that roamed freely, such as lions or leopards. Its strength is real, but its dignity is low. A donkey acts out of necessity rather than principle; it may kick, bray, or misbehave, but always within narrow limits. Likewise, the mating of donkeys was regarded as impulsive and devoid of loyalty or foresight — a scene driven purely by appetite. The Arabs also recognised that animal mating is often opportunistic, dominated by instinct, and marked by unequal or one-sided advantage rather than any moral or reciprocal bond.

In the twenty-first century, states resemble burden-bearing animals far more than the ancient predatory empires once symbolised by leopards and other beasts of prey—and they bear even less resemblance to the ideological powers of the twentieth century, represented symbolically in the figures of the Dajjāl and Prophet Jesus (PBUH) as the Soviet Union and the United States. Today’s nations operate within dense global systems—supply chains, financial markets, trade agreements, technological dependencies, and security structures. Their power is real, yet devoid of civilisational vision; their centre of gravity is not ideology but mere survival, protection, and the pursuit of short-term advantage.

Within this global system, these states impose sanctions, abruptly shift alliances, stage diplomatic theatrics, run propaganda campaigns, or launch attacks only to retreat again—yet despite all this, they do not possess the strength to break free from the very system that sustains their existence. Their mutual relationships resemble the mating habits of donkeys: driven by opportunism, momentary gain, and constantly shifting interests. Each state seeks to extract benefit from another, even if that benefit is taken forcefully and lasts only a short while. They display neither lasting loyalty nor any commitment rooted in moral principle.

Thus, in the world of the twenty-first century, neither roaring predators remain nor any bearers of great ideological banners. In their place stand stubborn, burden-bearing states, all trapped within the same net. Their mutual relations are disjointed, temporary, and purely interest-based, and they live in captivity to the very global structures that sustain their survival. The Hadith warns that it is upon such people that the Final Hour will be established.

Questions about the Interpretation

Soviet Union Roles in the Second World War and the Cold War

During the Second World War, the Soviet Union was aligned with the Allied forces and opposed Nazi Germany (symbolised as Gog and Magog in Hadith). However, in the post-war era, particularly during the Cold War, the Soviet Union, as a communist power, continued its antagonistic stance toward religious belief and moral values, promoting atheistic communism and rivalling the United States in global influence, performing the role of the Dajjāl, which may appear contradictory to its earlier anti-fascist position.

The events described in the Hadith illustrate how a single entity can play different symbolic roles depending on the historical context. A similar duality is found in scriptural history. The Babylonian Empire, for example, is depicted in the Book of Daniel as a tyrannical and idolatrous power that desecrated the Temple of Solomon.⁶⁵ Yet in the Qur’an (Sūrah Bani Isra’il), the same Babylonians are described as “My servants” when sent by God as an instrument of punishment against the Israelites.⁶⁶ This Qur’anic statement does not endorse the beliefs of Babylonians but shows that even oppressive powers can serve a divine purpose in specific contexts—just as the Soviet Union, embodying Dajjāl-like attributes, was part of the Allied forces during the Second World War.

These examples suggest that symbolic figures and empires must be understood within their historical and theological contexts and not reduced to fixed or static roles.

Moral Issues During the Second World War and the Cold War

The general roles of various states have been identified in the events of future prophecies mentioned in Hadith, but the moral approval of every action of the characters described therein is not guaranteed.

For example, despite the United States’ anti-fascist and anti-communist efforts, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, indiscriminate bombing in Korea, and war crimes in Vietnam are historical facts, in which ordinary citizens were also targeted. From a religious perspective, these actions cannot be justified morally. The Hadith does not indicate their moral correctness or approval.

The United States’ Own Interests

Did the United States do all this merely for its interests, or did it consciously play the role of a messiah? This article suggests that historical events are not only the result of human intentions; they become part of divine destiny and align with the signs of the Day of Judgment. Although the United States’ intervention in the Second World War and the Cold War served its geographical and economic interests, its actions unintentionally became a means of fulfilling a larger, prophesied global narrative.

Jewish and Christian Concepts of the Coming of the Messiah

The Hadiths recorded in Sahih al-Bukhārī and Sahih Muslim concerning the descent of Jesus (PBUH) are completely distinct from the concepts held by Jews and Christians, and they point to an entirely different reality. To understand this difference, a few key points related to Jewish and Christian prophecies are presented below:

• Jewish Prophecies: The Israelite prophets foretold that after the destruction of the First Temple, the Jews would return to Jerusalem, the Temple would be rebuilt, northern nations would desecrate this Temple, and eventually, God would grant the Jews victory over these nations. In continuation of these prophecies, glad tidings were given of the appearance of a “Messiah” — meaning an anointed and chosen prophet sent by God.

• Historical Fulfilment: These prophecies were fulfilled in history: the Second Temple was rebuilt in 516 BCE, and during the Hellenistic period, especially under the Seleucid Greeks, there was interference in Jerusalem and the desecration of the Temple in 167 BCE. The Jews then achieved an extraordinary victory over these forces, remembered in history as the Maccabean Revolt. Not long after this period, Jesus (PBUH) was sent as a prophet and designated the Messiah. Unlike earlier messianic figures in Jewish history, who were anointed or recognised within established Jewish religious institutions, Prophet Jesus (PBUH) was anointed by God through the Angel Gabriel (PBUH), rather than through institutional or ritual endorsement.⁶⁷

• Corruption in the Concept of the Messiah: Over time, most Jews moved away from understanding these prophecies in their historical context. Instead, they combined different prophecies and began to portray the Messiah not as a chosen messenger of God, but as a global conqueror and king. This altered concept was based on their own assumptions and religious interpretations rather than on a correct understanding derived from divine revelation.

It is also noteworthy that after the ascension of Jesus (PBUH), the Jews were deposed from leadership of the world. Jesus (PBUH) himself declared this clearly during his mission,⁶⁸ and the Qur’an also confirms this reality.⁶⁹

On the other hand, Christians believe that Jesus (PBUH) will return and that his followers will rule the world for a thousand years. This concept, like that of the Jews, is the result of combining various prophecies. To clarify this, some key points about Christian prophecies are presented below:

• The Return of the Messiah: The mention of the return of Jesus (PBUH) in the Gospels is actually a symbolic statement of the divine punishment that befell the Jews between 66 and 70 CE for their rejection of the Messiah. This culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the desecration of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Jesus (PBUH) explained this punishment by saying that these events would occur before the current generation of his rejecters had passed. His prophecy that not one stone of the Temple would be left upon another fully aligns with historical facts.⁷⁰

• The Thousand-Year Reign: In the Book of Revelation, revealed to Jesus (PBUH), the authority to rule the world with an iron sceptre is given to a figure described as “Faithful” and “True.”⁷¹ These titles clearly point to the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was through his followers (peace be upon them) that the divine mission advanced, leading to the downfall of powers symbolised in the Book of Revelation: the Beast of the Sea (interpreted as the Roman Empire), the Beast of the Earth (associated with the Church), and the Scarlet Beast (identified with the Persian Empire). These victories established the foundation for a global Muslim rule. The Muslim caliphate — spanning from the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs to the Ottoman Empire — exercised global influence for nearly a thousand years, in precise fulfilment of the prophecy recorded in the Book of Revelation.⁷² In the seventeenth century, the “Age of Discovery” of European nations came to an end, and European colonial powers — referred to in Revelation as Gog and Magog —⁷³ began their campaigns to dominate the Muslim world and other regions. This colonial onslaught led to the decline of Muslim rule.

• The Return of Jesus (PBUH) and the “Man of Lawlessness”: The most explicit reference to the return of Jesus (PBUH) in the New Testament appears in connection with the emergence of the “man of lawlessness” — a figure that closely resembles the Islamic concept of the Dajjāl. This striking parallel resembles the Hadith narrative, in which Jesus (PBUH) returns to confront and defeat the Dajjāl.⁷⁴ This concept is symbolically interpreted in this article as representing the Soviet Union and highlighting the key role of the United States during the Cold War.

• The Return of Jesus (PBUH) and the Resurrection of the Dead: Several passages in the New Testament link the return of Jesus (PBUH) with the resurrection of the dead, during which he is presented as a witness.⁷⁵ This concept is fully aligned with the account given in the Qur’an, specifically in Sūrah al-Mā’idah, where Jesus (PBUH) is described as bearing witness before his followers on the Day of Judgement.⁷⁶

In summary, the Jewish and Christian concepts of the coming of the Messiah stand in clear contrast to the teachings of the Qur’an, the Hadith, and even the true spirit of their own scriptures. These views are largely the result of combining multiple prophecies, interpreting them through theological speculation, and removing them from their original historical context. In reality, the prophecies upon which these concepts are built have already found their fulfilment in the course of history.

This teaches us that, rather than engaging in speculative assumptions about future prophecies, we should seek to understand past events with an open mind and thoughtful reflection. And when the signs of a prophecy’s fulfilment begin to appear, we should thank Allah Almighty — not only for granting us the opportunity to witness these signs, but also for blessing us with the insight to recognise them in the light of the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).