Question
As'Salamu'Alaykum. Is there an approximate hijri year that the Sunni Ulema with esoteric knowledge have predicted that Isa (Alayhi'Salam) will arrive again onto planet earth? As it is 1437 [hijri] now, is the arrival very soon or 100's of years away?
Answer
Wa alaykumussalam
Imam Ahmad Rida predicted that in 1837 AH there will be no Islamic government in the world and in 1900 AH Imam Mahdi will appear. As it is currently 1437 AH, this means according to this prediction, Imam Mahdi will appear in approximately 463 years. Sayyiduna Isa (alayhis salam) will descend after the arrival of Imam Mahdi.
This prediction was derived by the Imam using calculations based on Ilm e Jafar; however, it is only a prediction. Only Allah knows the true date of qiyamah and the arrival of Sayyiduna Isa (alayhis salam), and through the bestowal of Allah, His Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam) knows.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad Kalim
8 Ramadan 1437