On the Coming of Imam Mehdi and the Return of Hadhrat `Isaa (pbuh) I was wondering what the arguments were according to the Qur'an or Hadith concerning the return of Hazrat Isa and the Imam Mahdi . I was wondering what the arguments were against this theory? Reply The main argument regarding the return of Imam Mehdi and Hazrat Isa (pbuh) is that their return is mentioned in the Hadith (narratives ascribed to the Prophet) literature. There is, however, no such indication in the Quran . There are a few Ahadith in Bukhari and Muslim , which foretell the advent of Imam Mehdi and Hazrat Isa (pbuh) a little before the end of the world. That is the only argument in favor of this concept. As far as its opposition is concerned, there are a couple of arguments, which are presented against this idea. The main argument against the advent of Imam Mehdi is that none of the Ahadith , which informs about his coming have reached us through reliable sources. There is, however, no mention of his return in the Qur'an and therefore, the advent of Imam Mehdi cannot be termed as a part of the Islamic faith or considered as an element of the Islamic beliefs. As far as belief in the Second Advent of the Christ is concerned, some questions need to be thoroughly answered before such belief could be established. Firstly, why does the Mu'ata by Imam Malik -- a book of Ahadith , which was compiled before Bukhari and Muslim -- does not contain any such hadith . Secondly, why does the Qur'an not mention that it is necessary to believe in the second advent of Hazrat Isa (pbuh). In fact, the Qur'an has not even mentioned anything to imply the second advent of Hazrat Isa (pbuh) at all. Lastly, had there been anything like the return of Hazrat Isa (pbuh), there were numerous occasions in the Qur'an, which would have been suitable for its mention. For example the passages which are in denial of Hazrat Isa`s (pbuh) crucifixion and the ones in which a dialogue, which shall take place between Allah and Hazrat Isa (pbuh) in the hereafter is quoted. It is actually quite interesting that the Qur'an has summarized the whole life of the Christ, some events that took place after his death and some of the events that will take place regarding the Christ in the hereafter at two separate instances and yet there is no reference to any Second Advent in either of these verses. I hope these arguments answer your question. Please get back if any part of it remains unclear. Amar Ellahi Lone