The Comparative Exegesis of the 159th Verse of Surah an-Nisā’ and Its Relation to the Return of Prophet Jesus (PBUH)

In some narrations about the Age of Reappearance of Imām Mahdi (MAHHR), there has been a mention of the return of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and his assistance to Imām Mahdi (MAHHR). In this regard, a question is raised on whether the Noble Qur’an has also mentioned a word about this subject or not. One of the Qur’anic verses referring to the return of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) is the 159th verse of Surah an-Nisā’ saying “There is none among the People of the Book but will surely believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.” In this article, we deal with the analytical survey of the Sunni and Shi’ite exegeses about this holy verse. Of course, there are some disagreements between the Shi’ite and Sunni commentators on the interpretation of this verse which basically refer to their perception of the pronoun “hā” in “Mawtehi”. Some Sunni commentators regard People of the Book as the reference for the pronoun “hā” and maintain that everyone among the People of the Book will believe in Prophet Jesus (PBUH) before his death. However, Shi’ite commentators think that the reference for the above pronoun is Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and hold that this verse refers to his return in the Age of the Reappearance of Imām Mahdi (MAHHR) and the clarification of truth to the People of the Book. By the critical review of the arguments and evidences of both groups, it is concluded that the reference for the pronoun “hā” is Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and the interpretation of this verse indicates the People of the Book will believe after the reappearance of Imām Mahdi (MAHHR) and before the death of Jesus Christ.