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What role does Jesus play in Islamic end-time traditions?

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Fresco The Last Judgment by Michelangelo covers the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, depicting Christ at the center surrounded by angels and human figures in dramatic poses. — eschatology The Second Coming as depicted in “The Last Judgment,” fresco by Michelangelo, 1536-41, on the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, Vatican City.

In Islamic eschatology, Jesus (referred to as ‘Īsā) plays a pivotal role as a messianic figure who returns to Earth before the Day of Judgment. His primary mission is to confront and defeat al-Dajjāl, a false messianic figure often equated with the Antichrist.12

According to tradition, al-Dajjāl will appear during a period of great tribulation, performing false miracles and claiming divinity. The Second Coming of Christ is expected to occur at this moment to destroy al-Dajjāl, after which the world will submit to God. Following the appearance of Jesus, the Last Judgment will take place, where the righteous will enter paradise and the wicked will be consigned to hell.21

While some traditions associate the defeat of al-Dajjāl with both Jesus and the mahdi—the "divinely guided one" expected to restore the faith—Jesus remains a central figure in the narrative of the Endtime.12