Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 29)
8. Belief in the Return of Buddha to the Earth
a. Explanation of the Belief
Buddhists believe that Buddha will return to the earth once again in order to restore peace and blessings to the world. [1] This belief is often presented as a future hope for global harmony and spiritual renewal.
This idea is sometimes compared with the Islamic belief regarding Prophet Jesus (PBUH), whose ascension to heaven while alive and his return near the end of time are firmly established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. In Islam, this belief is certain and unquestionable.
However, the belief in the return of Buddha to the earth has no such reliable foundation and is subject to criticism and rejection from an Islamic perspective.
b. Response and Critique
The belief in the return of Buddha to the earth has no sound rational or textual evidence. It is generally considered, like the belief in his ascension, to be part of Buddhist legends and mythological narratives for which there is no authentic or verifiable proof.
Such ideas are often presented by religious leaders in order to strengthen the emotional attachment and confidence of followers. Similar types of beliefs can also be found in other non-divine religions and philosophical traditions.
From the Islamic perspective, death is an absolute and final transition from this worldly life, and returning to this world after death is impossible.
Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an: “حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ رَبِّ ارْجِعُونِ لَعَلِّي أَعْمَلُ صَالِحًا فِيمَا تَرَكْتُ ۚ كَلَّا ۚ إِنَّهَا كَلِمَةٌ هُوَ قَائِلُهَا ۖ وَمِن وَرَائِهِم بَرْزَخٌ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ” Translation: Until death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back so that I may do righteous deeds in that which I left behind.” No! It is only a word he is saying. And behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the day they are resurrected. [2]
This verse clearly establishes that after death, there is no return to worldly life. Even if a person earnestly requests to come back, it will not be granted.
According to authentic Islamic teachings, Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will descend to the earth near the end of time. He will rule according to the Sharia of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and this is a unique and exceptional case specifically granted to him by Allah.
No other human being has been taken up to heaven in a physical state and then returned to earth in this manner.
Allah the Almighty says: “وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا.” Translation: And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them. [3]
According to many Qur’anic commentators, this verse indicates that all People of the Book will believe in Prophet Jesus (PBUH) before his death, when he descends near the end of time to kill the Dajjal. At that time, all religions will be unified under Islam, the pure religion of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). [4]
9. Belief in the Joy of Heavenly Beings at Buddha’s Birth
a. Explanation of the Belief
Among the remarkable beliefs of Buddhists is the claim that when Buddha was born, heavenly beings rejoiced, and angels sang songs of joy and celebration for the blessed newborn.
This belief is presented in some Buddhist religious texts and in certain historical writings about religions. It is intended to highlight the extraordinary status of Buddha from their perspective. [5]
b. Response and Critique
The claim that heavenly beings rejoiced and angels sang at the birth of Buddha can be found in some Buddhist narratives; however, from both rational and Islamic perspectives, this claim is highly questionable.
First:
From a rational point of view, extraordinary claims require strong, clear, and reliable evidence. Events such as heavenly beings celebrating or angels singing at the birth of a human being are supernatural in nature. Therefore, such claims cannot be accepted without authentic proof or credible transmission.
Second:
According to Islamic belief, angels belong to the unseen world (الغيـب), and they cannot be seen by ordinary human beings. Allah the Almighty says: “الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ” Translation: Those who believe in the unseen. [6]
Islamic scholars explain that “the unseen” includes everything that is beyond human sight and perception, including angels.
Therefore, if angels are part of the unseen realm and cannot be perceived by humans, then how could such events be witnessed or reliably reported by Buddhists? This clearly shows that such narratives are closer to mythological storytelling and symbolic glorification rather than historical fact.
To be continued…
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Sources:
- Muhammad al-Hamad, Rasa’il fi al-Adyan wa al-Madhahib, p. 55.
- Surah Al-Mu’minun (23): Verses 99–100.
- Surah An-Nisa’ (4): Verse 159.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 2, p. 401.
- Mawsu‘at al-Milal wa al-Adyan, vol. 2, p. 117.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 1, p. 76.
