that group.

Ibn Kathīr said: “The best-known view concerning the place of his descent is that he will descend at the eastern white minaret in Damascus. I have seen in some books that he will descend at the white minaret east of the Mosque of Damascus; perhaps this is the preserved wording. . . . There is no minaret in Damascus known as the Eastern Minaret other than the one beside the Umayyad Mosque, on its eastern side. This is the most fitting and appropriate interpretation, because he will descend after the call to commence (iqama) the prayer has been made. The imam of the Muslims will say to him, ‘O Spirit of Allah, step forward.’ He will reply, ‘You step forward, for the call to commence it was made for you.’ Another narration states: ‘Some of you are leaders over others—as an honor bestowed by Allah upon this nation.’ (1)” (2)

Ibn Kathīr also mentioned that in his time, in 741 AH, the Muslims rebuilt a minaret with white stones. Its construction was financed from the wealth of the Christians who had burned down the minaret that previously stood in its place. This may be one of the manifest signs of Prophethood: Allah caused this minaret to be built from the wealth of the Christians so that Jesus son of Mary would descend upon it, kill the swine, break the cross, and accept no jizyah from them. Whoever embraces Islam will be spared; otherwise, he will be killed. The same ruling will apply to other disbelievers. (3)

In the lengthy hadith of al-Nawwās ibn Samʿān concerning the emergence of the Dajjāl and the subsequent descent of Jesus, peace be upon him, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “When Allah sends the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, he will descend at the white minaret east of Damascus, wearing two lightly yellow-dyed garments and placing his palms upon the wings of