I have heard in many Islamic talks regarding the person who was crusified in place of Hadhrat Isa (‘alaihis salam) that he was Hadhrat Isa’s (‘alayhis salam) companion who willingly opted to get crucified in return for Jannah.
Some say it was the soldier from the Jewish army who came to kill Hadhrat Isa (‘alayhis salam) the face changed similar to Hadhrat Isa (‘alayhis salam)
Is the above two versions supported by any authentic Hadith and is it appropriate to mention the above story in Islamic lectures? Jazakum Allahu Khair.
Answer
The books of Tafsir (Quran commentary) mention both versions. The popular view is that it was the disciple of Nabi ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) who volunteered, in exchange of being his companion in Jannah. This is supported by a narration in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 32537 & Sunan Nasai, Hadith: 11591.
My Esteemed Teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him with good health) has graded the chain as sound (hasan) in his footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 32537.
Also see Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Nisa, Ayah: 157.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar