This final section of the holy Injil is unique in that it is in the form of a vision, a waking dream. It is a special revelation from Allah through ‘Isa al-Masih given to his chosen apostle John (pbuh). Elements of this scripture have similarities to parts of the Taurat (or Old Testament), including the prophecies of Daniel, Dhul-kifl, and Zakariyya (peace be on them all). It contains much teaching about future things (dajjal, return of ‘Isa al-Masih, judgment day, the resurrection, etc.) through a meaningful series of visions and signs. It was written at a time when followers of ‘Isa al-Masih were greatly persecuted for their faith. The main purpose of Revelation is to encourage those who suffer persecution so that they remain faithful and not lose hope. It clearly reveals that in the end, Allah will completely destroy all his enemies, including Satan. He will do this through ‘Isa al-Masih, after his return. Those people who remain faithful to Allah, will be rewarded. An important verse to keep in mind for understanding this scripture is found in chapter one, verse 19: “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter.” This was spoken to the apostle John (pbuh), and it divides Revelation into three broad sections–
1. “the things which you have seen” (chapter 1)
2. “the things which which are” (chapters 2 and 3)
3. “the things which will happen hereafter” (chapters 4 to 22)