Eschatological Visions in Dante’s Divine Comedy and the Abrahamic Traditions

Dante’s Divine Comedy and the Islamic Miʿrāj tradition share profound eschatological and apocalyptic parallels, reflecting a common spiritual and theological framework rooted in the monotheistic belief in a single, transcendent God. This paper explores the intersections between Dante’s epic poem and Islamic, Christian, and Jewish eschatological and apocalyptic visionary literature, arguing that their similarities stem not merely from cultural exchange but from a shared divine origin. By examining the structured journeys through the afterlife, the presence of spiritual guides, the end-time signs and the symbolic imagery in both traditions, the study highlights the theological and spiritual unity that connects these narratives. The paper also addresses the contentious debate over Islamic influence on Dante’s work, particularly through texts like The Book of Muhammad’s Ladder, situating these discussions within the broader context of Abrahamic eschatology. Ultimately, this exploration reveals the interconnectedness of these religious traditions, offering fresh insights into the universal human quest to understand the divine, the afterlife, and the moral order of the cosmos.