To what extent is the statement true that the hadiths regarding the descent of Jesus are authentic and reached a level of widespread fame and prevalence after the first three centuries, such that they necessitate action rather than mere knowledge, and that whoever believes in their authenticity has taken precaution for their religion?

The descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) at the end of time is a truth beyond doubt, as evidenced by the Qur'an and the consecutively transmitted Sunnah. Among the proofs from the Qur'an are His (Allah's) sayings: "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" (Surat An-Nisa, 4:159), and "And indeed, he will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour; so do not be in doubt about it" (Surat Az-Zukhruf, 43:61), meaning a sign of its approaching advent. Among the proofs from the Sunnah is what Muslim narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, it is indeed imminent that the son of Mary will descend among you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya." All these hadiths instill certainty. Whoever denies the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him) after the proof has been established against him is a disbeliever. As for whoever denies something due to it not being established for him, or due to a doubt in its meaning, he is misguided and not a disbeliever.