In Islamic belief, Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (The False Messiah) is one of the most important figures connected with the events before the Day of Judgment. He represents the greatest trial (fitnah) that humanity will experience near the end of time. His story is mentioned in many authentic narrations (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Prophet repeatedly warned Muslims about the danger of Dajjal, saying that no trial from the time of Adam until the Day of Judgment will be greater than the trial of Dajjal.
1. Meaning of the Name “Dajjal”
The Arabic word “Dajjal” comes from the root دجل (dajala) which means:
- to deceive
- to cover the truth with lies
- to mislead people through falsehood
Because of this, he is called Al-Masih ad-Dajjal, meaning:
- Al-Masih – one who travels across the earth
- Ad-Dajjal – the great deceiver
He will claim to be a divine savior, but in reality he will be a false messiah who leads people astray.
2. Evidence of Dajjal in Islamic Teachings
The belief in Dajjal comes mainly from Hadith literature, especially narrations reported by companions of the Prophet.
The Prophet Muhammad frequently warned his followers about Dajjal and taught prayers seeking protection from his trials.
Many companions narrated descriptions of him, including:
- Abdullah ibn Umar
- Abu Hurairah
- Fatimah bint Qays
These narrations form the main Islamic understanding of Dajjal.
3. The Story of Tamim ad-Dari and the Island of Dajjal
One of the most detailed accounts comes from the companion:
Tamim al‑Dari
According to an authentic hadith:
Tamim al-Dari and several sailors were travelling by ship. During the journey, a storm pushed them off course for about one month until they reached a mysterious island.
On that island they encountered a strange creature called Al-Jassasah.
This creature was described as:
- very hairy
- difficult to distinguish its front from its back
The creature directed them to a large building or monastery where they found a huge man chained with iron restraints.
The man questioned them about several matters:
- whether the Prophet Muhammad had appeared
- whether the people of Arabia had followed him
- whether the Sea of Galilee still contained water
- whether the date palms of Baisan still produced fruit
After asking these questions, the man revealed:
“I am the Dajjal.”
He said he would soon be permitted to leave and travel across the earth spreading deception.
4. Physical Characteristics of Dajjal
The Prophet described Dajjal in detail so that believers could recognize him.
Key physical descriptions include:
- Blind in one eye
- The blind eye resembles a floating grape
- The other eye protrudes unnaturally
- On his forehead will be written “Kafir” (disbeliever)
- This word will be readable by believers
- He will have curly hair
- A large and powerful body
- A reddish complexion
These features are meant to ensure that believers are not deceived.
5. Place of Emergence
According to several hadiths, Dajjal will emerge from the East, particularly from a region called:
Khurasan
Historically this region includes areas of:
- northeastern Iran
- Afghanistan
- Turkmenistan
- parts of Central Asia
Some narrations mention that many of his early followers will come from this region.
6. Duration of Dajjal’s Rule
Dajjal will remain on Earth for 40 days, but these days will not be normal.
The Prophet explained the unusual timeline:
- The first day will be like one year
- The second day will be like one month
- The third day will be like one week
- The remaining days will be like normal days
During this time he will travel throughout the entire world very quickly.
7. Powers and Deceptions of Dajjal
Dajjal will perform many supernatural acts that will deceive people.
These include:
1. Claiming Divinity
He will claim that he is God, demanding people worship him.
2. Controlling Weather
He will command the sky to produce rain and the earth to grow crops.
3. Illusion of Resurrection
He will appear to bring a person back to life after killing them.
4. Wealth and Food
He will bring large resources of food and wealth, attracting followers.
5. False Paradise and Hell
He will bring two things that appear as:
- Paradise
- Hell
However, in reality:
- his paradise will be hell
- his hell will be paradise.
8. Cities Dajjal Cannot Enter
Despite his global influence, Dajjal will not be able to enter certain sacred cities.
These cities are protected by angels:
- Mecca
- Medina
Every entrance to these cities will be guarded by angels preventing Dajjal from entering.
9. Followers of Dajjal
Many people will follow Dajjal because of his power and miracles.
His followers will include:
- hypocrites
- disbelievers
- people seeking wealth and power
Some narrations mention that among his followers will be groups from different nations and backgrounds.
10. The Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus)
Eventually, Dajjal will be confronted by the Prophet:
Isa ibn Maryam
Muslims believe that Prophet Isa will descend from heaven near the end of time.
He will join the believers and confront Dajjal.
11. The Death of Dajjal
Dajjal will attempt to flee when he sees Prophet Isa.
However, Prophet Isa will pursue him and eventually kill him at a place called:
Lod
After Dajjal’s death, his followers will be defeated and peace will begin to return to the world.
12. Protection Against the Trial of Dajjal
The Prophet taught several ways to protect oneself from Dajjal.
Reciting verses of the Quran
Specifically the first ten verses of:
Surah Al‑Kahf
Making a specific prayer
Muslims are encouraged to seek refuge from:
- punishment of the grave
- trials of life and death
- the trial of Dajjal
Avoid approaching him
Believers are advised to stay away from him because his deception will be extremely powerful.
Conclusion
In Islamic theology, Al-Masih ad-Dajjal represents the ultimate deception and trial before the end of the world. His appearance will challenge the faith of humanity through extraordinary powers and false miracles. However, according to Islamic belief, his reign will be temporary and he will ultimately be defeated by Prophet Isa, marking a major turning point in the events leading to the Day of Judgment.
